96’s are my favorite. 96 XP and the 96 GTX 787’s. Bought the XP with a blown motor in 2000. I rebuilt the motor and life happened and it sat in the shop for 15 years. My boy bugged and bugged me to finish it. So we did and as soon as it hit the water it became a gift to him. 7 years later he is still ripping that XP. Home from college for a month and just pulled them out today and fired right up for camping next week. Always wrenching on them but it’s been good for him.
Those ‘96 GTXs are forever my favorite SeaDoos. My grandma had one back in the day and I can remember going out on the lake with her all the time. Such fond memories!
I inherited my dad's broken 96 SPX and my wife said either fix it or get rid of it. I did the research, got hands on and fixed it, and now my son and I have been riding it together. Glad my wife forced me to get it fixed.
I've owned 3 old jet skis. 1 ran and two didn't. I final got all running and felt beat up. Two weeks ago I bought a 96 Gti and a 2003 gti le rfi. You have lifted my spirits so much with this video. Thank you for helping me to"stay young" God Bless
so im 52 never been on a jet ski and i purchased a 2000 see doo RX DI millennium edition today i have always wanted one now after waching you i know i did the right thing.i am verry mechanically inclined i work on a lot if dirt bikes and cars and so on i just finished rebuiling a corvette and now im bored.well just want to thank you for your information.and looking foward to watching all your videos.im in massachusetts and the weather is not cooperating.can not wait to get it on the water .it runs great.
Great video, so nice to hear and see someone who embraces the 2 stroke culture. Here in the UK its the same story, no dealers will touch 2 stroke, as such you need to get hands on. The older carb models I have are fun to work on! Just wish dealers didn't have such a closed door policy, especially as like you, I think the old skis have an irreplaceable fun factor that you shouldn't have to spend 10k on a seadoo spark to have nowadays. Keep making videos man....p.s. LOVE the xp in the background, stunning year colours 😍
This kind of videos, make me to wake up everyday and enjoy my time spending with my family and have great moments that has no price.. thank for your videos, very insperational!
Nice work. My wife bought 3 with trailers. I never wanted any or never wanted to work on them. But the wife and grandchildren love them so I learned how to work on them. I dislike water or the ocean but my family loves it. My love is as deep in the mountains I can go and have a relaxing week hunting or just surviving. Thank you for your time. Bravo sir.
I do love being on the lakes or ocean, but I also love the mountains. Maybe not as much as you, but we, my wife and children, have rented cabins in the Smokey Mountains a number of times. Growing up, I spent every Thanksgiving week camping in the woods hunting whitetail deer in middle Tennessee.
Great Video. It's a stange nitch hobby. There is nothing better than that feeling when you fix something and it runs great. It's hilarious to me that this hobby usually makes me $100 -$200 in profit at the cost of countless hours of work.
Man your story is just like mine too! No one here in Texas works on these either. I just bought a Candoo reader to read the computer on my 2003 Seadoo GTX DI. Hopefully it will help point me in the right direction to trouble shoot so I'm not just throwing money at parts that I really don't need. I can now program my own keys too. I too am not a mechanic. I did a clutch job and a timing belt, water pump change on a 944 Porsche. Not easy jobs to do in a garage without a lift. Just laying on my back in the garage! Your right, it is fun to do a job like that then after its all back together, holding my breath when I turn the key and hope it doesn't blow up!
Very cool and inspiring video I’ve done this with snowmobiling in Michigan. Bought 9 sleds in 2 years fix, sell, upgraded and the sport paid for itself I want to get into jet skis, not so much to make a profit but hopefully be very minimal investment to have fun experiences with family
Don you’re the best! I have four Sea-Doos restoring them all this week! You address the psychological factor which is huge. So many of us want to give up. You’re inspirational. I’m dedicating this week to get my foregoing. Thanks for the video. Out from Virginia Beach Virginia
I'm on my first stand up, 86 js550. Had to rebuild the top end so many times before I even learned how to ride it so the struggle is real however now I can pull the top end in 45 minutes. Really can't beat the simplicity so I'm hooked.
This is identical to how I got into them. But I do have a mechanical background. Nobody wanted to touch them so like him I was forced to learn myself. TH-cam helps alot
Great video bossman. I’ve been on and off with skis since I was younger. Had a wave runner LX 650 brand new in 92 in Cape Coral Florida, I was 12 yrs old, I’ve been round and Round with these things. I liked hearing how humble you are about learning the two stroke game and funny how you wanna be alone at the ramp in case something goes sideways. Not many grown men would admit these days. I got out of skis for many years and back in 16 my and my little bro bought twin 787 xp’s. Now I only have one but been loving on it some lately and I totally feel you it’s a cool and rewarding hobby. Keep it up!!
I own 4 older Seadoo’s. 2 97 GTX’s 787. Never had an issue with either expect changing out the fuel lines. Never left me stranded. I have a 00 951 GTX and a 01 GSX. I have no complaints. Preventative maintenance does wonders.
Great video, we are very similar with all your points. This is the most motor work I’ve ever done is on ski motors and weekend Warrior on tinkering with them. It’s my morning go to before work. A lot of time also troubleshooting!!
Great video man. From a fellow dad/DIYer I stopped and applauded the moment you said "none of these skis have seen the shop." Propers 👊🏼 I just picked up a couple of mid 90s sea doos and looking forward to enjoying them!
Nicely done ! You know this story sounds familiar. I am not a mechanic by no means but I love figuring something new out. I think that is the main draw. It is always a good thing to feel like an asset in life (a productive asset) other than a liability and this is what that does for you. And it has a great result for your family. The time invested translates to good memories with your family. Again well done and thanks for sharing your experience. By the way I get the same anxiety every time a start a new project. Now that I am older, the feeling is even stronger. Always worried I might not be able to carry through but mostly fear of failure I think ! Have fun with family and the jet skis and keep up the good work !
so true. I'm on my first ski, gp1200r came registered with a trailer for just over $2000 usd. to my misery at the time it totally seized after my 5th ride. (dry cracked crank seal and a poorly fitted intake manifold) shattering a piston. so i decided to try a full rebuild as a newb. new richer jetting. crank, gaskets and the works. And now i only just finished rebuilding it over australian winter and found that to be one of the most enjoyable problem solving times tinkering in my shed and looking things up online) i was stoked when it finally worked properly. will probably feel something is missing if I don't yet have another project like that next winter. :)
@@papadonjetski9535 thanks. I saw a forum for Mikuni carbs that said to drill-out a restrictor hole in each carb as "it gets blocked and will increase performance." I did this. and then found it actually made the carbs not function! and pop off pressure wouldn't work on all cylinders to remedy i installed a restriction by adding 3x 95 jetts in the turn rail between each carb. this added nessesary backpressure to the rail. old 2 stroke carbs are a weird science. man was i happy when it ran properly. also I found installing a pump plunger fuel primer to be worth every cent. thanks for your video
I bought 4 skis total, 3 Seadoos & 1 Yamaha. 2 of them run and 2 did not run. Sure wish I lived close to you so I could have you look at the 2 not running. Thanks for the video!
