Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

[frodus]

I've been reading some of the posts on various problems and such... but here's my situation....

This guy i know had a 94 SP for sale for $400 with a trailer (he figured thats what tax deduction he'd get)... He and a business partner got it a while ago, and used it occasionally. Garage kept, everything on the outside is in good/great condition. No hull scratches, only minor bleaching of some of the covers. Replaced seat cover.

He told me that his partner had it running this summer, and it ran for 50 yards, then stopped. It cranked and started again, but wouldn't stay running. He towed it in and hasn't touched it. I looked and there was oil in the bilge. There is still fuel in the tank and plenty of oil.

So its getting cold right now, and the battery is dead (so i can't crank/start it up until i can work on it some more)

I have a couple places i could work on the thing, but i don't know where to start... I think the engine is still fine, i just want to flush everything out. I can work on it myself and i know a mechanic that works on small engines. There is nothing else that i see wrong except the oil, and i don't know where its coming from. Engine looks fine, everything else inside is clean.

Should I do a rebuild? I don't mind spending money on another engine/rebuild kit. Or should i get a gasket/seal kit and replace them all? Nothing that i know of has been done in the 11 years he's had it, except winterizing and pad replacements.

Should i just try and get it running inside the seadoo? or because of the oil leak, should i go ahead and take the engine out?



One more Q and i'm done... The trailer is in good condition EXCEPT for the runners. The runner mounts are rusted, and one of the runners broke off while driving it home. Where can i get new mounts? And the covering for these? Would a boat shop have these?


Thanks to anyone that can help me out

Travis

[dsolie]

Re: Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

Travis, good find.

First and formost. You need to get a compression test done so you can see the shape of the engine. Just plug in a battery and a gauge. Should just take you a few minutes to do. Then you can see what needs to be done, and how much.

The trailer....Any good boat dealer should have the parts you need. You might as well replace all of them if they are all in bad condition too. Replace the wood bunks as well and either use carpet or bunkapps. Bunkapps are pricey, but WELL worth it because of the 10 year warranty.

[1fastski.com]

Re: Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

do a compression test first , a quick place to look for broke oil lines is next to the carbs , the small inj lines crack a lot on older skis .

[frodus]

Re: Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

I'll go get a battery and gauge sometime over the next few days. my friend might have a gauge anyway....

its in a garage, is that ok if i wait on adding anti freeze to winterize?

I plan on draining the fuel and oil and tossing it out, i want good fresh stuff in there.... i think i'll replace any old/worn fuel/oil lines and do some general clean up.

I kinda wanna take the engine out and just do some cleanup (no dismantling the engine, but i'd like it to be cleaner inside... make sure all the wires are in good order....


Anyone recommend a good ski lock? something to keep it from being stolen? I live in an apt complex and might have problems storing... so i might rent a place...

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

The only ski lock that works is behind a closed and locked garage door.

Bunks are nothing but 2x4's covered with carpet scraps. Trailer hardware for bunks is available at big boat stores or online at such places as Zieman Trailers.

All old Sea Doo's leak some oil. Usually out of the hose where it attaches to the engine cases under the carbureators. Remove the oil line, cut off one inch of the hose and reinstall the hose without overtightening the clamp ( it cuts into the hose ).

Like they said, without a compression test (150-155 psi per clyinder ) you have no idea what you have.

Removing an engine to clean a hull is not necessary. Install the hull drain plug. Run about 5 gallons of water into the hull. Put in two cups of Tide, drive around town for 15 minutes, drain the hull and rinse. Your hull will look like new inside.

[frodus]

Re: Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

thanks for the help everyone...

sounds like a battery and compression gauge... Should i go ahead and at least get some antifreeze in it? its getting pretty cold out around here... i don't want things to crack.

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: Just bought a 94 SP, Questions

Can't hurt.