99 GTX LTD, Original owner, 180 hours. Time for top end?

[wash-i-taw1]

Looking for suggestions to get ahead of potential troubles with a ski that is not having much for issues (It is 22 years old). The only things I have done to this ski is to rebuild the jet pump and change out the old fuel lines to the black ones. My only issue seems to be a starter that whines (spins without engaging) occasionally when you attempt to start. I replaced the old fuel lines, but only after about ten years of use and reading about the issues with them. I do get a sort of metallic rattle that sounds to come from the jet pump area and have no idea what that is. I have ran Amsoil for nearly it's whole life.

I am thinking of a top end job, but also question whether I should pull the carbs and rebuild while I am at it. I still use the oil pump, so not sure if that should be gone over as well. Also would like to fix that starter issue. Thoughts on what would be the recommended approach? I am pretty mechanically inclined so would be doing it myself. Any good links for rebuilding the top end on this 951? Thanks for suggestions.

 

[etemplet]

Do a compression test. Check the spark plugs to see if you are running lean or rich. No sense in doing anything till it is needed. Keep up with the PM work. Good Luck !!

 

[POPPS]

Pull the pump…remove the cone,,,see if water is in there,,,(i bet it is)…pull starter..check bendix,,,faulty for sure…doing a top end on a 951 sucks,,,period,,,check compression,,,if it is good,,,why the top end,,,pull pto rav,,,hav a peek at the piston as well,,,remove the pump noise from the “equation“ first,,that is easy….

 

[mikidymac]

The easy answer is you can't just do a top end on a 951 and expect it to live. The cranks are done at about 200 hours and the stress of a new top end usually sends the rod through the cases.

I honestly would not mess with it unless the compression is low.

It sounds like you have taken care of it but if you have never rebuilt the carbs you are on borrowed time at this point. Only Genuine Mikuni parts.

All seadoo pumps have a metallic rattle at idle on the trailer, it is just part of the design.