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2002 GTX DI vs 4-tec

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Hello everyone :)

I just sold my 1994 seadoo XP 650cc and I'm looking at 2 seadoos. Both are 2002 but one is GTX DI (951cc with 130hp) with 210 hrs and the other is GTX 4-tec (1500cc with 155hp) with 136 hrs.

Any tips or helpful info on them and what I should look for ? Or which one is better than the other when it comes to performance/reliability/maintenance/cost to fix ?

Thank you,,
 
Avoid the DI at all costs. Expensive to maintain and fix if something goes wrong. Good motor when it runs. I had one and it barely ran. Sold it and lost quite a bit of money on it but don't regret it. Buy a 4 tec and never look back.

Not to mention at 200 some odd hrs its already on borrowed time. That 4 tec has plenty of life left in it. I've seem some of the 155hp in the 600-700hr range with no issues.
 
As much as I would want the higher horse power! I would avoid the DI at all costs.

If it were me, with your two options, I would keep looking for a 215 or higher 4-tech engine. I have the 255 engine in my ski and it is unreal !!!!!!
 
As much as I like 2-strokes I'm gonna agree with the last two posts. I think the 951DI's were a last ditch effort by SeaDoo to match a 4-stroke in performance and fuel economy, and they really never achieved either. That plus the short engine life of a 951 (200 hrs.) and the problems with direct injection reliability makes the DI's a ski to stay away from. Since you want a larger ski, go with the 4-tek.

Lou
 
Ask to water test it. No water test no deal. If the owner is refusing a water test there's usually a good reason for it.
 
I thank you all for all your replies. One random question, I saw one of those 2001 seadoo RX and I believe it has the 951cc engine as well. It's a bit cheaper than both GTX's. Is it worth looking at it or should I stay away from it cause it has that 951cc engine ?
 
The engine is not as much as an issue as how it gets its fuel. DI's are an issue. Carbed engines need to remove the Grey Tempo lines, clean the carbs if they did have Grey Tempo lines as well as the filter inside the carb and the fuel selector.

Many have the 951's and are happy with them. I personally LOVE the 4-tech engines as I love the ease of use and performance. Cost more if you need to fix them but they generally run fantastic,,,
 
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Was the engine rebuilt top and bottom or just top half? In all honesty I'd avoid the 951 all together and just get a GTX with a 4tec if funds allow it. No need to always add oil and they're much smoother and quieter running engine. Decent on gas too (155hp).
 
Yeah my funds are limited haha. They asking $5300 for the 4-tec. I'm going tomorrow to check the RX. Mint condition, has 139 hrs and asking $3800, so we'll see how it goes. BTW, this is another RX, not the rebuilt one.
 
Ok buy keep in mind that a life span of a 951 is right around 200 hrs give or take a few depending on how it was maintained. Depending on how much you ride you have right around one season left in that RX before you have to dump $2000 for a complete rebuild. That brings the price up quite a bit more than the GTX. Just something to think about. Sorry if I sound very anti 951, I just hate to see you do what I did with mine. I had a 03 GTX DI. Paid $5500 with 44hrs on it 2007. Ended up costing me another almost $2000 just to keep it running for that season and sold it at the beginning of next season for $4700. Lost on it quite a bit and it spent most of the first season at the dealer chasing random problems. Are they all that bad? No but it left a nasty aftertaste.
 
ummmmmm......... yes to everything above.


Just my 2 cents.

I like the 4-stroke ski's. They run smooth, and smoke free. They are very user friendly. Also... since they are generally newer... they should be in better condition. The down side is... if you have a 6 or 7 year old 4-stroke blow an engine... it may not be worth the price of the engine. So... if I was looking at a used 4-tec... the purchase would depend on time, and overall condition. (a clean ski means the owner took care of it)


I personally own the older 2-stroke skis. The 951 engine is good... but it has a short life. because of that... I will probably never own one. AND... you couldn't give me a Di ski. When they run... they are great. When there is a problem... it's a diagnoses nightmare, and the parts are expensive. Here, again... may not be worth fixing.

I'm not saying that the fuel injection is any cheaper to fix on the 4-tec skis... but so far... the system has been reliable.

Once I find the right 4-tec project... I will own one.


That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
 
Again this is just my opinion, and I agree with KK40384. If it were me it would be two choices. Either a two stroke, a 787 carbed model. Or a 4tek. Probably the biggest proponent of the 951, Sabr will tell you they're only good for 200 hours, on the other hand a 787 will go 400 hours. I think the 787 is the best two stroke in terms of reliability vs. performance.

So at least for me a 951 with 139 hours is good for about one season.

If you want a lighter weight, smaller ski with a 2-stroke 787 or if you want a heaver, lager ski go with a 4-tek. Ultimately it's your money, and your decision.

Lou
 
i'd stay away from the 951 motor all together, i think the 787 is one of the strongest 2 stroke,but definetly a 4tec is the way to go. my dealer mechanic said to avoid them at all costs when buying a ski.
 
I just wanted to add somthing......



We really aren't trying to turn this into a "Bash the 951 engine" thread... but given the choice... well... you can see what people like.

FYI... there are a lot of people who love the 951, and accept it's shorter life. But even those guys stay away from the Di system.
 
Hey guys lookin into gettin another ski loved my gtx 750. Also im a 2t guy. Everyone seems to hate the 951 and the 200 hr lifespan. Im a little confused on your definition of lifespan(come from the dirt bike world where 200 is a whole lot.) Is that lifespan like oh no i have to change rings or oh no the crank bearing needles just chewed my jug piston and heads up? And can a complete rebuild or top end be done in the ski?
 
That’s about the life of the crankshaft and counter balancer. Once it goes it takes the cases with it. But it is a strong pulling engine.
 
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