Service cost estimates for swapping an engine???

[OffDuty]

Hey guys,

I have a 99 Seadoo Challenger with one bad engine. I have a new engine to swap in and was going to do it myself but I am skeptical since I don't have any real wrench time and I don't have the alignment tool which someone told me I *need* to use/have for this install.

I called my local Seadoo shop and they gave me an estimate of $1000 to pull my old engine and install my new engine/swapping everything over to it. Does this sound correct? Just seems high to me.

Any insight/help would be appreciated.....for that kind of dough, I am tempted to do the swap myself if I can get a friend to help.

 

[LouDoo]

Actually it sounds about right for a dealer, that translates to about 10 man hours. Plus parts, probably only needs a gasket set, "O" ring for the pump, fluids. He will need to remove and reinstall the pump. There is considerable work.

He's in business to make money and has to pay overhead, utilities, rent, taxes, insurance, etc. The other advantage is he will stand by his work (I assume).

You could check around to see if you could find a mechanic to do it for less. But I have heard some horror stories about using unskilled mechanics.

So I guess what I'm saying is unless you feel comfortable doing it yourself, or you can find a independent mechanic with references, take it to the dealer, the extra expense will be worth it in the long run.

Lou

 

[RFoster130]

That price actually seems very reasonable for a dealer.

 

[Dr Honda]

For a dealer... that's right. I would do it for about $500 or less depending how dirty/rusty things are.

 

[YUOnDaGround]

I had a local private mechanic quote me $300 and a dealer quote me $800 in Virginia. I ended up doing it myself. It is a very simple procedure and once you have done it once you know you it is easier than it seems. If more people needed it done around here I'd have myself a very profitable hobby.

 

[OffDuty]

Dr. Honda, if you want to travel to upstate NY I'd gladly pay you that price!!! Both engines "appear" very clean from looking at the outside. No rust visable. Still unsure as to what I will be doing. I am going to call two more marinas today....both work on ski's (kawi/yamaha). Wondering if one of them can still do the swap even though its a Sea Doo? If I can't get a better price I may be forced to try my hand at it, meaning I will also have to locate a manual and an alignment tool....don't know if I will need anything else.

 

[OffDuty]

Update, I located a small engine shop, recommended by two different small marinas who rent jet ski's. The owner of the shop quoted me $350 since I have the engine/gaskets. I will let you know how it turns out. He also stated it would cost a bit more because he wants to replace all the oil/fuel lines and filters at the same time....so I think I am going to go with that as well. Will keep you updated.

 

[LouDoo]

Sounds like a great deal, I'd go for it.

Lou

 

[Dr Honda]

I think the price of the fuel to get up there would make it cost too much. (lol) BUT... last year I had a guy come to me from Mid Ohio for an engine. (about 3 hours away)

I think you are better off at a small shop. You will probably get better service.