Newbie questions before you rebuild or buy a ski.

[vintagepoo]

Hi gang, just picked up a pair of 96 and 97 SLT 780's from same owner, with trailer. 96 has lean burn pto piston from crank seal leak, both other cylinders and pistons are nice. 97 is a parts machine, but complete. Both are very restoreable skis. Before I dive into the 96 first, I was hoping to find out if there is anything inherently problematic with these machines that might be a show stopper. I have two different rebuild/maintenance manuals. I am an industrial electrician by trade and have extensive experience wrenching on Polaris snowmobiles up to the mid 2000 models. I collect and restore vintage polaris sleds, but these are my first skis. I am a competent mechanic. Thanks much.

[Viragebaby]

Here's hoping all the unobtainium electronic bits work!

Hardly a n00b with your experience.

Def a newbi when it comes to jetskis...lol. ive never owned or worked on one....rofl. they are similar to outboards, but, om finding they are also really really dif. So far the electronics are working on the 02(only one i have fooled with so far). The 01 needs the whole wiring harness and electronics(everything in the box is trashed). Both parts skis have full harnesses and all electronics including nice mfds im learning a lot reading dif threads on here(example: i didnt know they have pulse pumps vs fuel pumps, the carbs dont have traditional bowls, ect). Having fun with playing with them so far. Hopefully i can get both running I got them mainly because i have never owned or worked on them. I love to learn how and why thing work

[stimpsonjcat]

Newbi here...lol

Here's hoping all the unobtainium electronic bits work!

Hardly a n00b with your experience.

[Viragebaby]

Newbi here...lol

Where u from? Live oak, fl
what kind of ski polaris virage
what year 2001 and 2002
what kind of engine 700
how many hours on the meter? No idea, both mfds are sun spotted
how long did it sit since 2008
any new/modified parts on it both are completely stock
recent tune-ups or rebuild both were winterized before being put up in 2008
general history of the ski if you know both were bought brand new(2001 was nos at the dealership). Bought in fl, taken to nj, father broke hip in 2008 after falling off, winterized and put in garage, daughter brought them back to fl in 2017, dealership told them it would cost 2k and 1800 to get them running, sat til i bought them.
price 400.00
comes with trailer? Yes
live on water? No
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water private lake
compression numbers? 2002 has 120 on both. Havent tried the 2001 yet
does it run? 2002 kinda runs, havent tried the 2001
Pictures,videos?
mechanical knowledge was cert cat mech, ase mechanic, worked on merc outboards
tools sparktapuss, compression tester, merc flywheel remover, tons of wrenches, sockets, specialty sockets, impact tools, compressor, cherry picker, floor jack, 2 parts skis, 52hp tractor

[burkebullies]

I'm rebuilding my motor in my 2002 Polaris genesis I jet ski and the end where the stater is I have a bracket with 2 holes in it I can't remember where it goes any diagrams of motor breakdown or help

[Phoenix0917]

Hello all I am new here and to the world of jet skis (owning). Here is my information as requested. I am very mechanical and looking to get this thing cleaned up and on the water in spring. I ordered a new battery, seat cover, fuel pump rebuild kit and spark plugs so far. The picture looks worse than it really was. Just needs some TLC and I assume clean up the fuel system after sitting. I am not familiar with how these engines work so any tips would be appreciated. I do know it had fuel stabilizer in it but I will remove this fuel and replace it with fresh. I also assume adding a little oil on the top of the pistons would be a good step since it sat so long. Thanks in advance.


Where u from? Dayton, Ohio
what kind of ski Polaris SLTH
what year 1999
what kind of engine 700cc
how many hours on the meter? Not looked yet
how long did it sit 7 years
any new/modified parts on it not yet
recent tune-ups or rebuild none
general history of the ski if you know Bought from a friend. Used casual from 1999-2011.
price $500
comes with trailer? Yes
live on water? No
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water Lake
compression numbers? n/a
does it run? Hope so after cleaning
Pictures,videos? Below
mechanical knowledge Automotive ÔÇô solid abilities
tools About anything I need

[DanB]

