Top end rebuild?

[paz123]

I just got a call from repair shop, my 96 speedster with twin 717's just got its report card. Not good. i had it out last week for test and was getting overheat on port engine. This boat has been sitting in a garage for about 5 years and the people I bought from had a friend of theirs give it the once over and said everything ok.

Well it turns out that the freeze plugs in each exhaust need to be welded, must have frozen. They ran it on hose with compression test of 129 front and 137 rear psi on engine 1,and 139 front and 143 rear on other engine. From what i'm reading this is a little low and they say its up to customer if he wants top end rebuilt.

Is the top end rebuild a good idea at this time? What should it cost and exactly what is included in a new top end? Can I get away with just one? Is there a way to get the hours on 96 speedster, it has no gauge.

The boat was very clean and the engine compartment as well. This was an elderly couple that I work with who owned it since 01 and hardly used it. They have ageed to split cost of necessary repairs since I was assured eveything in good shape.
Is a new top end warranted and if so, on both engines?

Looks like I may not see the water this summer.

 

[Albysure]

I wouldn't worry about an hour gage....that doesn't tell you how the motors were treated...they could have 8 hours and be shot...or 200 in fine shape...top end should be done fast... There's not much work there...try sbt, they sell replacement kits..
Good luck.

 

[paz123]

If I let them do it , what should it cost?

 

[Albysure]

Which motor is over heating? The one with the lowest compression? Sbt has kit for $400 and something..if your a little mechanical I bet you could do it...there's not much there...but if your going that far maybe think about total rebuild or buy a new one from sbt for $745.00.....cost would depend on his hourly rate...I bet he will say for hours...

 

[paz123]

I have to call them in the morning, the fax they sent me did'nt designate port from starboard. They didnt even mention problem until i specificaly asked for compression test results. I wonder if they would have done the other work and not even mentioned the compression. I'm not sure how a blown exhaust gasket and blown freeze plugs would cause overheating unless it meant enough water wasnt circulating in exaust. I thought the heat sensor was on the motor not the exhaust.

 

[Albysure]

Yea it should be....just see if they can pinpoint the over heating problem...fix that and drive it like that...its low but it will get you around the rest of season...older boat, compressions gonna be low....go to seadoo wear house and look up your boat...

 

[paz123]

I spoke with shop this morning and the plan is to put the pipes back on change hoses. Once that is done test again and make a decision on to end after test results. Top end kit doesn't look like rocket science as long as you dont break any bolts or find more damage. I may opt to try that myself over the winter as long as the compression isnt going to cause any problems short term.

 

[Albysure]

Yea sounds good...