What to look for when buying a 97 Challenger

[thardin8]

I found a 1997 Challenger for 2500.00 I looks good but I know nothing about these. It has been sitting up for about a year. We took it to the water today and cranked it before we put it in the water. It cranked up ok but when I tried to open it up, it would sputter and go dead. After letting it run for a bit, it did open up a little for a few minutes and when I stopped and started back up, it wouldnt open back up.

The speed gauge does not work and the beilge pump runs on its own. I noticed water in the hull when we pulled it out...is this normal??

What do I need to look for and check out before I buy it?
Is 2500.00 a fair price?

Sorry im such a dummy but I dont want to get burned. I really like the boat and it seems like it would be a lot of fun for my family.

Thank you, Tim

 

[seadooya]

Hey Tim, for starters, you'll need to pull the carbs, and go through them. Next, you'll need to pull the RAVES and clean those. Then you'll have to, more than likely, replace the carbon ring, because that is probable source of water entering the motor compartment....So, if you can tackle these things, then all your out is your time and the purchase of the boat, which isnt a bad price.

Go back to boat though, and doo compression test...ideal for that motor is 160psi, dont except anything less than 125-130psi.

 

[thardin8]

Hey Tim, for starters, you'll need to pull the carbs, and go through them. Next, you'll need to pull the RAVES and clean those. Then you'll have to, more than likely, replace the carbon ring, because that is probable source of water entering the motor compartment....So, if you can tackle these things, then all your out is your time and the purchase of the boat, which isnt a bad price.

Go back to boat though, and doo compression test...ideal for that motor is 160psi, dont except anything less than 125-130psi.

Thanks for the info....I can most likely do these thhings with some instruction. I just put a fuel pump kit on my 25hp outboard yesterday (1st Time) Do you know where I can get help with how to do these things?

 

[thardin8]

Hey Tim, for starters, you'll need to pull the carbs, and go through them. Next, you'll need to pull the RAVES and clean those. Then you'll have to, more than likely, replace the carbon ring, because that is probable source of water entering the motor compartment....So, if you can tackle these things, then all your out is your time and the purchase of the boat, which isnt a bad price.

Go back to boat though, and doo compression test...ideal for that motor is 160psi, dont except anything less than 125-130psi.

How much would it cost to have this work done at a shop?