787 engine issue

[Jared2K18]

Hello fellow mechanicaly inclined people. I recently purchased a 1996 seadoo GTX (first ski ever) that has not ran since I’m assuming 2016 per the tags on ski and trailer. The exterior is in perfect condition. When I tried to start it would only click so I took to some other forms and tried to hand crank but it was as stiff as a board. As I slowly took the top off the engine it was as i feared. Clearly the previous owner only ran in saltwater and never flushed the engine so it was a mess. Took me almost a hour just to get the top off of one of the pistons.

With the corrosion shown in the pics attached is there any saving factors to this engine or should I just purchase a new one?

 

[etemplet]

There is no "new" engine. Just rebuilt.

 

[Jared2K18]

There is no "new" engine. Just rebuilt.

I guess I should have been more clear. Which do you think would be more cost effective buying all new parts to rebuild or purchasing one already rebuilt and tested. Like I said this is my first ski so I would definitely need to watch several videos and read more forms if I did attempt myself, my biggest thing is not spending more than I need to

 

[Grim]

IF you have the desire and ability it is always cheaper to do it yourself. We will help you where we can. There is a lot of info on here, as well, on how to get things done.

 

[DaddyLoafin]

Also theres a video on youtube on how to rebuild a 787 by todaywewrench.

 

[Stevie96xp]

I guess I should have been more clear. Which do you think would be more cost effective buying all new parts to rebuild or purchasing one already rebuilt and tested. Like I said this is my first ski so I would definitely need to watch several videos and read more forms if I did attempt myself, my biggest thing is not spending more than I need to

If the crank feels good then put a new top end kit on it from sbt. They have a exchange kit for like 550 pretty good deal I would think

 

[etemplet]

I guess I should have been more clear. Which do you think would be more cost effective buying all new parts to rebuild or purchasing one already rebuilt and tested. Like I said this is my first ski so I would definitely need to watch several videos and read more forms if I did attempt myself, my biggest thing is not spending more than I need to

Sorry if that sounded harsh. LOL Personally I have very little faith in rebuilders. I use SES but the delivery time is ridiculous for me. I personally don't care for SBT "at all." I have heard about some rebuilders being good but they charge $800 more than everybody else. It's a jungle out there.

One thing for sure if you do it yourself you'll control the time frame. I'm just finishing up putting graphics on my 1996 GTX. It has a new/rebuilt engine and everything else. It's restored by me. I love the hull, stability, handling, pretty light compared to the 4-strokes and simple to fix.

 

[burtshaver2021]

Here’s my 2 cents, if your mechanically inclined and have all the tools to do it yourself I would still say don’t attempt to rebuild this, looks to me like that ski had been sunk and/or ingested water, crank is going to be toast as well, if you don’t have the tools, mics, bore gauge and this is your first and only attempt at rebuilding something then I would say absolutely not. Your going to fight this every step of the way, corroded everything, broken bolts, broken fittings. This is not the ski for your first attempt at restoring a ski. My opinion if you want a ski, go out and find a fresh water ski running for 1500.00 Ish on a trailer, sure it may need a few things but not everything like this one, or find a non running fresh water ski that at least turns over and has spark, then it would be a more simpler job of a top end and fuel system rebuild. Also 717 engines are easier to work on, less moving parts so more reliable and still powerful enough to have lots of fun. Good luck, I’m just thinking of your sanity

 

[etemplet]

I have paid for at least 10 engines from SES and I've built a number of engines myself. Every time I get the engine back I look at the block and think how few bolts the builder actually removed and reinstalled and who did the lion's share of the work. There is a lot of work taking the engine apart and prepping it to send to the builder, reassembly must be correct, then there is the removal and install, carbs or fuel injection along with many other tasks. If you can do the rest of the work, you can certainly do the engine assembly. Just some thoughts not a rant. LOL

 

[DaddyLoafin]

can always send the jugs and raves to group k and have the bore the jugs out and cut the raves. Then you just put everything back together with new pistons. This is the route I plane to go when I inevitable need to rebuild.

 

[mikidymac]

can always send the jugs and raves to group k and have the bore the jugs out and cut the raves. Then you just put everything back together with new pistons. This is the route I plane to go when I inevitable need to rebuild.

Yes, and you will not get crap back like SBT.

 

[Stevie96xp]

Yes, and you will not get crap back like SBT.

I’ve ran sbt stuff with no problems but. That’s just my experience. Whatever you feel would be best to do I would good

 

[jemery.wa]

another piece of advice is to just remove the engine from the ski, it is WAY easier to do on the bench and it is relatively easy to remove and reinstall the engine, once you get the hang of it. Also if you ever come across a motor that is still factory the connecting rod bearings are NOT in a cage and will get everywhere, I learned this one the hard way. it is not that difficult to rebuild one of these 787s, as long as your crank is good a top end is pretty quick.