Rxt starter bendix 2005

[THEREVIVAL]

looking at a 2005 rxt that doesn't start. gonna see it tonight around 6 pm-est. guy says it needs a starter bendix, says starter spins but engine doesn't turn over. can you replace the bendix without pulling the motor or must the motor be pulled? has anyone else had a bendix go bad? called a local seadoo place and the guy there was super helpful and said hes never ever replaced one. just curious what everyone on here thinks and has run into.

 

[Coastiejoe]

They do go bad. Not uncommon but on the low end in the scheme of things.

At the VERY least, you need to pull the plugs and find a way to see if the engine even turns over. That said, I would NEVER,,, I repeat, NEVER buy a ski that I can not do a compression test as well as at least a 30 minute ride and drive on. An 05 RXT is not a cheap ski, I can't imagine getting it home only to find the engine seized...

 

[THEREVIVAL]

Is there any other way of turning the motor over?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Is there any other way of turning the motor over?

4-techs are a bit more challenging than 2-strokes. 2-strokes don't care what way they turn over and you can get to the back of the engine. The 4-tech is very tight in the hull. I have seen people do it via the rear shaft area. Remove the cone at the end of the impeller and use an impeller tool to engage the shaft.

Bottom line is, if you can't do a compression test you HAVE to assume the engine is junk. If not, you can easily spend1 to 2 grand very fast.

 

[THEREVIVAL]

Took a look at it. The starter turns but the engine does not. Any chance that's just the starter?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Took a look at it. The starter turns but the engine does not. Any chance that's just the starter?

Anything is possible, but,,, if you can't do a compression test you really do have to assume it is junk. You will just have to trust me on this... I bet there are more than 100 members that have joined this site because they bought a "lemon"...

 

[THEREVIVAL]

Anything is possible, but,,, if you can't do a compression test you really do have to assume it is junk. You will just have to trust me on this... I bet there are more than 100 members that have joined this site because they bought a "lemon"...

Been there done that. Bought a 2003 gtx sc for under a grand. Still think trying to get that one back together. Engines in pieces in my parents garage

 

[Coastiejoe]

Been there done that. Bought a 2003 gtx sc for under a grand. Still think trying to get that one back together. Engines in pieces in my parents garage

Amen to that..

I normally buy brand new or nearly new. Last skis had 10 hours on them and they were 2 years old and I was STILL concerned.. LOL

If you live by the bible it better say "compression test and ride and drive..."

 

[AircraftDoc]

Price out replacement parts and your labor. Yes, your time is worth something- fun and sanity.
.. Short block and electronics and labor to be minus from the purchase price. Even if you get lucky, the engine will probably need to rebuilt earlier. It is their fault that it is not working, not yours.
...Good Luck!

 

[ski-d00]

the 4tec bendix is very reliable unlike the 2 stroke ones that have smaller teeth, seems like the only time they break is when there is another problem putting undue stress on it, like a locked up or dragging motor.

The quickest way, but not the best way, to turn the motor over on a 4tec is to take the plugs out and turn the driveshaft through the intake grate. Next better option is to remove pump nozzle and cone and turn there. Best option is to remove pump and use adapter tool on the end of the driveshaft(in a pinch you can use a 12 point socket with a tight fitting drill bit end in the splines).

I wouldn't pay more than $1500 without hearing it run if it is in good clean cond. As stated above, expect a blown motor.

You can change the bendix without pulling the motor. pull pump, driveshaft, sc, left motor mount(block under motor), water pump, pto housing, flywheel(you'll need the new flywheel bolt kit to reinstall), then bendix comes right out...lol.

 

[THEREVIVAL]

the 4tec bendix is very reliable unlike the 2 stroke ones that have smaller teeth, seems like the only time they break is when there is another problem putting undue stress on it, like a locked up or dragging motor.

The quickest way, but not the best way, to turn the motor over on a 4tec is to take the plugs out and turn the driveshaft through the intake grate. Next better option is to remove pump nozzle and cone and turn there. Best option is to remove pump and use adapter tool on the end of the driveshaft(in a pinch you can use a 12 point socket with a tight fitting drill bit end in the splines).

I wouldn't pay more than $1500 without hearing it run if it is in good clean cond. As stated above, expect a blown motor.

You can change the bendix without pulling the motor. pull pump, driveshaft, sc, left motor mount(block under motor), water pump, pto housing, flywheel(you'll need the new flywheel bolt kit to reinstall), then bendix comes right out...lol.

Threw him a low ball offer with the same explanation, without it running I have to assume engine replacement is necessary, he declined. He is going to "attemp to fix it up and keep it". Maybe I'll send him a message again in a few weeks and throw it out there again.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Threw him a low ball offer with the same explanation, without it running I have to assume engine replacement is necessary, he declined. He is going to "attemp to fix it up and keep it". Maybe I'll send him a message again in a few weeks and throw it out there again.

Have him fix it to the point of getting it running. And then you can give him a more realistic offer based oh his thoughts of its worth.

 

[AircraftDoc]

Like ski dOO said, offer him $1,500 if every thing else is in great shape-like new. This how I got my 2006 RXT. Made a back up offer. Six months later, I got it. I got it up and running, but a lot misuse and deferred maintenance. Replaced the SC and spark plugs. I had to recondition the impeller. The life of the engine most probably has been shortened. The valve issue and not being winterized is cause for engine failure in the near future.