Awesome video 100% agree with you I am doing the same thing I buy it cheap fix it and resell it and I making a lot of money but it takes a lot of time Keep it up you’ll figure it out very soon God bless you
I just got my first 2 stroke jet ski a few weeks ago for $150 not running... I have watched so many videos to get it going... I can totally relate when I brought it down to the water I didn't want anyone to see... it was high anxiety but it all work out. I am already looking for the next project
I just found your video and 2 months ago I purchased a 00' Polaris Genesis. It's a big ski. 4 person capacity (600lbs.) Had fuel leak from carbs. Rebuilt them a couple of times actually. Verifying pop off pressures and such. It ran when I bought it and then the CDI went bad in my carport. Replaced it, did maintenance and it's been running good. I been looking at getting another one.
My family have been in the automotive industry in one way or the other for 4 generations now basically since the automotive industry became a thing, so I have built and do build things, but i just recently built my first epoxy & inlayed table, and it always surprisese me how many people that have seen it say you must have been doing that a long time, or you must have built a lot to have learned how to do that. I tell them "nope" first one !! They ask how did you do that on your first one ? I tell them it's simple... you spend the time and get on line and email people or even call people and ask questions and more than anything TH-cam !! You study and pay attention... after that it's trial and error. Be surprised what a man can do when he really wants to do it.... GODS gift of a smart and a curious mind.... really enjoyed the video !!
I enjoyed the video, I'm just getting into 2 stroke jet skis, specifically Sea-Doos currently. Picked up my first last year, a super clean 98 GSI for $200, threw spark plugs in it and then took it to the lake for a week, ran absolutely beautifully, and was shocked how much fun I had. Had to replace the VTS motor, found it funny that it was a Nissan window motor. 😆 Now I've got a 99 GSX limited that I'm rebuilding, and I'm about to go look at a 96 GSX.
Hi Don after watched this video look like I following you footsteps 🤣🤣 last summer I purchased a 24’ project boat this year I end up with 50’yacht 1 jet ski, yesterday we got the same jet-boat as your. I’m have some knowledge about diesel, and 4 cycles engine. But have no idea about 2stroke thank for all the information you sharing.
Having a full charged battery is so crucial with this old JetSki, trust me.. if my WaveRunner is not fully charged forget it. I had no knowledge when I got mine.. engine was completely blown and I managed to put it back together little by little.. it did took a lot of my time thought it overall it was a fun project sometimes I wish it was not an ever ending project that’s where I would rather have a newer WaveRunner.
Wow! Glad I found your channel. I share the same story to a tee. The words you used are exactly mine. And I'm also like you... go out to do a lake test, alone, stay close to the shore just in case! Oh I love it. I have 6 Seadoos 2006 - 2008 era. Bought them cheap, fixed them and my family only have smiles on the lake. It makes it all worthwhile!
It is good to hear from others like you who share the same story and understand. I don't know where you are from, but I wish I could find others near me to trade knowledge and ride.
I told you you inspired me to start a channel. I started shadetree jetski. I have lots of years of mechanical experience but had never worked on jet skis before last year. I fix them up and sell them. Oh and never tow a jet ski at speed in the water without a tow valve or clamping the jet pump line with vice grips. I am currently working on my fourth junkyard jet ski. I would like to get a 951 waveblaster like your non running one there. The guy that owns TCH started out doing what you did and now has so much work he cant handle it all. There is both a market and a need for used 2stroke skis and people who can repair them.
Thanks for the encouragement. I subscribed to your channel a while back because you have a much better understanding of these machines and you are very detailed. That is what I look for when I'm trying to find a video to learn from. In fact, you have a video about the reverse gate on a waverunner that I'm going to be watching soon. I replaced the reverse cable on the Yamaha, but didn't put the gate back on right away and now I've forgotten how to reassemble it.
I dont know everything but like you I search the forums for answers. These are much easier to work on than a car and you dont have to crawl under them very often.
Cracks me up how I've been watching both you guys' videos lately then it turns out you know each other. BTW, please explain why you can't tell a jet ski without some kind of special valve.
@@kurtheimerman8267 I never met Papa Don. I found his videos and had actually repaired three Kawasaki jet skis before his channel inspired me to start my own. OK so you cannot tow a jet ski behind a BOAT on the water without clamping the jet pump hose shut or installing a tow valve that allows you to cut off the water. This is because towing the ski will allow water to enter the engine and fill it. It is the same as if you had it on the hose without cranking your engine. The exhaust fills and then the engine floods with water filling the crankcase.
I just opened up a jet ski repair shop and since I'm not a dealer I get all the old neglected machines.it Is a pain in the but getting parts when you fix one thing another thing breaks and some of the machines have been touched by hacks and create a nightmare.and when you tell someone some hack messed this up and that up they say well it ran good before.
I guess I would be considered that hack right now. As I said in the video, no one will work on 2 strokes around here and so owners are forced to fix the skis themselves or find someone like me who knows just enough to be dangerous.
I have a 2003 polaris freedom I bought brand new. No trouble with it in 20yrs. Stored outside in 30 40 below celcius. New battery every se one year. No plugs every spring just because. Good to go. And still goes around 50 miles an hour on a good day
That's hilarious !!! 7 for 7 !!! I'm laughing with you, not at you..... we have all been there..... just keep pulling it back in until..... you don't 🧑🔧
Thank you for your video, today one of my coworker that i trust offered me one of his old jetski ( 96 gti ) for a good deal and it even runs. But i was a bit scared about what if it breaks down since i dont want to spend a fortune bringing it to the shop because i have zero knowledge . First thing i did after work after he offered me was going on youtube , first video i watched was this one and 20 minutes later i was calling my coworker telling him im buying his jet ski next week end. Thank you for your honest advises and video.
Great video! I have the same feelings as you do about jetski’s. This is my 2nd pass of playing around and working with older jetskis. First pass was a bismal failure, but i learned a lot. I bought another pair of Yamaha jetskis 95,94 and feel more confident this time, with fixing them. Great video!
Thanks. Hope you get the two Yamahas running. My Yamaha XL800 was the easiest to work on out of all my skis so maybe you will have success the second time around.
@@papadonjetski9535 I also have those high anxiety feelings when you first put the jetski on the water. And also have been stranded in the middle of the lake...
bought my first stx 900 for 900 rebuild costed 1200 by my time and thats including new crank, pistons alll new seals, new impeller, bearings and seals, ski is now worth 3k easy……
Cool video. Glad you found your niche you should most definitely start selling and buying. One of the few hobbies that pays for itself and then some! I'd definitely be interested in some good Intuitive videos on the xl800. Carb cleaning etc... I have that same ski and love it
If you live in the Anderson Indiana Area there is a guy that works at Tom Wood Power Sports his name is Mike Peavle he is great with old 2 stroke Seadoo, Yamaha, Kawasaki. All types of skis.
Thanks for the video Don! I'm in the same boat! Started on my first one this year and found a double ski deal that I just couldn't pass up so now I have 3. I'm in Mississippi as well! Gulf Coast.
@@papadonjetski9535 yes that would be awesome!! I believe I have a complete engine rebuild in my future so an extra set of hands and eye balls would be nice! Look me up if you're ever down this way. I'm right by the Pascagoula River.
Few months ago picked up a 95 Wave Venture 701 that "needed a top end rebuild" for $600 with trailer. Well, ultimately I ended up having to ship it off to a rebuilder because one of the cylinders needed resleeved due to being gouged, and also having 330+ hours on the original crank. That was $1300 including shipping both ways. Then the carb rebuild kits, new fuel/oil lines, filters, various bolts that broke when removing them. Added a bilge pump, new battery, and it goes on. Sometimes you can get away cheap but other times it'll cost you multiple times your initial investment- I could have taken the money and put it on a down payment for a brand new less finicky one lol.
