Granted florida offers year round ski'ing......find some back roads in the middle of nowhere. That's where the true gems lie.....I'm in Texas and there's skis everywhere that have been sitting forever. Just picked up 2 1996 xp's with trailer for 800$.
@@Wwatson1221 Nice score! Mine were filthy as can be but cleaned up well. One with 150psi, the other unfortunately locked up engine. Fortunately it was water getting into mag/front cover through starter seal. Got a the starter out and engine broke free. Wont take much and she'll be running.
I always start the ski before I do anything. Iv seen sellers dump 2 stroke in the jugs to fake high compression numbers. I like to burn all that crap out. I then inspect around the crank seals and pump etc. Let the motor cool. Then compression test. I purchased a ski once...20 years ago. Tested compression in the guys driveway. 150 per hole. Got it home and retested 128,133. Life sucked. Also removed the flywheel cover and of course. Oil dribbled out. Crank seals were shot. Iv owned at least 60 skis in my time. That only happened to me once. Now I check all that stuff and 2 times out of 10. Same issues.
Just bought a 96 xp on marketplace for $200 bucks. It had been sitting but got it started right up. Few maintenance items but damn I'm excited for summer.
Love the video and the info.....exceptional info for the beginner who's looking for an old 2 stroke ski (the best skis). Noticed your XP's in the background. Just picked up 2 96 xp's with trailer for 800$. So far 1 runner with 170psi compression, and 1 unknown until new solenoid installed. Been sitting 8-10yrs.
Those gray factory hose interiors dissolve in ethanol unleaded gas. Then, the green goo plugs up the carbs and runs the engine lean. Then the piston tops burn thru. Happened on my ‘96 GTS. Lot of good skis ruined due to those hoses.
I bought a 95 GTS cpl days ago which had an oil leak. Seller believes he fixed it (shortened bad hose at tank outlet + new clamp). Is there where they can leak? How would I know if oil injection is working properly? Ski runs and rides fine on water. Is it normal to have some water inside the hull after riding or something should be looked into? Thanks!
Thank you so much for this. I can't wait to watch it later today. I'm in the middle of a big decision process. Someone is selling both a 1995 GTS and a 1995 GTX. They are both well-cared for, and he let me ride them both out on the water, and both ran like a dream. New plugs and wear rings. And it's in about the only price range that I can afford. But, of course now, there is the dilemma of maintenance and 2-stroke engine...both from the perspective of breaking down and how much more pollution is it dropping into the lake vs. a 4-stroke. If you guys, or anyone else who may read this, has any advice on going with a 90s 2-stroke, or which of the above rides would be easier to maintain: GTS, or GTX, it would be much appreciated. I'm a total newb to this, if it isn't obviious.
It's a 90s 2-stroke, it's fun and you shouldn't care about pollution. Maintenance shouldn't be an issue either if you use the right oil and gas. Yes, eventually you will have to rebuild to reach peak performance again but honestly these Rotax 2-strokes are pretty robust and some of the best fun per dollar you can get on the water. Engine isn't any worse to work on than a lawnmower. Lots of great resources out there. Get em and rip!!
The XPS synthetic oil is 100% needed and the bomb. Do not skimp on oil. That is the number one reason for engine failure which is cheap oil which break down. As to the oil in hull, if you still have oil injection, plesae check the oil tank as in my opinion they can and will eventually leak. I always plan on a leak test or replacement or elimination of the oil tank. Later.
Don't fall into that BS cult that you need to run over priced seadoo XPS or your shit will grenade.... Rotax motors do just fine on any API-TC oil like Pennzoil or Quicksilver from Walmart. Oil breakdown is byproduct of high temps so regardless of oil brand that can happen outside of normal operating parameters - 8 out of 10 ski motors fail from water ingestion due to fat ass clowns tipping the ski over trying to get back on it and not running the ski hard and long enough after a water ingestion event or the old 951 motor that decides to make itself water injection via faulty manifold gaskets = rust on the crank bearings - after that it could be 20 or 200 hours till it grenades. Most other end up sticking a piston @ WOT from not paying attention to the motor and cooling system/temps
hey man great video! do you have any other videos on maintenance and stuff? just picked up a free 96’ and it’s been sitting for years, ran before it was parked, but want to make sure all is good before i try to fire it up. thank you!
@@TodayWeWrench OK, so how many hours can you get out of an SPX before bottom end rebuild? How long till the crankshafts run before needing to be rebuilt or new? thanks.
