787 engine reliabliity

[ldmmcgill]

High, New to the forum and new to Seadoo.
I just bought a 1997 challenger with a new SBT Reman installed.
My question is, How reliable is the seadoo 787 "782 cc"?
What are the pros and cons of the engine and what if any mods to make it reliable?
Thanks any info would be great.

[cunadomalo]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

Exhaust pipe will leak, Second one from block(manifold is first piece then the bad pipe). Can you see updated/welded "freeze out plugs"? Keep your eyes on these. Will corrode and can sink ski when they leak. Happened more than once. These are possibly my unluckiest motors. The 951's not far behind.

[Pale Rider]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

well from what I`m told the 787 is a very good engine. of course with maintenance comes reliability.
Most people just run the crap out of them with little to no care and poor choices of 2 stroke oil, and they still run... They can get ugly in a hurry tho...
Yes on the leaky head pipe, I had 2 pipes that were repaired. I`m not a big fan of the Seadoo gaskets, the gasket between manifold and head pipes usually leak.
and if anyone messed with the tuned pipe, you can bet the copper sealing washer and V band joint is also probably a leaker...

but, I have a friend who had 300+ hours on a SBT 787 in an XP, and the same friend had over 200 on a carb`d 951.
The 951`s leak water at the exhaust manifold, hence the diaper SD put on it, but a good engine nonetheless...

remember care is everything when it comes to reliability... and proper winterization is a must...

I have 2 SBT 787`s in this challenger 1800, that I`ll be breaking in soon...

[Liquid_Assets]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

Hey Pale Rider, i'm looking into a rebuild for my 787. Did you go with the standard or premium engine. Boat is a '99 challenger, all stock. Looking for reliable. If the SBT engine pops after its warranty period, are they still considered usable cores by SBT? Just asking, since they weld the crank and bore cylinders. Thanks

[Pale Rider]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

Hey Pale Rider, i'm looking into a rebuild for my 787. Did you go with the standard or premium engine. Boat is a '99 challenger, all stock. Looking for reliable. If the SBT engine pops after its warranty period, are they still considered usable cores by SBT? Just asking, since they weld the crank and bore cylinders. Thanks

Hello, I have the standard engines for the 98, bc I already had the gasket sets for install. I do recommend getting new rotary valves and the index/degree wheel to time them. SBT either bores or installs new sleeves, so my guess would be yes... they have ways to rebuild a welded crank...
I just fired mine up for the first time since the install this morning!

I did go premix tho!

[Liquid_Assets]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

Boat looks great! Sounds like the way to go. I have ordered alot of parts from SBT and always works out great. Never a remand engine though. When shipping the core, do they require the rotary valve and cover? Or do i keep that. Its ready to go into a tote..just couldn't make up my mind where to send it ;)

[Pale Rider]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

Boat looks great! Sounds like the way to go. I have ordered alot of parts from SBT and always works out great. Never a remand engine though. When shipping the core, do they require the rotary valve and cover? Or do i keep that. Its ready to go into a tote..just couldn't make up my mind where to send it ;)

SBT will send you the reman in their own box, you place your core in the box and send back...
you keep your rotary cover and valve... inspect it to see if it is still in good shape...
if you need gaskets, you can either get the install kits or get the premium engines...

Thanks, I have a lot of time put into this one... I went thru everything, new oil lines for the rotary/tank, new fuel lines and pumps, rebuilt the carbs, etc etc...whew!...

[Liquid_Assets]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

So whats the verdict!! How's she running ;)

[Pale Rider]

Re: 787 engine reliabliity

So whats the verdict!! How's she running ;)

It`s up and running. The misses and I put 2 hours and 20 gallons thru it for the shake down ride... I found another exhaust leak, last owner should not be allowed to own or operate or even wrench on anything. I`ve been doing nothing but repairing and replacing his poor work habits. Armor All`ing the seats isn`t taking care of a boat...dayum... he thought so...

anyways, a new thru hull exhaust outlet is on order, the free flows are made up, and as soon as I have the outlet in hand, back out on the water to see how she runs!

otherwise, so far so good! Idle for both engines are good, timing is good, driveline repairs holding...