Wow! Well for me, I couldn't have done that. Once I found out the real condition of the ski I would have sold it or parted out. I couldn't sink that much money into an old ski because as you said, it just goes on.
That was my plan from the very beginning, but unlike the rest of my skis, I would need to sink at least $1,500 in to it just to start a rebuild. I continue to look for deals on skis with damaged hulls with possibly good 951 engines.
Good luck with the rebuild. Yamahas are hard to find around here. Thats why most of my skis are Seadoos. I actually enjoyed rebuilding my XL800 engine. I learned a lot and it still runs great.
Hi mate! You sound like me! I have three of these things now....all seadoo.....I had an XPDi like you have in the video on the back fence. What I can tell you is when they are going right they absolutely fly.......unfortunately for me, by the time I sold it, I had fixed all its aliments I was over it breaking down and got rid of it. The guy who bought it is always messaging me saying it is the most reliable and best ski he has ever owned....go figure!!! For me it spent most of its time out of the water and on diagnostics lol!!!! I now have 2x 97 XP carby aspirated ski's and a 1999 GTI 3 seater...all 2 Strokes. I love them....I guess I am a little old school like that, I used to ride a lot of motocross on CR250 alloy frame bikes.......I guess I get it from there. To cap off I bought a 2014 Model seadoo spark with the money from the sale of the 2004 XPDi and it was a great ski....not fast but it was fun.......was reliable for a while then I ended up with a jet pump in a million pieces...so I bought a full replacement pump, I had it replace by a seadoo mechanic in a workshop and also bought every part to rebuild the entire driveline. I told the mechanic to replace everything even if it did not need it so there was no weak link, when I went to pick it up two days later he gave me a box of parts back and said that some of the parts did not need replacing they were fine.......guess what......about a month later I was stranded with my partner in the middle of a lake for about an hour with the spline chewed off my newly installed drive shaft!!! To fix that on my particular model I would of had to have replaced the crank in a perfectly good motor....was devastated and sold it for parts!!!! I then went back to old school gear!!! Hence what I have now!
Somehow I missed this comment last month. Reading your story brings up my biggest fear with these old skis, always having to work on them. So far I haven't had to constantly work on them, but I know it is inevitable that problems will follow over time. When I sell these I hope to hear the same comment you got when you sold the XPDI. I sure don't want someone upset with me thinking I purposely sold them a piece of junk.
My good sir. You’re selling yourself way too short. You say you aren’t mechanically inclined but if you were able to read forums and watch TH-cam videos to teach yourself how to repair these machines you’re very capable and mechanically inclined in my book good job.
Thanks. I was in a position in which I had to learn or never get out on the water. I'm still reading and watching other youtubers who know more than me.
I thouroughy enjoyed your video. I am 71, and know nothing about jet skis. I have begun watching you tube videos on these things. I am mechanically inclined so that doesn't bother me. Anything cheap around here never has titles to them. I was given a pair of 1997 seadoo xps . Both of them absolute basket cases. No titles. I guess I will attemp to rebuild one just for the fun of it. Are all the parts on these things, one year, or can some parts interchangeable? Have a great day!
97 SPX's are great skis. A very tight hull to work in but I love my XPS. You will find that a lot of parts are interchangeable. Some parts are specific to the engine but many can be used in different skis. In fact, I've used parts from a Ploaris on Seadoos and Kawasakis.
I have a 1986 JS 550 Kawasaki it always ran beautiful and one day I just decided not to drive it anymore now that I wanna get it back in the water what is the first thing I should do should Should I just buy carburetor for it what do you think I haven’t even tried to start it
What are the best years as far as reliability for the older Sea Doo's? Like 1997 ish? I had a new 97, the top of the line model in like a forest green. I'm looking to get back into these but hear the DFI can be a nightmare from early 2000 model years? Anyway, what are some good years for the older 3 seater Sea Doo and Yamaha's? Thank you!
Hey, sorry for the slow reply. I have a 96 GTI and a 97 SPX that have run the best of all my skis. When I say the best, I mean less maintenance. I would say 96 to 98 are the best in my opinion and that includes Yamaha and Kawasaki.
A local guy I met the other day from doing some work at his house offered to sell me his. Wants them out the way. A double trailer with a 98 gtx gold and burgundy color and an older green and purple one I can’t remember the year. 1000 dollars for everything. Thinking about getting them. Says they were running when parked!
Appreciated your video. I was thinking of trying my hand at redoing a jet ski as my brother was looking for one. I love tinkering with small engines, but have no experience with jet skis. What brands do you recommend, or stay away from? I live in Mobile, AL. What part of MS do you live in, if I may ask?
Hey Gary, I'm in north MS close to the TN/MS state line. I was in the Mobile area at Thanksgiving. We visited Fairhope on our way to Orange Beach. I'm a little jealous because I would love to live down that way. If I had a brother or friend go in with me at the beginning, the learning curve would have been much faster so go for it. In my opinion, Kawasaki and Yamaha are the best, even though the majority of my skis are Seadoo. I think I have more Seadoo skis because people tend to hang on to those other brands.
I forgot to mention I Never use jet ski batteries in mine. I put those 25 dollar. Lawn mower batteries in them. I use straps to hold them in. I refuse to pay 100 bucks for that tiny battery.
I have thought about that before, but the battery cases in the skis are too small. Do you remove the cases? If so then how do you strap the mower battery in?
@@CP-kb1du I live on a lake. A 12 volt battery is a 12 volt battery. The size is the only difference and the CCA are HIGHER on the lawn mower batteries. They last longer and you dont have to add acid to get them going. No I cant afford a 12,000 dollar and up machine like you so I guess in your world that makes me less. You are a punk that needs to learn manners.
@Anthony's Arizona Cleaning Service my 3 jet skis all have 1 year old 25.00 lawn mower batteries in them. Strap them down well put good stainless bolts and washers you have no problems. No I never got stranded on the lake by using one. I can buy four for the cost of one specialty battery.
Nice video thankyou. Which brand would you day is the most reliable.bi have a sea doo which gives me constant oroblems. I have a honds that just runs snd runs w no issues. I do alm the maintenance. How are yamahas and kawasakis? Thankyou!
Well, I have a lot of Seadoos because they are commonly the ones selling for next to nothing. That should tell you something. Kawasakis are my favorite with Yamahas a close second. I've never owned or ridden a Honda.
Sorry for the late reply. That is a great deal because there is no way you will lose money. Even if it didn't run, you could sell the trailer for that much and then part the ski out for another $500+.
I seen a 97 GSI that I like but it’s not running. Quoted it’s been sitting awhile! What usually does it take to get these back on the water? Just spoke with him said he changed spark plugs and new battery getting no power
Well, I have been very fortunate with some of the skis I've bought because it took very little to get them running. I've had to rebuild the engine on 3 others so you just never know. I have another video on what tools to take with you when looking at a possible project jet ski. In that video I go over what I like to check and test before making a decision on buying. If the seller will let you mess with it a little you may be able to tell if it is worth the chance. I don't know if I've helped because every situation is different and there is no easy answer.
