What should I look out for???

[MisterPG]

Hello all.. Newbie to power boating here..... Looking at picking up a '99 Challenger with the following advert (private sale) description:

"Clean and runs, but there is fuel buildup is in the gas tank. It had been sitting for a few years and the fuel that was left in the tank turned to a type of paste. The tank needs to come out and be cleaned of this buildup. There is a small crack on the inside of the hull, about 12" that can easily be repaired with fibreglass."

Now, I have plenty of fiberglass experience, and I also have years of experience pulling wrenches on autos/trucks so pulling the tank doesn't scare me either... my concern is.... with it having sat for so long, what else should I be leary of and what to look out for?

FYI, this is for sale in British Columbia (Canada), asking $2,000. Most of the Challengers here go for 8G and up...

Thanks in advance for ANY advice!

~Michael

 

[RFoster130]

I wouldnt buy it honestly. Not unless you can get it for like $1000 and you are real handy yourself. You can count on replacing the entire fuel system. Tank is gonna need yanked and cleaned. Then replace all lines and filters and rebuild carbs. I would check to make sure the engines arent shot too.

 

[ocod]

Hello and welcome.

There are a few things you can do to help in negotiating the price.

1. Check compression. Excellect would be 150. Under 100 more than likely need top end.
You could do a engine swap with SBT for $1000+ or send your motor to full bore for rebuild for the same.
Sbt has 2 year warranty. FB one year.
2. Open covers over nozzles outside boat and look into them and inspect impeller and wear ring. Ring should be smooth. Any gouges or missing spots will require you take off pumps and rebuild them.
Sbt has impeller exchange for 25 bucks very well worth sending in and get new ones.
Ring and bearings for pumps is around ~$100 bucks if you work yourself. Check diy section under wear ring replacement. Very easy...
3. Yes gas tank will need to come out and replace all grey lines.
4. You will need to inspect oil injection system and make sure it works or just premix. Your choice
5. Carburetor rebuild

Best thing would be join membership for better access to info
GL with purchase.
I would offer at least half if they really want to get rid of it. But boat is worth at least 5 in pristine condition from what I saw when I got my sportster.
Sounds like a couple weekends of work ahead of you.
:cheers:


Edit: ^RF very true it will be expensive if repairs sounds outside your comfort level.
Other thing of boats 10 years old are the interiors.

 

[MisterPG]

Plenty of food for thought, guys... please keep the comments rolling, as I'll be driving 8 hours this weekend to go see (and possibly purchase) it.

"Compression test" -- Just use a regular compression tester and turn it over with the coil wire removed, just as in auto engine testing?

~Michael

 

[ocod]

Plenty of food for thought, guys... please keep the comments rolling, as I'll be driving 8 hours this weekend to go see (and possibly purchase) it.

"Compression test" -- Just use a regular compression tester and turn it over with the coil wire removed, just as in auto engine testing?

~Michael

Yep.
Search for DrHonda posts. There was a thread asking how to.
Iirc engine cold bump over 4-5 times for average and ground plugs??

 

[MisterPG]

okay - Thanks, ocod

~m

 

[ocod]

okay - Thanks, ocod

~m

Here you go


http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=33860

 

[MisterPG]

Perfect! Thanks again

~m

 

[ocod]

Cables and linkages.
Check ease of steering wheel, throttles, F N D lever.
Cables tend to be broken especially for the reverse grate.

 

[MisterPG]

Thanks for the updated list, ocod! Any other items to look out for, anyone?

~m