It’s been red since 2007. If you have oil sitting in from 2007 it should be changed regardless. Heck if you have oil sitting from 2 years I’d put fresh in. Cheap insurance
@@TodayWeWrench why do you like them better, are there pros and cons? I thought being older tech, that it wasn't as good. Or did Sea-Doo cut cost and went to something cheaper. I have never used one, so I'm just asking. Are there any mods to make the swap?
@@johnearnhardt4709 seen many skis sink or the hull fills up with water ( sometimes water in engine) due to that shit carbon ring setup. Engine alignment , bent shaft, improper bellows installation usually are the causes for leakage and it gets worse if you jump the ski a lot or pound it. No one can ever figure out the thinking of the manufacturer when they come out with stupid ideas. Kinda like their great fix for the early 951s spraying water in the airbox ,,,,, lets just make a rubber diaper around the manifold joint and still continue to screw people and deny warranty claims because of "water ingestion "
Super informative! I have a minty (even with high hours!) 96 Polaris SL780 but it sadly developed a crack in the hull. Interested in a 95+ Sea Doo. Not sure what i should be looking for as far as a motor- the 587, 657, 717, 787, or even a 951 in later models if the price is right. Any recommendations on which model/engine I should look for?
I would recommend using XPS in the crank and in the pre-mix or oil injection system. The XPS is formulated not only for the rotary seals but to work cleanly with the rave valves. Its my go to and works well
I was able to obtain two 97 SPX’s from a friend for free. 1 currently runs but we believe has a small oil leak. The other one has some mods to the engine. It would turn on but didn’t sound right. We did a compression test per this video and 1 cylinder came back 125 (cheap compression tester from amazon) but the second cylinder completely dead no reading. Should I buy a new engine or is it worth having a professional go through it?
Check the two bilge siphon lines to see if they are cracked/detached. One of mine was completely cracked off and the other partially broken at the outlet nozzle through the hull. Also, check the underside of the exhaust manifold for those welded plugs. Mine had a small hole in it and was shooting a jet of water straight down into the hull. In a pinch, I actually used electrical tape wrapped around the manifold and it stopped the leak to my amazement.
No, thats in quality parts, good machine work, bead blasting, and painting. New crankshaft, rebuilt counter balance assembly, new top end with boring, machined RV cover back to OEM spec, gasket set, etc
@@TodayWeWrench hahahah thats funny as hell with the plastic thing... and very true. Besides no one is making anything challenging to ride anymore like the B1, HX and X4 hulls- everything is geared to fat and inexperienced people who want a couch to ride and their main trick is to go really fast in a straight line. At least they still make stand ups
Recently got into 90s Seadoos and I'm obsessed 😍. I really appreciate the resources this channel provides. Keep em comin! 😊
It must be nice to find low hours skis lol. Here in Florida they are all SBT'd, clapped out, high hours skis.
What’s wrong with SBT?
Granted florida offers year round ski'ing......find some back roads in the middle of nowhere. That's where the true gems lie.....I'm in Texas and there's skis everywhere that have been sitting forever. Just picked up 2 1996 xp's with trailer for 800$.
Just got a 94 spx 150 compression just dirty not a scratch
@@Wwatson1221 Nice score! Mine were filthy as can be but cleaned up well. One with 150psi, the other unfortunately locked up engine. Fortunately it was water getting into mag/front cover through starter seal. Got a the starter out and engine broke free. Wont take much and she'll be running.
Talk about a diamond in the ruff. That ski minty other than the spooge fuel lines.
Yeah that things mint!
I always start the ski before I do anything. Iv seen sellers dump 2 stroke in the jugs to fake high compression numbers. I like to burn all that crap out. I then inspect around the crank seals and pump etc. Let the motor cool. Then compression test. I purchased a ski once...20 years ago. Tested compression in the guys driveway. 150 per hole. Got it home and retested 128,133. Life sucked. Also removed the flywheel cover and of course. Oil dribbled out. Crank seals were shot. Iv owned at least 60 skis in my time. That only happened to me once. Now I check all that stuff and 2 times out of 10. Same issues.
You would see the fluid on the compression tester. I want it ice cold to see if seals leak and to see the compression.
Is 130 not good compression ?? Supposed to buy a 99 GTX with 130 compression
What did you do with 60 skis?
Just bought a 96 xp on marketplace for $200 bucks. It had been sitting but got it started right up. Few maintenance items but damn I'm excited for summer.
Hell yeah!
