02 Seadoo Sportster LE looking to buy what should I look for?

[SkidooSeado]

Hello all brand new here and to these boats. Im going to look at an 02 Sportster on the weekend and was wondering if there is anything special I should look out for?

Thanx!!

 

[lurtz]

I have an 02 LE as well. I would check compression of both cylinders. They should be about 130 to 135 psi. Pull your plugs and place the wires on the posts on the ignition box. Hold throttle wide open and crank away.

If you can water test it! After everything is warmed up Run it good and hard. Engine should rev to about 6800 rpms. See if there is any cavitation from a dead stop with full throttle. This is a good indicator of the impeller and wear ring condition. If it cavitates assume at least a replacement wear ring, or potentially more expensive repairs.

Also check the motor mounts. There are three on this engine. Often times with boats this old at least one is broken and the rubber mount has separated from the mounting base. Give the engine a real good shake back and forth a look for movement.

 

[lurtz]

Also if you can water test check the water pisser on the back of the boat just below the tow ring on the swim deck. At idle you should have water coming out. More throttle and the water stream should increase. This is your coolant indicator. No water here means no water circulating through engine.

 

[lurtz]

You should also ask the owner what type of oil they use. The 951s require synthetic two stroke oil. I stick with the sea doo brand XPS II. The XPS oil is a dark red, so check the oil tank for the right color oil. While you are at it check to make sure the oil injection system is hooked up and operational. There are pros and cons to running premix vs oil injection. I wont render an opinion here, but if you search you will find many threads discussing.

 

[lurtz]

Also check for grey colored fuel lines. These tempo branded fuel lines are not compatible with todays heavy ethanol fuel. When interacting with ethanol they turn to goo from the inside out and plug up the carbs. If the fuel lines are the factory grey, you should be prepared to replace asap. Search tempo or grey fuel lines and you will find more info.

 

[lurtz]

Also if you can water test (which personally I would never consider a used boat without a water test) check for the operation of the timing / ignition advance sensor. When cruising along you should notice an increase in rpms and power when going from mid throttle past 80% throttle. Once the throttle is past 80% a sensor connected to the thrkttle cable tells the MPEM to advance timing and the rpms will increase and you will notice a distinct change in exhaust note.

 

[lurtz]

The rest of the items to check for are non sea doo specific general boat items.Check the hull and gel coat for cracks and gouges. On the starboard side of the hull below where the driver sits you will find the fuel tank vent and bilge pump outlet. Check the fuel tank vent. These are often broken off from rubbing or getting caught on the side of docks. If broken this can allow wster into the fuel system. Check the navigation lights, including the rear anchor pole light. Check the engine vent blower fan.

 

[SkidooSeado]

The rest of the items to check for are non sea doo specific general boat items.Check the hull and gel coat for cracks and gouges. On the starboard side of the hull below where the driver sits you will find the fuel tank vent and bilge pump outlet. Check the fuel tank vent. These are often broken off from rubbing or getting caught on the side of docks. If broken this can allow wster into the fuel system. Check the navigation lights, including the rear anchor pole light. Check the engine vent blower fan.

Wow Thanx good list!!!