1995 sportster restoration

[firetuck]

Here it goes folks. The story starts like this... drove 1 1/2 hours to look at a boat that the seller misrepresented and ended up not buying. Came home and was talking to my neighbor about his and he ended up giving it to me free! We got started cleaning it up and yesterday the motor cranked! What things should I look for mechanical wise? I have had boats for years but this is my first jet.

 

[Dr Honda]

I'm allways amazed when I see toys in that condition. I know he's your neighbor, and gave it to you (that was nice) but dam.... that's still a good hunk of $$$ just rotting.


Anyway... if it will crank... that's good. I would start with a compression check, to see if there is any life left in the engine.

Next... I would drain the fuel, and oil, and put in fresh. (replace the filters too) FYI... you need a good API-TC oil. DO NOT use "Outboard" oil in it. (TC-w3)


Then... I would pull the carbs, and clean them. (a lean run will be death to the engine)


Since it's a '95... make sure the driveshaft seal is OK. Put a few pumps of grease in it. If it's questionable... rebuild it. If you neglect it... and the internal bearing gives out... it will rip the boot, and you will have a 2" hole in the boat. (that will cause you to sink quickly)

 

[Guest_User]

Here it goes folks. The story starts like this... drove 1 1/2 hours to look at a boat that the seller misrepresented and ended up not buying. Came home and was talking to my neighbor about his and he ended up giving it to me free! We got started cleaning it up and yesterday the motor cranked! What things should I look for mechanical wise? I have had boats for years but this is my first jet.View attachment 20052View attachment 20053View attachment 20054View attachment 20055

that almost made me shed a tear. Glad to see another boat saved instead of trashed.
Where in NC are you? Good luck with the build!:cheers:

I'm allways amazed when I see toys in that condition. I know he's your neighbor, and gave it to you (that was nice) but dam.... that's still a good hunk of $$$ just rotting.

Tony, you`d be surprised at how many boats I see abandoned and sitting in yards here Pre hurricane Sandy.
There are some cool azz old boats laying around, 60`s maybe, reminds me of the BatBoat...lol...
anyway I never understood why these boats become planters in peoples yards... Donate to a cause, or give it away if ya don`t want it anymore...

 

[firetuck]

Yea, pretty stoked about bringing it back to life. I have realized reading on this forum that these engines and drives are a completely different animal.