Hi Don,am in Tanzania with my 2stroke Seadoo just like one behind you..I am struggling to keep up but with your video I think I can get a solution to master it..can I get intouch with you?
Good job being able to learn how to work on those jet skis. It took me a while to figure them out. The first two I ever had a guy told me one Ran and the other one needed a starter. Come to find out I put a brand new starter on it and the motor was actually locked up and toasted. Are you going to continue to buy them and bring them back to life.
You are right, you hardly ever get the real story from someone trying to sell their jet ski. I am always leery when someone says their ski has only been sitting a year and all it needs is a battery and starter.
When did fuel injection become common on these? Do you think that EFI eliminated many of the problems that caused skis to sit up and collect dust and mold?
I've owned just one FI ski, so I can't say they eliminated many of the problems. The FI skis are definitely easier to start, but then the fuel rail and injectors can clog up if you don't run it enough.
Just bought two gsx seadoos , one runs and the other starts but won’t stay started. Found an engine on eBay rebuilt for 600. If I was to get the motor , is it easy to take out and replace?
Hey, sorry I missed this question. In case it still matters, the engines are pretty easy to remove. Where you sure the engine was bad and needed to be replaced?
Hi, since you know a lot about these two strokes, I have a 97 gtx. It just randomly shuts off. Like I loose all power. Pull the key and plug it back in and starts up. Any ideas? Thanks!
Did you already get this figured out? I have a ski that is doing that right now. I'm thinking it is fuel related or a ground issue. I''m going to pull the carbs and clean them and then I'm going to replace my ebox with the relay and coil pack. I have some rust in there that may be causing the engine to shut off. My ski may run 5 minutes or 5 seconds before it just shuts off. If that doesn't fix it then I'll try one thing at a time until I find it.
I just bought two and they big down they have ran right but I can’t turn the choke all the way on that’s when they die but they go.about 3 miles an hour. What’s wrong
Well, it could be several things, but the first thing to do, if you haven't already, is clean or rebuild the carbs and replace the fuel lines. If they have set up for any length of time it gums up the carbs and restricts the fuel flow.
I just purchased a pair of 99 seadoo gs's on a nice galvanized double trailer for $2400 yesterday, when I got them home I put on the batteries the seller gave me and by all surprise they both fired right up, but I would like to fully go through them and make sure all is well, any recommendations ? The seller was asking $2500 as is cause they sat for a year or $3500 and he would get them running and registration updated, I chose the $2500 route and he volunteered to knock off $100 towards registration, I felt like it was a great deal
Hey David, the first thing I would do, if they still have the oil injection, is check your oil lines to make sure they are flexible and in good shape. Also make sure they are attached really well. I would check compression and it that is good then clean the inside of the hull really good so that going forward you can easily spot any oil leaks. I would check the jet pump bearings, wear ring, and possibly the oil in the pump cone. If all of that is good then I would just have some fun on them.
Great videos, inspired me to buy a project 1992 seadoo gtx. I have a question for you, I'm struggling with keeping oil pump or removing it going to premix. Thoughts? Thanks for the videos
Oil injection is bullet proof as long as its not tinkered with. Assure good quality oil lines and clamps, oil injection is actually better for the engine than premix. You cant even fully delete oil injection on seadoos because the crankshaft needs that oiling system.
I have a 97 polaris sl 700 dlx. It cranks but no spark. Having a hard time finding any information on forums or anywhere that can help. Any ideas that could help me?
Well, I believe I have the same model Polaris sitting in my backyard. They are known for electrical problems. Your problem is the Stator or CDI box. There is an updated CDI box you may be able to find, but I think you have to replace other electrical parts for it to work. They are not cheap! Is there a number written on your box? If it is 447 or a number that ends in 447, then I believe you have the original, non updated CDI. I didn't try and fix mine because I didn't want to put that much money into it.
@papadonjetski9535 is there an easy way to check the stator/cdi to rule it out? With a multimeter? Having a hard time finding info on this. It's a super clean new looking ski that's been garaged by previous owner since 2000, so I don't really wanna let it end up as parts/scrap
96’s are my favorite. 96 XP and the 96 GTX 787’s. Bought the XP with a blown motor in 2000. I rebuilt the motor and life happened and it sat in the shop for 15 years. My boy bugged and bugged me to finish it. So we did and as soon as it hit the water it became a gift to him. 7 years later he is still ripping that XP. Home from college for a month and just pulled them out today and fired right up for camping next week. Always wrenching on them but it’s been good for him.
Thanks for sharing. My kids love are always up for riding, not so much for wrenching.
Cool story!!!😊
Those ‘96 GTXs are forever my favorite SeaDoos. My grandma had one back in the day and I can remember going out on the lake with her all the time. Such fond memories!
@@SWMOWoodsman that’s what looking at buying
I have a SeaDoo. I don't drink, but I am reconsidering.
Ha! Can only be spoken from an experienced owner.
@@papadonjetski9535 My neighbors think I have Tourettes!
@@rlyle5804hahhahah thinking about getting into jetskis...nice to know what to look for 😂
Thank you for the transparency towards the end. We were gifted a 2004 Seadoo and you’ve inspired me to start a new hobby. Bless you!
Best of luck!
I inherited my dad's broken 96 SPX and my wife said either fix it or get rid of it. I did the research, got hands on and fixed it, and now my son and I have been riding it together. Glad my wife forced me to get it fixed.
I've owned 3 old jet skis. 1 ran and two didn't. I final got all running and felt beat up. Two weeks ago I bought a 96 Gti and a 2003 gti le rfi. You have lifted my spirits so much with this video. Thank you for helping me to"stay young"
God Bless
so im 52 never been on a jet ski and i purchased a 2000 see doo RX DI millennium edition today i have always wanted one now after waching you i know i did the right thing.i am verry mechanically inclined i work on a lot if dirt bikes and cars and so on i just finished rebuiling a corvette and now im bored.well just want to thank you for your information.and looking foward to watching all your videos.im in massachusetts and the weather is not cooperating.can not wait to get it on the water .it runs great.
Great video, so nice to hear and see someone who embraces the 2 stroke culture. Here in the UK its the same story, no dealers will touch 2 stroke, as such you need to get hands on. The older carb models I have are fun to work on! Just wish dealers didn't have such a closed door policy, especially as like you, I think the old skis have an irreplaceable fun factor that you shouldn't have to spend 10k on a seadoo spark to have nowadays. Keep making videos man....p.s. LOVE the xp in the background, stunning year colours 😍
This kind of videos, make me to wake up everyday and enjoy my time spending with my family and have great moments that has no price.. thank for your videos, very insperational!
Same story here mate, the vintage 2 strokes are so much more fun than anything on the market today
So it’s better have 2 strokes jetski ?? Cause I’m fixing buy 2 of them lol
Like your enthusiasm .I also enjoy the feeling of fixing n riding.very cool.
Nice work. My wife bought 3 with trailers. I never wanted any or never wanted to work on them. But the wife and grandchildren love them so I learned how to work on them. I dislike water or the ocean but my family loves it. My love is as deep in the mountains I can go and have a relaxing week hunting or just surviving. Thank you for your time. Bravo sir.
I do love being on the lakes or ocean, but I also love the mountains. Maybe not as much as you, but we, my wife and children, have rented cabins in the Smokey Mountains a number of times. Growing up, I spent every Thanksgiving week camping in the woods hunting whitetail deer in middle Tennessee.