Newbie questions

[QUOTE=bowsniper;1381505]As this site continues to grow, I see more and more Interested jetski enthusists Purchasing a ski without really knowing whats up with the polaris line in general..ie... they dont make skis anymore, no mechanics to wrench on them and theres only a few places to find real info.. So with that in mind, Heres a few questions every Newbie should ask themselves before buying a ski or repairing one to get it running.. If you already bought a ski and your excited about fixing it, and you would like help,, answer these questions about your ski for the rest of us.. Where u from? Tualatin, Orwhat kind of ski-'99 1200 FI genesis, '00 1200 FI genesiswhat yearwhat kind of enginehow many hours on the meter?-135 ish on bothhow long did it sit-2 yearsany new/modified parts on it-3 new pistons, used lower half w/crank, replaced gray fuel lines, found cracked coil ground straps;made and installed ground jumper wiresrecent tune-ups or rebuild- 2 hrs on the 2000, timing seems advancedgeneral history of the ski if you knowpricecomes with trailer?-paid 2000$ w/trailer. The 99 wasnt running, found that somone fried the ecm by trying to jump start the ski with cables reversed, had ecm rebuilt by Harris for 650$live on water?-no, close thodid the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water-Lake watercompression numbers? N/A on the 2000, too fresh, not sure rings are seated yet. Dont remember the numbers on the 99 but do remember they were very close.does it run? Yes on bothPictures,videos?mechanical knowledge- just mechanically inclined i supposetools- just the normal stuff

[polgar]

Here is my newbie introduction:

Where u from?-- Stockton CA
what kind of ski-- Polaris Genesis I
what year-- 2002
what kind of engine-- injected 1200 Ficht
how many hours on the meter?-- 138.0
how long did it sit -- 2 yrs
any new/modified parts on it-- No
recent tune-ups or rebuild-- Drained fuel and replaced with new premium, replaced axle bearing, new battery, plugs, upgraded coil grounds as instructed on forum
general history of the ski if you know-- Rode it two years ago (neighbor owned it) before the EMM 8 pin connector burned up. Traded him an old Suzuki worth about $1500 for it. I sent the EMM to FichtEMM in TN about a month ago and paid $450 plus shipping to get the connector cleaned. I replaced the female side and it started.
price-- "Traded him an old Suzuki worth about $1500 for it"
comes with trailer?-- Yes
live on water?-- No
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water Lake and Delta
compression numbers? -- Not yet
does it run? It did for a short outing--very well too after fixing the coil grounds.
Pictures,videos? --Just my Avatar
mechanical knowledge -- I've maintained my cars and in recent years, some '80's Suzuki's as well as my homes since I was 15. That's a long time by the way.
tools --Quite a lot but never enough.

I had the ski out for the first time (after having the EMM "repaired") with my two daughters a week ago and it had a "miss" but ran ok. There was a small leak which turned out to be the pitot tube disconnected. I replaced the axle bearing and that's when I saw it. Took it our this morning to see if it was ok to take the girls back out but it ran pretty rough so I brought it in. I found the thread by K447 instructing to correct the coil grounds. I did so and took it back out and it idled and accelerated perfectly. I was thrilled actually. On the way back it shut down and apparently I did not get the battery cables tightened down properly and they came loose and shut down the motor. I managed to get started again and got back to 5 mph zone where I was towed to the ramp. Got the battery cables tightened down but she only started for a moment and stopped with a nasty screech. I haven't checked the compression yet but that's next. Kinds scared of what might have happened. It was running so sweetly before it shut down. Oh well. Here we go...

[vince954]

New guy here in florida, just picked up a 2002 freedom with the 700cc domestic engine. got it running but it seems to misfire, checking deeper i find the aft cylinder will not run on its own (grounding the other spark plug) but with bot on it does seem to kick in as i accelerate, any ideas?

[Arkhaine]

Hi, new here so I thought I'd answer the "newbie" questions.

I'm Brandon
I'm from Massachusetts
The ski I bought is a 2004 Polaris MSX 110
The hours on the ski read 41.5
Not sure how long it sat before I purchased it, but it sat for at least 4 months (possibly not properly winterized)
Not sure on new or modified parts (I don't think the owner even knew much about the ski)
General history is that I'm guessing the ski was left at a dock with some choppy waters, there was damage to the hood, one of the mirrors, the chrome shroud was snapped in half, and some chunks taken out of the top of the gelcoat.
Got the ski for $1400 with a trailer
I do not live on the water sadly
I was told the ski was only run in lake water
The compression numbers were 129 and 127
It does run...so far. Haven't had it out on the water yet

My mechanical knowledge is that of cars. I have worked with cars for 20-ish years. Slight boat knowledge. No previous PWC knowledge.
I have access to a lot of tools. So far I don't have any of the "specialized" tools that are mentioned in the service manual.

Hoping to get an actual lake run this week/weekend and see if it floats and does more than just idle. Fingers crossed that it goes.

**UPDATE**
Was able to put the ski in the lake I normally go to Saturday (although only quick 5-10 minutes) no problems with that run. No rpm limits hit and no check engine light and hit 51 on the speedo.

[Smille5291]

Newbie again..

