1997 Challenger (787cc) will not turn over.

[red2.4srt]

Well... I said screw it and i'm ordering a crate motor from SBT. I found the easy(expensive) way out...

 

[sanpan25]

Good job...sometime you got to "pay the man" !

 

[red2.4srt]

I sincerely appreciate your help these past couple days, guys. Thanks. I'm ordering the Premium Motor tomorrow with the 2 year warranty. Hopefully it won't be too much of a bear getting in and out of there!

 

[sanpan25]

While you are waiting for the motor, check out the pump and wear ring. If you are going to have a new motor and fresh pump will be nice too!

 

[red2.4srt]

I'm looking at replacing the wear ring and seeing if the impeller is in need of replacement. What all would you reccommend to replace while it's out? It would only top out at 35 or so with just me in it last year...

 

[timmyboy76]

Hey....check , how "tru" the driveshaft is, and inspect the carbon ring assy/drive, bearing carrier assy. If impellor is bad, sbt has recond ones, but if new, heard with A+ feedback, that 14.5x22 skat trak swirl impellor works killer...

 

[red2.4srt]

Thanks Timmy, I may have to look into that. I was planning on replacing the wear ring anyways, a new impeller couldn't hurt either, right?

 

[timmyboy76]

not at all,..ah man..CALL'N IT QUITS, thought were talk'n about the 96' sportster..ughh. I'll look and post what best aftermarket impellor for the Challenger, tomorrow

 

[sanpan25]

I put an OEM ring in and a Solas Concorde Impellar, 16.5 x 23.

I am happy....but was looking for more of a hole shot...52 MPH on the seadoo speedo!

 

[red2.4srt]

Well I just ordered all of the following...

Premium Re-Man SeaDoo 787cc with accessories... 1195.00
Wear Ring... 34.00
Impeller Tool... 11.00
Degree Wheel... 15.00
Alignment Tool... 150.00
Freight there and back... 170.00

Good running boat and knowing it inside and out... Priceless.

 

[timmyboy76]

red....aint to late(tool alignment), I've read and pursued with mine, that once everything in, got shims on the same mounts as before, before you crank the bolts to secure it, leave a little play, then crank motor over a bit, then this will help center it up....dont have any vibration/funny sound com'n from mine...just a thought.
That timing is 159degree RV, if you got new one, with 147degree opening mark.

 

[red2.4srt]

Sweet! Thanks for that info, Timmy. It'll be much helpful when the motor gets here. Thanks!

 

[timmyboy76]

:cheers:......I'm sure the degree wheel have directions, but if not and dont know how to set timing, haller back.

 

[red2.4srt]

Well, my Father and I removed the "defective" motor this evening and we're looking to install the SBT block on Wednesday or Thursday. I want to clean up the abyss that is the channels under the engine real good first. I did find a crack in the water jacket on "good" cylinder/sleeve combo and they were going to charge me another 400 bucks for a bad core, but I found a like new cylinder/sleeve while at the beach this weekend at WMF Watercraft in Millsboro, Delaware. He charged me 150.00 for it, so naturally I bought it and saved 250 from the original charge SBT was going to tack on. I wouldn't hesitate to deal with WMF Watercraft ever, Bill treated me great and even told me to call him up if we have any difficulties with installation too! www.wmfwatercraft.com if you wanna look them up, great guys! Thanks again for your help guys! I'll keep this updated!

 

[red2.4srt]

Well guys, timing is set, motor is in the boat, and today i'm hooking up water lines and the exhaust. She'll soon be back at home on the water... I have really been trying to work on it every night but I just started a new job and that's got me consumed during the time when I used to work on the boat. Unemployment was killer.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Good job....

Red, it sounds like your gaining a lot of experience in doing this motor job. I've read the posts from other members, sapan25 and timmyboy76 seem to have given you all the needed advice to help you finish this project.

In timmyboy's explanation of centering the motor.....this is a good idea. Just have the plugs removed when you do it. This keeps the engines vibration from compression, which makes the engine bounce if not tied down. So, do this procedure without the plugs....

The last thing I see is the new Rotary valve. Rotax made two different Rotary valves for the 787 for two different applications. You did purchase the one that was stock in your engine I hope............:cheers:

In starting, be patient as you wait for the fuel to enter the carbs. You can use a little premix to prime the engine through the intake, arrestor screen removed, until you get fuel or through the top of the plugs. Do not use any water in the engine until you know if going to run.

If your engine backfires, this is a sign that you don't have the rotary valve lined up properly. You can try the start again, but if it backfires 3 times, stop and recheck your timing on the rotary valve.

Great job you guys. Sanpan, Timmy....thanks for sticking with this member through his time of rebuild. I'm sure he appreciates it. BTW, I my bill to the member is usually a pitcher of beer the next time he passes through my town.:cheers:

 

[barbermatt]

sbt will not take a crack water jacket on a cylinder on exchange i have asked!!!!!!

 

[red2.4srt]

Thanks Snipe! It is a lot of experience and i've learned a whole lot about my boat. I didn't order a new rotary valve because mine wasn't in bad shape. Tonight we aligned the motor with the alignment tool. I trust Timmy's judgement on the subject but I wanted to be 100% sure it was perfect. It's aligned and ready to go!

Matt, I did state I bought an extra cylinder(jug) that was in great shape to go along with my core. I contacted SBT and they ok'd it. Thanks though.


I can't express how thankful I am for everyone's help throughout this matter. Thanks again!