Love the video and the info.....exceptional info for the beginner who's looking for an old 2 stroke ski (the best skis). Noticed your XP's in the background. Just picked up 2 96 xp's with trailer for 800$. So far 1 runner with 170psi compression, and 1 unknown until new solenoid installed. Been sitting 8-10yrs.
Great information here, very thorough 👌. Keep it up guys, your videos were a huge help in getting my ski working properly.
Thanks so much!
Those gray factory hose interiors dissolve in ethanol unleaded gas. Then, the green goo plugs up the carbs and runs the engine lean. Then the piston tops burn thru. Happened on my ‘96 GTS. Lot of good skis ruined due to those hoses.
Good advice for a newbie like me. Still deciding what to buy and how much to spend.
Glad it was helpful!
🎉 he uploads
LOL!
I bought a 95 GTS cpl days ago which had an oil leak. Seller believes he fixed it (shortened bad hose at tank outlet + new clamp). Is there where they can leak? How would I know if oil injection is working properly? Ski runs and rides fine on water. Is it normal to have some water inside the hull after riding or something should be looked into? Thanks!
Thank you so much for this. I can't wait to watch it later today. I'm in the middle of a big decision process. Someone is selling both a 1995 GTS and a 1995 GTX. They are both well-cared for, and he let me ride them both out on the water, and both ran like a dream. New plugs and wear rings. And it's in about the only price range that I can afford. But, of course now, there is the dilemma of maintenance and 2-stroke engine...both from the perspective of breaking down and how much more pollution is it dropping into the lake vs. a 4-stroke.
If you guys, or anyone else who may read this, has any advice on going with a 90s 2-stroke, or which of the above rides would be easier to maintain: GTS, or GTX, it would be much appreciated. I'm a total newb to this, if it isn't obviious.
It's a 90s 2-stroke, it's fun and you shouldn't care about pollution. Maintenance shouldn't be an issue either if you use the right oil and gas. Yes, eventually you will have to rebuild to reach peak performance again but honestly these Rotax 2-strokes are pretty robust and some of the best fun per dollar you can get on the water. Engine isn't any worse to work on than a lawnmower. Lots of great resources out there. Get em and rip!!
The best sea doo videos ever 🤟🏻
Thanks man!
Definitely a dope video appreciate the info!
Glad you liked it!
The XPS synthetic oil is 100% needed and the bomb. Do not skimp on oil. That is the number one reason for engine failure which is cheap oil which break down. As to the oil in hull, if you still have oil injection, plesae check the oil tank as in my opinion they can and will eventually leak. I always plan on a leak test or replacement or elimination of the oil tank. Later.
Yeah I always do every line before riding
Don't fall into that BS cult that you need to run over priced seadoo XPS or your shit will grenade.... Rotax motors do just fine on any API-TC oil like Pennzoil or Quicksilver from Walmart. Oil breakdown is byproduct of high temps so regardless of oil brand that can happen outside of normal operating parameters - 8 out of 10 ski motors fail from water ingestion due to fat ass clowns tipping the ski over trying to get back on it and not running the ski hard and long enough after a water ingestion event or the old 951 motor that decides to make itself water injection via faulty manifold gaskets = rust on the crank bearings - after that it could be 20 or 200 hours till it grenades. Most other end up sticking a piston @ WOT from not paying attention to the motor and cooling system/temps
hey man great video! do you have any other videos on maintenance and stuff? just picked up a free 96’ and it’s been sitting for years, ran before it was parked, but want to make sure all is good before i try to fire it up. thank you!
Is a 97 gts with trailer for 400 a good deal ? It runs but needs a battery
I see this is an SPX. Do you have any recommendations for GTX DI's for hours? Thanks.
DI = Don’t invest
BINGO!
@@TodayWeWrench OK, so how many hours can you get out of an SPX before bottom end rebuild? How long till the crankshafts run before needing to be rebuilt or new? thanks.
The XPS synthetic oil from back in the day was green.
It’s been red since 2007. If you have oil sitting in from 2007 it should be changed regardless. Heck if you have oil sitting from 2 years I’d put fresh in. Cheap insurance
I still have a quart or 2 of the brown DI specific XPS oil. :-)
Don't knock one of these machine's till you see how fun these are! They are right up with any modern seadoo
I have noticed that you use carrier bearings on your skis and not the carbon seal. Is there a reason why, do you like them more?
