How many hours are too many???

[NewbieSki]

I recently purchased a 98 GTX/RFI 787 cc. The ski has had some service work done to it but how many hours should I expect from the engine, I know the top end might be overdue for a service. The ski runs well, I thought 200 hours was very good for a ski this old but perhaps not!! Any thoughts??

 

[brock1]

depends on how you take care of it... and how the previous owner kept it up...if you stay on top of manitenance you can get a long life out of that 787... JUST be sure to use API-TC FULL SYNTHETIC LOW ASH OIL ...and NOTHING ELSE..... a motor doesnt have a lifespan unless you give it one..its all about you

 

[Dr Honda]

Using the wrong oil... and parking it wet... 40 hr's could be too much.


Typically... if maintained... a Rotax engine will got +400 hrs.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I've seen engines fail at 100 hrs and at over 300... usually, if not always due to user error...

While they have wear points, the proper use and oil will allow them to last a very long time.

However they are used a lot harder than most car engines, and will, at some point, need work done.

As long as it runs well enough for your use, just keep using it

 

[LouDoo]

If the ski has been well maintained, basically using the correct oil as mentioned above you should get around 400 hrs. until a rebuild. So you're just getting started. Be sure to keep up the proper maintenance, ie change oil filter, injector oil lines. This forum can become a wealth of information for you.

Lou

 

[spx800]

Just throwing this out there. Right from the manual, it says you can use mineral blend oil in a carb 787. the 951 and 787 fuel injected models call for full synthetic.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

that is correct.

there isnt really a 'top end' service or interval, when the engine no longer has enough get up and go for you... then you service it.

 

[LouDoo]

I did see a similar statement from SeaDoo earlier this year and it's probably partially true. In my opinion it's not going to hurt the engine but, I'll bet you're gonna be cleaning the rave valves more often. On my 96GSX it still has the sticker next to the oil fill that says use only SeaDoo synthetic oil. I'll take a picture of the sticker and post it when I go home.

Lou

Added: Here's a picture of the sticker on my 96GSX, it's a 787 carbed.

 

[NewbieSki]

Many thanks to Lou, Dr, ST squirrel and Brock. I don't ride it too much, so the high dollar oil doesn't bother me. I will keep up the maintemance and enjoy, my need for speed has diminished with age but I understand about the motor losing power. I read somewhere that those motors are only good for 200 hours and that seemed low to me!!

 

[Linescreamer]

I'm glad I read this thread. I just put a rebuilt 657 in the 95 GTX. I am running premix. After break in; what ratio and what oil should I be using for my premix? Most places by us only have the TCW3?

 

[LouDoo]

Use only APT-TC rated oil, mineral of synthetic blend, do NOT use TCW3 especially during break in. You can get Quicksilver PWC oil at most Walmart Superstores. If they don't have it you can order it with free pickup at the store.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mercury-Q...gMethod=Recommendation:wm:RecentlyViewedItems

Lou

 

[brock1]

I'm glad I read this thread. I just put a rebuilt 657 in the 95 GTX. I am running premix. After break in; what ratio and what oil should I be using for my premix? Most places by us only have the TCW3?

i run premix in my 95 xp with the 720 and i run 3.2 oz's of oil to 1 gallon of gas....or 40:1 ....it smokes a little but at least i know that im getting rood lubrication...