@@papadonjetski9535 The best of both worlds. Clearly you have a great family. Happy to hear you can enjoy your time together.
Great Video. It's a stange nitch hobby. There is nothing better than that feeling when you fix something and it runs great. It's hilarious to me that this hobby usually makes me $100 -$200 in profit at the cost of countless hours of work.
How is it MAKING you money?
@@neurosis333 "It's a strange niche hobby". Therefore he does it for fun in his spare time. Not as a business. Does your spare time make you money?
Man your story is just like mine too! No one here in Texas works on these either. I just bought a Candoo reader to read the computer on my 2003 Seadoo GTX DI. Hopefully it will help point me in the right direction to trouble shoot so I'm not just throwing money at parts that I really don't need. I can now program my own keys too. I too am not a mechanic. I did a clutch job and a timing belt, water pump change on a 944 Porsche. Not easy jobs to do in a garage without a lift. Just laying on my back in the garage! Your right, it is fun to do a job like that then after its all back together, holding my breath when I turn the key and hope it doesn't blow up!
Fellow mechanic in dallas run a ski rental business let's get connected 🤝
@@lilzay44we network with each other, yep.
Very cool and inspiring video
I’ve done this with snowmobiling in Michigan. Bought 9 sleds in 2 years fix, sell, upgraded and the sport paid for itself
I want to get into jet skis, not so much to make a profit but hopefully be very minimal investment to have fun experiences with family
Don you’re the best! I have four Sea-Doos restoring them all this week! You address the psychological factor which is huge. So many of us want to give up. You’re inspirational. I’m dedicating this week to get my foregoing. Thanks for the video. Out from Virginia Beach Virginia
Wow, thanks for all of the encouraging words, they get me motivated!
Great video💪🏻
I'm on my first stand up, 86 js550. Had to rebuild the top end so many times before I even learned how to ride it so the struggle is real however now I can pull the top end in 45 minutes. Really can't beat the simplicity so I'm hooked.
This is identical to how I got into them. But I do have a mechanical background. Nobody wanted to touch them so like him I was forced to learn myself. TH-cam helps alot
Great video bossman. I’ve been on and off with skis since I was younger. Had a wave runner LX 650 brand new in 92 in Cape Coral Florida, I was 12 yrs old, I’ve been round and Round with these things. I liked hearing how humble you are about learning the two stroke game and funny how you wanna be alone at the ramp in case something goes sideways. Not many grown men would admit these days. I got out of skis for many years and back in 16 my and my little bro bought twin 787 xp’s. Now I only have one but been loving on it some lately and I totally feel you it’s a cool and rewarding hobby. Keep it up!!
I am restoring a 97 wet jet right now, you give me hope.
I own 4 older Seadoo’s. 2 97 GTX’s 787. Never had an issue with either expect changing out the fuel lines. Never left me stranded. I have a 00 951 GTX and a 01 GSX. I have no complaints. Preventative maintenance does wonders.
Great video, we are very similar with all your points. This is the most motor work I’ve ever done is on ski motors and weekend Warrior on tinkering with them. It’s my morning go to before work. A lot of time also troubleshooting!!
Thanks for sharing
Great video man. From a fellow dad/DIYer I stopped and applauded the moment you said "none of these skis have seen the shop." Propers 👊🏼 I just picked up a couple of mid 90s sea doos and looking forward to enjoying them!
I appreciate the encouraging words, it means a lot.
Nicely done ! You know this story sounds familiar. I am not a mechanic by no means but I love figuring something new out. I think that is the main draw. It is always a good thing to feel like an asset in life (a productive asset) other than a liability and this is what that does for you. And it has a great result for your family. The time invested translates to good memories with your family. Again well done and thanks for sharing your experience. By the way I get the same anxiety every time a start a new project. Now that I am older, the feeling is even stronger. Always worried I might not be able to carry through but mostly fear of failure I think ! Have fun with family and the jet skis and keep up the good work !
Thanks for the encouraging reply. I like to hear that others are like me when it comes to a fear of failing.
so true. I'm on my first ski, gp1200r came registered with a trailer for just over $2000 usd. to my misery at the time it totally seized after my 5th ride. (dry cracked crank seal and a poorly fitted intake manifold) shattering a piston. so i decided to try a full rebuild as a newb. new richer jetting. crank, gaskets and the works. And now i only just finished rebuilding it over australian winter and found that to be one of the most enjoyable problem solving times tinkering in my shed and looking things up online) i was stoked when it finally worked properly. will probably feel something is missing if I don't yet have another project like that next winter. :)
Thanks for sharing your experience. I love to hear the stories of others who can relate to that great feeling of accomplishment when the jet ski runs!
@@papadonjetski9535 thanks. I saw a forum for Mikuni carbs that said to drill-out a restrictor hole in each carb as "it gets blocked and will increase performance."
I did this. and then found it actually made the carbs not function! and pop off pressure wouldn't work on all cylinders
to remedy i installed a restriction by adding 3x 95 jetts in the turn rail between each carb. this added nessesary backpressure to the rail. old 2 stroke carbs are a weird science.
man was i happy when it ran properly. also I found installing a pump plunger fuel primer to be worth every cent.
thanks for your video
Did you get service manuals for the ski's you bought? Reading the service manuals is helpful with learning.
I didn't. I didn't know manuals were available at the time. I have 2 right now.
Thanks for sharing your story man. Very inspiring to hear how you got involved.
Thanks for watching!
I bought 4 skis total, 3 Seadoos & 1 Yamaha. 2 of them run and 2 did not run. Sure wish I lived close to you so I could have you look at the 2 not running. Thanks for the video!
I wish I lived close to a jet ski mechanic as well!
I'm starting where you did so it's inspiring
Thanks! I'm still having fun with this new hobby.
Awesome video 100% agree with you I am doing the same thing I buy it cheap fix it and resell it and I making a lot of money but it takes a lot of time Keep it up you’ll figure it out very soon God bless you
Thanks!
I just got my first 2 stroke jet ski a few weeks ago for $150 not running... I have watched so many videos to get it going... I can totally relate when I brought it down to the water I didn't want anyone to see... it was high anxiety but it all work out. I am already looking for the next project
Glad to hear I'm not alone with anxiety at the boat ramp after a fresh rebuild.
Yes sir!!! Same story here. Keep up what you're doing
Hello I just saw your video and
I’m looking to myself. Great job
I’m doing that right now too 👍👍👍
Thank you. Post some videos showing your work. That would be great.
I just found your video and 2 months ago I purchased a 00' Polaris Genesis. It's a big ski. 4 person capacity (600lbs.) Had fuel leak from carbs. Rebuilt them a couple of times actually. Verifying pop off pressures and such. It ran when I bought it and then the CDI went bad in my carport. Replaced it, did maintenance and it's been running good. I been looking at getting another one.
Own 2022 seadoo and a couple 2000 gsx ...ist just something special bout the old skool skis
My family have been in the automotive industry in one way or the other for 4 generations now basically since the automotive industry became a thing, so I have built and do build things, but i just recently built my first epoxy & inlayed table, and it always surprisese me how many people that have seen it say you must have been doing that a long time, or you must have built a lot to have learned how to do that. I tell them "nope" first one !! They ask how did you do that on your first one ? I tell them it's simple... you spend the time and get on line and email people or even call people and ask questions and more than anything TH-cam !! You study and pay attention... after that it's trial and error. Be surprised what a man can do when he really wants to do it.... GODS gift of a smart and a curious mind.... really enjoyed the video !!
