Ruined 97 GTI

[get_real]

Haven't posted for awhile but could use some help. Took my GTI out to Lake Lanier in Georgia this weekend for a family camping trip. My family and friends drove it on Saturday and used about a half tank of gas. Sunday morning my son-in-law who is experienced with ski's said about a minute or two into the ride it was not running correctly & smoking and he noticed the oil light was so drove it back to camp. I had forgotten to check the oil level prior to the trip and had left my oil at home. I ran up to a nearby Walmart and bought some 2T Seadoo oil. I drove it myself and notice it was not getting up to full speed, it would max out speed at about 1/2 throttle and going to full throttle would not increase speed. Brought it back and went to restart it and it won't restart. Drug it back by hand to the ramp, loaded it up, and now it won't even turn over.
I'm thinking one of my friends rode it on Saturday with the oil light on not knowing what it meant. Second, I accidently bought XD100 oil, the local Walmart didn't have the correct 2T oil so I thought the XD100 would be better that using standard outboard oil. Apparently I've blown the engine.

First, curious if the XD100 could of caused the most damage, or was the damage already done running it with the oil light on?

Second, is it fairly easy to rebuild myself (never tore apart a 2-stroke) or could I buy a short block, or should I look for a used engine?

 

[etemplet]

I doubt the oil caused an engine failure. Lack of oil will do that quickly. 2 strokes are the easiest to rebuild. Your bottom and might be good. Pull the head and have a look. Top ends are really easy.

 

[get_real]

Well that's good to hear. Will definitely pull the heads first. Are you thinking possibly the pistons, rings and cylinders have gone bad, but the bottom end might be ok? What signs should I look for when the head is off?

 

[lavasioux]

Hi,

A cheap Harbor Freight compression tester might not be a bad idea first. See where the cylinders are, if nothing else so you can compare to the rebuilt engine.

Good luck!

 

[burtshaver2021]

The harbour freight compression testers are known to read 90 psi maximum . I think it’s the Pittsburgh brand but not sure on the brand, but I do know they come from harbour freight. When your changing brands of oil, good idea to change out the oil filter, drain the tank and as much as you can from Rotary valve in case the oils coagulate.

 

[get_real]

Thanks for the recommendations. I already own a decent compression tester, but right now the engine won't turn over. I'll remove the plugs and see if it will turn over then.

 

[get_real]

Got some good and bad news. First, the positive lead on the battery was loose. Engine now turns over normally, but still won't start. Tried a little starting fluid in the air box but nada. Checked and I do have spark.

The bad news, did a compression test and have 130 psi in front cylinder, only 60 in rear. I'll pull the cylinders in a few days, but still don't understand why it won't start??

 

[burtshaver2021]

There may be other issues but the low compression is stopping it from starting