Yes I always do carrier bearings I like them better
@@TodayWeWrench why do you like them better, are there pros and cons? I thought being older tech, that it wasn't as good. Or did Sea-Doo cut cost and went to something cheaper. I have never used one, so I'm just asking. Are there any mods to make the swap?
@@johnearnhardt4709 seen many skis sink or the hull fills up with water ( sometimes water in engine) due to that shit carbon ring setup. Engine alignment , bent shaft, improper bellows installation usually are the causes for leakage and it gets worse if you jump the ski a lot or pound it. No one can ever figure out the thinking of the manufacturer when they come out with stupid ideas. Kinda like their great fix for the early 951s spraying water in the airbox ,,,,, lets just make a rubber diaper around the manifold joint and still continue to screw people and deny warranty claims because of "water ingestion "
IA tags and he had an ia shirt on. My home state! Now in TN.
Im not into Jet Ski and know nothing about them. Do MFGs still sell 2 stoke or everything 4 stroke now?
Don’t think 😞
Do these old Sea Doos have wearable wear rings the same as the new ones?
Yes they do, we have a how to video on it
Super informative! I have a minty (even with high hours!) 96 Polaris SL780 but it sadly developed a crack in the hull. Interested in a 95+ Sea Doo. Not sure what i should be looking for as far as a motor- the 587, 657, 717, 787, or even a 951 in later models if the price is right. Any recommendations on which model/engine I should look for?
For sure go with the 787 it is incredibly reliable, plenty of HP, and is easy to work on
800 motor all the way 96 XP or the 97 SPX
What is your opinion on Klotz oil vs XPS? Klotz is more available in my area and seems like a lot of guys love it
I would recommend using XPS in the crank and in the pre-mix or oil injection system. The XPS is formulated not only for the rotary seals but to work cleanly with the rave valves. Its my go to and works well
What is a good compression tester? Which brand do you use?
Mine is snap on
I was able to obtain two 97 SPX’s from a friend for free. 1 currently runs but we believe has a small oil leak. The other one has some mods to the engine. It would turn on but didn’t sound right. We did a compression test per this video and 1 cylinder came back 125 (cheap compression tester from amazon) but the second cylinder completely dead no reading. Should I buy a new engine or is it worth having a professional go through it?
probably get a quality compression tester.. that would be my suggestion
Please do a video on how to fix leaks. There is too much water inside in 15 minutes.
Sure join our Patreon and request it www.patreon.com/TodayWeWrench
Check the two bilge siphon lines to see if they are cracked/detached. One of mine was completely cracked off and the other partially broken at the outlet nozzle through the hull. Also, check the underside of the exhaust manifold for those welded plugs. Mine had a small hole in it and was shooting a jet of water straight down into the hull. In a pinch, I actually used electrical tape wrapped around the manifold and it stopped the leak to my amazement.
@hansski1995 thank you, it's was welded plugs.i drilled it and put a small bolt in with seal.
Nice, had it held? No welding?
@hansski1995 yes,no leaking for all summer
What’s up with that healthy 787? 👀👀
$1700 for engone build? Is that in parts or do you mean parts and shop labor?
No, thats in quality parts, good machine work, bead blasting, and painting. New crankshaft, rebuilt counter balance assembly, new top end with boring, machined RV cover back to OEM spec, gasket set, etc
@@TodayWeWrench oh that makes sense.
That is one clean spx
She's gutted now lol
Do these require 2 cycle to be added to the fuel? And, if so, what happens if you run them with regular fuel?
If you run regular fuel,they blow up
i would suggest you do 87+ no ethanol, and then if its a oil injected model you dont need to premix!
Great video as always !!
On the 95/96 fuel tank recall...is the replacement free from the dealer? 😮
Thank you!!! Yes but they are on a stop production. You wont likely find a dealer with them in stock
@@TodayWeWrench got ya...just curious. Thanks!
My recommendation is to not buy any thing that JUST “needs a starter” if I can’t run a compression test on it then I’m outta there
How much
How much for what?
Buy a new one Buy an older one expect to fix something on it👍👍
15k vs 2500? Or are you talking about a junk Spark thats all plastic left over from plastic bottles?
@@TodayWeWrench hahahah thats funny as hell with the plastic thing... and very true. Besides no one is making anything challenging to ride anymore like the B1, HX and X4 hulls- everything is geared to fat and inexperienced people who want a couch to ride and their main trick is to go really fast in a straight line. At least they still make stand ups
Best advice on seadoo buying, DONT.
You like 🌭 in and around your mouth