96 Sportster

[Getemkustom]

Just picked up this 96 Sportster. The 3 year old SBT 717 needs new crank seals, pulling motor out this weekend, and need to replace the throttle levers as the previous owner broke them off somehow. But over all the boat is decent. This winter most likely will redo the seats and turf the floor. Already pulled off the mailbox registration numbers and have purple number/letters to replace them.

 

[Clirry]

Congrats w your new toy! I just got challenger 3 wks ago.

 

[Dr Honda]

Welcome.


BUT... I'm not 100% sure it needs crank seals. But... I'm not exactly sure what's wrong.

I worked on that boat a while ago, and the last owner was in contact with me. We fond the engine to be tight... so I had him remove the pump, and pop the head off. I didn't see any damage. But, mind you... this was with cell phone pics.

Normally, the lower half won't get tight. If it fails.. it fails. I had him take off the MAG cover, and I wanted to see if the flywheel, or coils failed... and caused the tightness. But I think he gave up on the project, and I don't think he got the flywheel off.


Once you get the engine out... please post up some pics of the engine so we can see what's going on. The engine very well could be roasted... but I hate to not have answers.

 

[Getemkustom]

When I first looked at the boat, I pulled spark plugs to check compression, motor shot oil out plug holes. Bought the boat for a bargin, brought it home and pulled motor out. Cage bearing failure was one issue, crank seals leaking badly. I got the bilge all washed up and clean now. Ordering parts this week to rebuild the 717 and have a nice set of throttle controls coming on there way as the previous owner broke them off.

 

[Dr Honda]

Thanks for the update.

I was wondering what happened.