Thanks! Your are right, spend the time and seek information from knowledgeable people.
Excellent !!!! I got into JetSkis the exact same way. Thanks for posting this.
I enjoyed the video, I'm just getting into 2 stroke jet skis, specifically Sea-Doos currently. Picked up my first last year, a super clean 98 GSI for $200, threw spark plugs in it and then took it to the lake for a week, ran absolutely beautifully, and was shocked how much fun I had. Had to replace the VTS motor, found it funny that it was a Nissan window motor. 😆
Now I've got a 99 GSX limited that I'm rebuilding, and I'm about to go look at a 96 GSX.
Sounds like you are hooked! I think they are great hobbies.
Thanks so much for this video, Don! It’s thorough, honest and informative!
Thank you!
Hi Don after watched this video look like I following you footsteps 🤣🤣 last summer I purchased a 24’ project boat this year I end up with 50’yacht 1 jet ski, yesterday we got the same jet-boat as your. I’m have some knowledge about diesel, and 4 cycles engine. But have no idea about 2stroke thank for all the information you sharing.
I'm in south Miss. Summers are no joke down here. I just don't have a place to work on projects anymore. God bless.
Excellent Video!, just bought my first 2 cheap skis, learning as i go. This was a very informative video.
If you have only half the fun I have had learning to work on these things and getting them running then it will be worth it!
Just got the engine ripped out of a 98 Polaris ski excited to put it back together!
Do you already know the issue with the engine or is this exploratory surgery?
@@papadonjetski9535 yes! The engine overheated and threw a rod
@@benjaminreynolds9330Any luck with getting it back out on the water?
Having a full charged battery is so crucial with this old JetSki, trust me.. if my WaveRunner is not fully charged forget it.
I had no knowledge when I got mine.. engine was completely blown and I managed to put it back together little by little.. it did took a lot of my time thought it overall it was a fun project sometimes I wish it was not an ever ending project that’s where I would rather have a newer WaveRunner.
Wow! Glad I found your channel. I share the same story to a tee. The words you used are exactly mine. And I'm also like you... go out to do a lake test, alone, stay close to the shore just in case! Oh I love it. I have 6 Seadoos 2006 - 2008 era. Bought them cheap, fixed them and my family only have smiles on the lake. It makes it all worthwhile!
It is good to hear from others like you who share the same story and understand. I don't know where you are from, but I wish I could find others near me to trade knowledge and ride.
The short answer is yes!
I told you you inspired me to start a channel. I started shadetree jetski. I have lots of years of mechanical experience but had never worked on jet skis before last year. I fix them up and sell them. Oh and never tow a jet ski at speed in the water without a tow valve or clamping the jet pump line with vice grips.
I am currently working on my fourth junkyard jet ski.
I would like to get a 951 waveblaster like your non running one there. The guy that owns TCH started out doing what you did and now has so much work he cant handle it all. There is both a market and a need for used 2stroke skis and people who can repair them.
Thanks for the encouragement. I subscribed to your channel a while back because you have a much better understanding of these machines and you are very detailed. That is what I look for when I'm trying to find a video to learn from. In fact, you have a video about the reverse gate on a waverunner that I'm going to be watching soon. I replaced the reverse cable on the Yamaha, but didn't put the gate back on right away and now I've forgotten how to reassemble it.
I dont know everything but like you I search the forums for answers. These are much easier to work on than a car and you dont have to crawl under them very often.
Cracks me up how I've been watching both you guys' videos lately then it turns out you know each other. BTW, please explain why you can't tell a jet ski without some kind of special valve.
@@kurtheimerman8267 I never met Papa Don. I found his videos and had actually repaired three Kawasaki jet skis before his channel inspired me to start my own.
OK so you cannot tow a jet ski behind a BOAT on the water without clamping the jet pump hose shut or installing a tow valve that allows you to cut off the water. This is because towing the ski will allow water to enter the engine and fill it. It is the same as if you had it on the hose without cranking your engine. The exhaust fills and then the engine floods with water filling the crankcase.
I just opened up a jet ski repair shop and since I'm not a dealer I get all the old neglected machines.it Is a pain in the but getting parts when you fix one thing another thing breaks and some of the machines have been touched by hacks and create a nightmare.and when you tell someone some hack messed this up and that up they say well it ran good before.
I guess I would be considered that hack right now. As I said in the video, no one will work on 2 strokes around here and so owners are forced to fix the skis themselves or find someone like me who knows just enough to be dangerous.
@@papadonjetski9535 that's why I opened up my shop thinking I could get the old machines going for cust.but old time cust thinking old time prices
Bought mine for 200. Got it running mint within a few hours
I have a 2003 polaris freedom I bought brand new. No trouble with it in 20yrs. Stored outside in 30 40 below celcius. New battery every se one year. No plugs every spring just because. Good to go. And still goes around 50 miles an hour on a good day
That is awesome.
I got a 951 which I've taken out 7 times and been towed back in 7 times, I can relate to the anxiety part
Did you get it figured out? What were some of the issues?
That's hilarious !!!
7 for 7 !!! I'm laughing with you, not at you..... we have all been there..... just keep pulling it back in until..... you don't 🧑🔧
Thank you for your video, today one of my coworker that i trust offered me one of his old jetski ( 96 gti ) for a good deal and it even runs. But i was a bit scared about what if it breaks down since i dont want to spend a fortune bringing it to the shop because i have zero knowledge . First thing i did after work after he offered me was going on youtube , first video i watched was this one and 20 minutes later i was calling my coworker telling him im buying his jet ski next week end. Thank you for your honest advises and video.
Great video! I have the same feelings as you do about jetski’s. This is my 2nd pass of playing around and working with older jetskis. First pass was a bismal failure, but i learned a lot.
I bought another pair of Yamaha jetskis 95,94 and feel more confident this time, with fixing them. Great video!
Thanks. Hope you get the two Yamahas running. My Yamaha XL800 was the easiest to work on out of all my skis so maybe you will have success the second time around.
@@papadonjetski9535 I also have those high anxiety feelings when you first put the jetski on the water. And also have been stranded in the middle of the lake...
bought my first stx 900 for 900 rebuild costed 1200 by my time and thats including new crank, pistons alll new seals, new impeller, bearings and seals, ski is now worth 3k easy……
I agree, I started tinkering with mini bikes and ATVs it's very satisfying feeling seeing a project through
Cool video. Glad you found your niche you should most definitely start selling and buying. One of the few hobbies that pays for itself and then some! I'd definitely be interested in some good Intuitive videos on the xl800. Carb cleaning etc... I have that same ski and love it
i enjoy tinkering, i enjoy riding, i enjoy fixing them
If you live in the Anderson Indiana Area there is a guy that works at Tom Wood Power Sports his name is Mike Peavle he is great with old 2 stroke Seadoo, Yamaha, Kawasaki. All types of skis.
Nice video reminds me of jet ski church bring them old boys back to life
Amen
Thanks for the video Don! I'm in the same boat! Started on my first one this year and found a double ski deal that I just couldn't pass up so now I have 3. I'm in Mississippi as well! Gulf Coast.
