718 Problem

[Scott J]

I have a 97 GSI with a 718 engine with problems. A bolt has worked it way lose from the carb and flame arrestor and fell into the motor. The bolt made it to the rotary valve and demolished it along with the gear that the valve mounts onto. Can this gear be replaced? If so, how hard is it? I know I have to tear the engine down to do this which isn't a problem. This motor has never been touched so I might as well rebuild it but do I do it or just replace it with one from SBT?
What is my best option?

Thanks
Scott

[WATERCRAFTSERVICES]

YES THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TORN COMPLETLY DOWN TO REPLACE THE GEAR. HOW MANY HRS ON THE MOTOR?. IF YOU HAVE OTHER DAMAGE IN THE MOTOR SUCH AS WORN CRANK OR TOP END IT WOULD BE MORE ECONOMICAL TO GO WITH AN SBT REMAN MOTOR. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE A ROTARY VALVE,GEAR AND SHAFT PURCHASE NEW GASKETS AND SEALS AND HOPE IT DID NOT DO ANY DAMAGE TO THE ROTARY VALVE CASE SURFACE. BY THE TIME YOU ADD UP ALL OF THE PARTS NEEDED TO DO THE JOB CORRECTLY YOU CAN ADD A LITTLE MORE AND HAVE A FRESH COMPLETE SBT MOTOR READY TO GO. WHICHEVER WAY YOU GO DONT FORGER THE LOCTITE ON THOSE F/A BOLTS WHEN YOU GO BACK TOGETHER.