Rebuilding a 717 on a budget.

[Nu2PWC]

I'll tell you now that I can't afford a remanufactured engine or pay a shop to build one for me. I pulled the head off and found a few pieces of rings and one coasting piston (PTO CYL). I think the jug is usable and if not i've got my eye on a pair. So, is it worth it to go ahead and tear down the entire engine or will I be happy with a top end kit? Its a '95 HX so i don't know for sure how many hours are on it but i'm guessing quite a few.

 

[timmyboy76]

if not enuf oil, caused the seizure, then i'd rebuild whole thing, the rod bearings may have been blistered. on ebay, get a whole kit..crank,rods,pistons..etc, even all necessary gaskets/o-rings for 400 buks...

 

[Nu2PWC]

It still ran when I tore it down, only on the MAG cylinder though. The piston has a pretty good burned spot so i'm thinking it was because it had been run lean so long because of the dirty carbs.

 

[scot750]

check the rods and make sure the thrust washers are still there, i see them get hot come apart and get sucked up into the pistons and it look like rings.
they should be right next to the rods between the rod and the crank lobe.
if there gone or discolored replace the crank.

 

[Nu2PWC]

The thrust washers are still there and don't really look discolored. I used a feeler gauge and the clearance is about .024", is that good or bad? I also noticed that the rod is worn from the wrist pin bearing where it takes all the force from combustion. I'm starting to think that an SBT engine might be the best thing unless someone has a cheaper alternative.

 

[timmyboy76]

if not enuf oil, caused the seizure, then i'd rebuild whole thing, the rod bearings may have been blistered. on ebay, get a whole kit..crank,rods,pistons..etc, even all necessary gaskets/o-rings for 400 buks...

found crank assy w/gasket kit on ebay, my boat ran perfect,..but if cylinders need "bored", than thers another 150-200 buks, so..way the difference, them or seadoowarehouse.com or sbt...

 

[picklert]

It would be alot easier to drop in a rebuilt and not worry about the other parts being wore out. Plus you get a warrenty.

 

[bighvygsx]

i just used these guys and there work is great. they use wsm platium kits and do all the machining and matching for you..
http://fullboreonline.com/cylinders_topends.htm

 

[Nu2PWC]

Ya, i've been researching different places and I think i'm going to go with fullbore. I would be worried that if i went with sbt i would get someone else's saltwater or blown up core and mine is a really good freshwater core.