Wish we were closer together, would love to team up with others on some rebuilds.
@@papadonjetski9535 yes that would be awesome!! I believe I have a complete engine rebuild in my future so an extra set of hands and eye balls would be nice! Look me up if you're ever down this way. I'm right by the Pascagoula River.
@@papadonjetski9535 thanks for the video. I gave passed up some cheap jet ski because of fear of the unknown.. you have inspired me to give it a try
Few months ago picked up a 95 Wave Venture 701 that "needed a top end rebuild" for $600 with trailer. Well, ultimately I ended up having to ship it off to a rebuilder because one of the cylinders needed resleeved due to being gouged, and also having 330+ hours on the original crank. That was $1300 including shipping both ways. Then the carb rebuild kits, new fuel/oil lines, filters, various bolts that broke when removing them. Added a bilge pump, new battery, and it goes on. Sometimes you can get away cheap but other times it'll cost you multiple times your initial investment- I could have taken the money and put it on a down payment for a brand new less finicky one lol.
Wow! Well for me, I couldn't have done that. Once I found out the real condition of the ski I would have sold it or parted out. I couldn't sink that much money into an old ski because as you said, it just goes on.
Please fix the xp you’ll absolutely love it they are the best handling ski seadoo have made
That was my plan from the very beginning, but unlike the rest of my skis, I would need to sink at least $1,500 in to it just to start a rebuild. I continue to look for deals on skis with damaged hulls with possibly good 951 engines.
I now own that same XL800. I have a dead hole. I will be rebuilding the motor soon.
Good luck with the rebuild. Yamahas are hard to find around here. Thats why most of my skis are Seadoos. I actually enjoyed rebuilding my XL800 engine. I learned a lot and it still runs great.
What a great video! Thank you.
Thanks
Hate working on these old seadoos. Rebuilt the carbs on my 94 spx, and am now rebuilding the motor from the bottom up
I hate it and love it at the same time.
@@papadonjetski9535 they definitely teach you a lot. My ski rips now, hopefully for a long time
Just wait till you get that seadoo xp 2000 going. Best jet ski ever - beast
Hi mate! You sound like me! I have three of these things now....all seadoo.....I had an XPDi like you have in the video on the back fence. What I can tell you is when they are going right they absolutely fly.......unfortunately for me, by the time I sold it, I had fixed all its aliments I was over it breaking down and got rid of it. The guy who bought it is always messaging me saying it is the most reliable and best ski he has ever owned....go figure!!! For me it spent most of its time out of the water and on diagnostics lol!!!! I now have 2x 97 XP carby aspirated ski's and a 1999 GTI 3 seater...all 2 Strokes. I love them....I guess I am a little old school like that, I used to ride a lot of motocross on CR250 alloy frame bikes.......I guess I get it from there.
To cap off I bought a 2014 Model seadoo spark with the money from the sale of the 2004 XPDi and it was a great ski....not fast but it was fun.......was reliable for a while then I ended up with a jet pump in a million pieces...so I bought a full replacement pump, I had it replace by a seadoo mechanic in a workshop and also bought every part to rebuild the entire driveline. I told the mechanic to replace everything even if it did not need it so there was no weak link, when I went to pick it up two days later he gave me a box of parts back and said that some of the parts did not need replacing they were fine.......guess what......about a month later I was stranded with my partner in the middle of a lake for about an hour with the spline chewed off my newly installed drive shaft!!! To fix that on my particular model I would of had to have replaced the crank in a perfectly good motor....was devastated and sold it for parts!!!! I then went back to old school gear!!! Hence what I have now!
Somehow I missed this comment last month. Reading your story brings up my biggest fear with these old skis, always having to work on them. So far I haven't had to constantly work on them, but I know it is inevitable that problems will follow over time. When I sell these I hope to hear the same comment you got when you sold the XPDI. I sure don't want someone upset with me thinking I purposely sold them a piece of junk.
My good sir. You’re selling yourself way too short. You say you aren’t mechanically inclined but if you were able to read forums and watch TH-cam videos to teach yourself how to repair these machines you’re very capable and mechanically inclined in my book good job.
Thanks. I was in a position in which I had to learn or never get out on the water. I'm still reading and watching other youtubers who know more than me.
Looks like you picked up a good hobby and turned into an expert on 2 strokes.
Great video I just purchased a 1997 tigershark monte carlo 770 with a kawasaki eng and it still turns on quick so mi idea is to make her look new
I love Kawasaki engines. Wish I had more of them.
@papadonjetski9535 I messed up it's actually a Suzuki engine .I do t know how good are rhey but it's fast and the jetski is very stable
Got one for free today, the starter is spinning but other than that it’s not kicking over
Do you mean the starter is turning the engine over, but it doesn't start? If so then the carb is the first thing to address.
Great video...
Great ski's I know.i rode GTI love bombardier 2 stroke
I thouroughy enjoyed your video. I am 71, and know nothing about jet skis. I have begun watching you tube videos on these things. I am mechanically inclined so that doesn't bother me. Anything cheap around here never has titles to them. I was given a pair of 1997 seadoo xps . Both of them absolute basket cases. No titles. I guess I will attemp to rebuild one just for the fun of it. Are all the parts on these things, one year, or can some parts interchangeable? Have a great day!
97 SPX's are great skis. A very tight hull to work in but I love my XPS. You will find that a lot of parts are interchangeable. Some parts are specific to the engine but many can be used in different skis. In fact, I've used parts from a Ploaris on Seadoos and Kawasakis.
Thank you
I have a 1986 JS 550 Kawasaki it always ran beautiful and one day I just decided not to drive it anymore now that I wanna get it back in the water what is the first thing I should do should Should I just buy carburetor for it what do you think I haven’t even tried to start it
Throw in a battery, gas in the plug holes
Great job man
What are the best years as far as reliability for the older Sea Doo's? Like 1997 ish? I had a new 97, the top of the line model in like a forest green. I'm looking to get back into these but hear the DFI can be a nightmare from early 2000 model years? Anyway, what are some good years for the older 3 seater Sea Doo and Yamaha's? Thank you!
Hey, sorry for the slow reply. I have a 96 GTI and a 97 SPX that have run the best of all my skis. When I say the best, I mean less maintenance. I would say 96 to 98 are the best in my opinion and that includes Yamaha and Kawasaki.
I want to do this with snowmobiles!
A local guy I met the other day from doing some work at his house offered to sell me his. Wants them out the way. A double trailer with a 98 gtx gold and burgundy color and an older green and purple one I can’t remember the year. 1000 dollars for everything. Thinking about getting them. Says they were running when parked!
That is a good deal. The trailer by itself, if in decent shape, is almost worth the $1,000.
Appreciated your video. I was thinking of trying my hand at redoing a jet ski as my brother was looking for one. I love tinkering with small engines, but have no experience with jet skis. What brands do you recommend, or stay away from? I live in Mobile, AL. What part of MS do you live in, if I may ask?
Hey Gary, I'm in north MS close to the TN/MS state line. I was in the Mobile area at Thanksgiving. We visited Fairhope on our way to Orange Beach. I'm a little jealous because I would love to live down that way. If I had a brother or friend go in with me at the beginning, the learning curve would have been much faster so go for it. In my opinion, Kawasaki and Yamaha are the best, even though the majority of my skis are Seadoo. I think I have more Seadoo skis because people tend to hang on to those other brands.
