want to buy? 82 js 440

[srilla]

i want to buy a stand up jet ski. i found one on craigslist it is a kawasaki js 440 he is asking $300 obo, ill offer him $150 and work from that but, this is what he is saying "it would be a great toy but i cant get it to run.it has good compression and spark just wont fire,i think its something to do with timing just dont have time to mess with it"
any thoughts? it would be a good time to buy it and work on in the winter
thanks

 

[vccthrasher]

I have an 82 JS550 and I love it.

However, (and correct me if I'm wrong) the timing on these is controlled with the CDI. Is there any changing the timing on those?

Anyways, I have now fixed 5 jet skis this year and NON of them had ignition problems. I have found through experience that people always think the problem is worse than it is. 3 of the 5 have carb issues (settings, dirty, etc.)

That isn't to say that is CAN'T the the timing, only that it is unlikely.