Bad Piston, replace or engine swap? help pls

[rstar]

Well, 3 weeks ago I purchased a 1996 GTX with 126 hours for $1,300. Ran great until started experiencing rough idle, loss of high range RPM, loss of power, etc. Started with the basics, changed oil filter, fuel filter, new fuel plugs, and then cleaned the Rave valves. OK nothing work, I'm sure you guys have heard all this before. I did a Compression test, I got 135 in #1 Cyl, 7 in #2 Cyl.

Option 1: So I'm thinking Piston and Rings replacement in #2 Cyl. Estimate from a mechanic (no I can't do it myself) is around $600. He is willing to do it, but leery that it will last or rather be a reliable repair I guess. I can't quite figure him out.

Option 2: The other option is a crate motor from SBT, the 787 is $850, plus the gasket, shipping etc and the guy said he could have it done for $1500 total (with cost of engine)

Option 3: Sell it with the trailer As-IS for like $500 roughly

I don't know how much these 1996's are really worth. I don't have alot of money. Thought It would have a nice toy for $1,300. But even if I just did the engine from SBT, I would be up to $2,800 or so. I'm worried that these 787's are just not a great engine design or something. I may be better off cutting my losses, maybe if I sell it for 500, I would have only lost 800.

Can anyone give me some ideas on the Options I should go with that would be Cost Effective and SMART? I don't want to through good money at a waste. Thank you so much!

[dsolie]

Re: Bad Piston, replace or engine swap? help pls

The 787 is the most reliable motor seadoo ever made.

The main issue is to diagnose WHY the piston failed. Failing to do so will guarantee a short life of your repair, or new motor.

$1500 for a turn key setup is a high price, but not too far out there, depending on where you are..... You would need to make sure that the price includes a complete rebuild of the carbs, testing of the pop-off, and water test.

Replacing a piston for $600 is just plain rip-off, unless he is planning on complete removal and tear down of motor for inspection.

Smart way, SBT motor, rebuild the carbs and go ride. You have a no fault warranty (parts, not labor) in case something goes wrong. Try and beat up the shop a little on the price too, or at least get a better itemized list of what items they will be doing for that 1500.

[rstar]

Re: Bad Piston, replace or engine swap? help pls

What does "rebuilding the carbs" entail? The mechanic said he would inspect carbs, test them, not rebuild though.

Also, he is charging me $500 is labor, maybe slightly less if he finishes sooner, that is doubtful though. It is in the New England area, 45 minutes outside Boston, so it is probably indeed expensive here. Does it really seem high?

I'm also going to need a new Rave valve, well the slide piece at least, because the old one had a gouge in the metal.

I'm leaning towards the SBT engine, rave valve, and install for $1,670. Seems very pricey though :( for a 1996 JetSki! I wonder if it is worth it?

[dsolie]

Re: Bad Piston, replace or engine swap? help pls

EEsh.. I would shop around. Call a few different places. I know a guy in northern NY lol... Hell, I'll be over in NH in August.. I would put it in in a matter of a few hours and a rack of beer :)

[truder1400]

Re: Bad Piston, replace or engine swap? help pls

I'm also going to need a new Rave valve, well the slide piece at least, because the old one had a gouge in the metal.

If the blade of the RAVE valve is gouged, it must have gotten into the cylinder somehow. Wouldn't by chance be the same cylinder that has no compression, would it? That may have been the source of your piston trouble. Or I suppose a chunk of metal could have hit the RAVE valve slide while it was still in position.

Just an observation, based on what you wrote above. Like the other poster says, find the source of that piston failure, or you're doomed to repeat it in short order.