I thought this was a great video. Great job. I know what you mean about putting them in the water for the first time
Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm glad I'm not alone on that feeling.
I forgot to mention I Never use jet ski batteries in mine. I put those 25 dollar. Lawn mower batteries in them. I use straps to hold them in. I refuse to pay 100 bucks for that tiny battery.
I have thought about that before, but the battery cases in the skis are too small. Do you remove the cases? If so then how do you strap the mower battery in?
Risk getting stuck stranded on the water cheap skate ..
@@CP-kb1du I live on a lake. A 12 volt battery is a 12 volt battery. The size is the only difference and the CCA are HIGHER on the lawn mower batteries. They last longer and you dont have to add acid to get them going. No I cant afford a 12,000 dollar and up machine like you so I guess in your world that makes me less. You are a punk that needs to learn manners.
@Anthony's Arizona Cleaning Service my 3 jet skis all have 1 year old 25.00 lawn mower batteries in them. Strap them down well put good stainless bolts and washers you have no problems. No I never got stranded on the lake by using one. I can buy four for the cost of one specialty battery.
What are the message boards your referring to? Forums? Would love to get on some of these.
Yes, forums. I get on Greenhulk, Seadoo and PWC Today mostly.
Nice video thankyou. Which brand would you day is the most reliable.bi have a sea doo which gives me constant oroblems. I have a honds that just runs snd runs w no issues. I do alm the maintenance. How are yamahas and kawasakis? Thankyou!
Well, I have a lot of Seadoos because they are commonly the ones selling for next to nothing. That should tell you something. Kawasakis are my favorite with Yamahas a close second. I've never owned or ridden a Honda.
Is a 1998 seadoo gts bombadier with trailer for 500 a goodeal? Just needs a new battery
Sorry for the late reply. That is a great deal because there is no way you will lose money. Even if it didn't run, you could sell the trailer for that much and then part the ski out for another $500+.
I seen a 97 GSI that I like but it’s not running. Quoted it’s been sitting awhile! What usually does it take to get these back on the water? Just spoke with him said he changed spark plugs and new battery getting no power
Well, I have been very fortunate with some of the skis I've bought because it took very little to get them running. I've had to rebuild the engine on 3 others so you just never know. I have another video on what tools to take with you when looking at a possible project jet ski. In that video I go over what I like to check and test before making a decision on buying. If the seller will let you mess with it a little you may be able to tell if it is worth the chance. I don't know if I've helped because every situation is different and there is no easy answer.
@@papadonjetski9535 thanks
Just noticed you’re from Mississippi! Bout what part? I’m on the coast🤙🏽
Unfortunately i'm in north MS, close to the TN border. Wish I was closer to the coast.
Hi Don,am in Tanzania with my 2stroke Seadoo just like one behind you..I am struggling to keep up but with your video I think I can get a solution to master it..can I get intouch with you?
papadonjetski@gmail.com
Great video! Kudos
Good job being able to learn how to work on those jet skis. It took me a while to figure them out. The first two I ever had a guy told me one Ran and the other one needed a starter. Come to find out I put a brand new starter on it and the motor was actually locked up and toasted. Are you going to continue to buy them and bring them back to life.
You are right, you hardly ever get the real story from someone trying to sell their jet ski. I am always leery when someone says their ski has only been sitting a year and all it needs is a battery and starter.
You and me should go in together one day on an abandoned ski, just to see if we can bring it back to life.
@@papadonjetski9535 yeah that would be great. I know where there a bunch of candidates for restoration
@@RpmAuto When ever you have time between your builds lets go and see what we can find.
When did fuel injection become common on these? Do you think that EFI eliminated many of the problems that caused skis to sit up and collect dust and mold?
I've owned just one FI ski, so I can't say they eliminated many of the problems. The FI skis are definitely easier to start, but then the fuel rail and injectors can clog up if you don't run it enough.
Just bought two gsx seadoos , one runs and the other starts but won’t stay started. Found an engine on eBay rebuilt for 600. If I was to get the motor , is it easy to take out and replace?
Hey, sorry I missed this question. In case it still matters, the engines are pretty easy to remove. Where you sure the engine was bad and needed to be replaced?
Why don't you just install a cutoff switch for the battery?
Didn't think of it. I'm still new to all of this.
Hi, since you know a lot about these two strokes, I have a 97 gtx. It just randomly shuts off. Like I loose all power. Pull the key and plug it back in and starts up. Any ideas? Thanks!
Did you already get this figured out? I have a ski that is doing that right now. I'm thinking it is fuel related or a ground issue. I''m going to pull the carbs and clean them and then I'm going to replace my ebox with the relay and coil pack. I have some rust in there that may be causing the engine to shut off. My ski may run 5 minutes or 5 seconds before it just shuts off. If that doesn't fix it then I'll try one thing at a time until I find it.
Get it brotha .
I just bought two and they big down they have ran right but I can’t turn the choke all the way on that’s when they die but they go.about 3 miles an hour. What’s wrong
Well, it could be several things, but the first thing to do, if you haven't already, is clean or rebuild the carbs and replace the fuel lines. If they have set up for any length of time it gums up the carbs and restricts the fuel flow.
I just purchased a pair of 99 seadoo gs's on a nice galvanized double trailer for $2400 yesterday, when I got them home I put on the batteries the seller gave me and by all surprise they both fired right up, but I would like to fully go through them and make sure all is well, any recommendations ? The seller was asking $2500 as is cause they sat for a year or $3500 and he would get them running and registration updated, I chose the $2500 route and he volunteered to knock off $100 towards registration, I felt like it was a great deal
Hey David, the first thing I would do, if they still have the oil injection, is check your oil lines to make sure they are flexible and in good shape. Also make sure they are attached really well. I would check compression and it that is good then clean the inside of the hull really good so that going forward you can easily spot any oil leaks. I would check the jet pump bearings, wear ring, and possibly the oil in the pump cone. If all of that is good then I would just have some fun on them.
I have a 1992 XP I’m trying to get work.
Very cool brother 😎
Thanks 👍
Great videos, inspired me to buy a project 1992 seadoo gtx. I have a question for you, I'm struggling with keeping oil pump or removing it going to premix. Thoughts? Thanks for the videos
Oil injection is bullet proof as long as its not tinkered with.
Assure good quality oil lines and clamps, oil injection is actually better for the engine than premix.
You cant even fully delete oil injection on seadoos because the crankshaft needs that oiling system.
@@ripptydevibes2581 Thanks for responding, I'll do some research on making sure oil injection is adjusted correctly 😀 much appreciated
I have a 97 polaris sl 700 dlx. It cranks but no spark. Having a hard time finding any information on forums or anywhere that can help. Any ideas that could help me?
Well, I believe I have the same model Polaris sitting in my backyard. They are known for electrical problems. Your problem is the Stator or CDI box. There is an updated CDI box you may be able to find, but I think you have to replace other electrical parts for it to work. They are not cheap! Is there a number written on your box? If it is 447 or a number that ends in 447, then I believe you have the original, non updated CDI. I didn't try and fix mine because I didn't want to put that much money into it.
@papadonjetski9535 is there an easy way to check the stator/cdi to rule it out? With a multimeter? Having a hard time finding info on this. It's a super clean new looking ski that's been garaged by previous owner since 2000, so I don't really wanna let it end up as parts/scrap