whats up with the 951 DI engine.

[68ragtop]

I know from reading different things that the 951 direct injection engine can be problematic. In fact there was one in my area last summer with a cylinder down that I passed on because #1 he wanted too much for it, & #2 fear of the DI engine in general.

Last week I stopped in at my local seadoo dealer, & the parts guy (whom I am getting to know pretty well) has been in it for most of his life. He made a comment that I keep creeping up in the year skis I work on. He told me I should watch for a 951 DI ski. I was surprised when he said that. He said they are not that bad of engines, But told me they are one of the fastest 2 strokes in that era. I don't have test equipment to work on fuel injection systems on these skis, so I have just avoided them altogether.

Whats the deal?

 

[Crofoot50]

I know from reading different things that the 951 direct injection engine can be problematic. In fact there was one in my area last summer with a cylinder down that I passed on because #1 he wanted too much for it, & #2 fear of the DI engine in general.

Last week I stopped in at my local seadoo dealer, & the parts guy (whom I am getting to know pretty well) has been in it for most of his life. He made a comment that I keep creeping up in the year skis I work on. He told me I should watch for a 951 DI ski. I was surprised when he said that. He said they are not that bad of engines, But told me they are one of the fastest 2 strokes in that era. I don't have test equipment to work on fuel injection systems on these skis, so I have just avoided them altogether.

Whats the deal?

Never heard a good word about any 951. My BF has a GTX with one it blew up at 46 hrs . He took it to dealer and they charged him 2grand to do topend and new head. Never told him cause of failure. He picked it up May 1st broke it in (1 tank of fuel) and on his 2nd tank of gas it blew up again. Dealer told him that the fuel select valve is coming apart causing metal fragment to get in carb. He had to get his lawyer to call threaten to sue since ski has been there 7 weeks now not fixed becuz they dont know who is paying for new top end this time. WHAT A MESS. Now they are charging him $650 to rebuild carbs and eating the cost of a new top end ( both cylinders) No ski for 9weeks of the summer The guy on here from PA says in his sig that he buys 951 skis . He is an expert on them I am sure he will chime in

 

[Dr Honda]

Everyone has a differant oppinon on the 951 Di engine.


When they run... they are great. AND... as your parts guys said... they are fast. But, the 951 has the shortest life of any of the seadoo engines... and the Di system can get very expensive to fix... if.... there are problems.


It's up to you... but it's a loosing battle ($$$) buying a Di for a project.


Personally... I would stay away from them. Although... I would consider an LRV with carbs. I like Seadoo... but I think it was a huge mistake to try to make +130 hp with only 2 cyl's, and under 1000cc's.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

If this was 2003, buy one. But since all 951 DIs are now 10+ years old. Skip them. Search for my posts on DIs, I had a long one a while ago on them.