Hello from South Florida

[jahman182]

I have just gotten my first jet ski, a 2001 SeaDoo XP Limited (I know it’s old but it’s free $0.00 :thumbsup so I’m planning to fix/restore it for personal use. I'm very new to owning and restoring a jet ski but have previously worked on and restored my cars as an import street racer. Loved my RX7’s but got tired of the long hours repairing and rebuilding time and time again after a few days of spirited driving (too many dropped rotors and broken apex seals). I still have my tool box in my garage filled with tools just sitting around doing nothing so now I have the opportunity to use my tools for wrenching on this new ski as now I’m pretty keen to get it going...

I picked it up after visiting a friend who works with a tow yard. They actually had a few which were in various states of dis-repair and most were missing engines etc. so they were getting ready to clear the lot of all the items which were overdue for pickup. The one I got is complete with engine and peripherals but it has been sitting in the elements for a few months without a cover and needs a new seat (doubt it can be re-covered) and traction mats and a good cleaning. I plan to do a complete engine and carb re-build and go through all the electronics.

Don’t know much about jet ski’s more than the occasional renting while on vacation or seeing other people riding around on ski’s having fun and thinking to myself “that sure seems like fun to own” but I’m open to learning a few things from the guys here and this should make for a great end of year project..

 

[RXTAS Rider]

Sounds like a good project. I would run a compression test before i tore in to the long block that would be just unnecessary work and $$. Any idea of the hours? Also look into checking the carbon drive shaft seal and wear ring that the prop runs in for excessive clearance. Chances are once you ride it you will get the bug and want bigger and badder especially if you were in to the tuner scene. The less money now the better you will feel when you sell it lol.

 

[jahman182]

No idea of the hours on it just yet but as soon as I get it is dropped off at home I will do as you suggested first doing a compression test then try to see if it runs, next I will do some major cleaning and paint rejuvenation with some tips I picked up here from another members post.

I know the "jones in the bones" feeling you get when you first test run before the work is truly complete :blush:. I want to make it as budget friendly as I can but you know speed can be addictive.