I am a Newbie again years ago I had a Kawasaki 100di that reminded me everyday why I needed to work and make money... Now I bought 2 virage 700s one for parts and one to fix it needed electronics previous owner says they were bad he took them out gave them to a buddy and never got them back... The parts ski had all of that but a bad motor so i was happy. So far so good with a lot of help on here from a great bunch of guys.. I got them both for $300 w/ trailer and $400 w/trailer.. I got the 2001 up and running and yesterday was the first water test and it did great... This site is amazing with the help... Melbourne , florida

[minispdrcr]

Hello there!! New here. The name is Marcin and I am in Oklahoma City, OK.

Where u from? Oklahoma City, OK
what kind of ski - 1995 Polaris SL650
how many hours on the meter? No idea
how long did it sit - no idea
any new/modified parts on it - nope
recent tune-ups or rebuild - nope
price - free
comes with trailer? - nope
live on water? nope
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water - normal
compression numbers? have not tested yet
does it run? - nope
Pictures,videos? Not yet
mechanical knowledge - work on my own vehicles - have had many classics
tools - lots

[K447]

Where u from? Mohave County, AZ
what kind of ski SL 750 (and 97 Sea-Doo XP)
what year 93 X 2
what kind of engine Fuji
how many hours on the meter? It's a 93? It doesn't have a meter.
how long did it sit too long, since about 05
any new/modified parts on it I think the fuel lines, cause, they aren't Tempos
recent tune-ups or rebuild
general history of the ski if you know As per the seller, it was a family a "kids and adults" type set up. The "kids" ski seized and they bought new skis
price 200 for the pair
comes with trailer? No
live on water? No
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water Normal, no rust
compression numbers? 120-130-130
does it run? The one, no, he said it might, he put some oil to losen it but didn't try, he said try a wrench to break it lose, the other one will run if you put starting fluid in it for a short time.
Pictures,videos? Not right now
mechanical knowledge AVG, I worked on a JS 550 so, it's putting me to the test, PROJECT: POLARIS
tools small tool set, now I have reason to buy a new one


Sea-Doo forums are dime a dozen. It's time to learn something new, my XP scares me, these 750s don't seem as complexed. I hope this place can help me with my project. Lost titles, but in AZ you don't need that, I have the reg to the one with the seized motor and two bills of sales. I did lost title on my JS in CA, so it's nothing I haven't done at least once. I have the original owners info, too.

Welcome

See my signature links for lots of info and recommended maintenance.

Post a new thread in the Polaris Open Discussion forum if you have specific questions.

[Octoarms]

Where u from? Mohave County, AZ
what kind of ski SL 750 (and 97 Sea-Doo XP)
what year 93 X 2
what kind of engine Fuji
how many hours on the meter? It's a 93? It doesn't have a meter.
how long did it sit too long, since about 05
any new/modified parts on it I think the fuel lines, cause, they aren't Tempos
recent tune-ups or rebuild
general history of the ski if you know As per the seller, it was a family a "kids and adults" type set up. The "kids" ski seized and they bought new skis
price 200 for the pair
comes with trailer? No
live on water? No
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water Normal, no rust
compression numbers? 120-130-130
does it run? The one, no, he said it might, he put some oil to losen it but didn't try, he said try a wrench to break it lose, the other one will run if you put starting fluid in it for a short time.
Pictures,videos? Not right now
mechanical knowledge AVG, I worked on a JS 550 so, it's putting me to the test, PROJECT: POLARIS
tools small tool set, now I have reason to buy a new one


Sea-Doo forums are dime a dozen. It's time to learn something new, my XP scares me, these 750s don't seem as complexed. I hope this place can help me with my project. Lost titles, but in AZ you don't need that, I have the reg to the one with the seized motor and two bills of sales. I did lost title on my JS in CA, so it's nothing I haven't done at least once. I have the original owners info, too.

[K447]

Hi everyone. Just bought a SL750 today. The seller said it had a bad driveshaft. When I asked him why he thought that, he pointed to the missing grease zerk in the carrier bearing. Should I pull the bearing completely out or can I just replace the zerk & pump it full of grease? If I do pull the pump & shaft out (to remove the bearing), is it necessary to use the alignment tool before reassembly?

Another question - The compression was great (eng was rebuit several owners ago). 150 PSI - do I need to use 92 octane?

You guys rock!

Where u from? NE Iowa
what kind of ski SL750
what year '95
what kind of engine Blue Fuji
how many hours on the meter? Not sure
how long did it sit All summer
any new/modified parts on it Rebuilt engine about 7 years ago
recent tune-ups or rebuild
general history of the ski if you know - previous owner not knowledgible
price $500
comes with trailer? No (had my own)
live on water? No
did the ski run on saltwater or normal lake water- fresh
compression numbers? 150 - 145 - 145
does it run? Yes
Pictures,videos?
mechanical knowledge - graduated from school of hard knocks
tools - general

Welcome

See my signature links for lots of info.

The older Polaris drive shaft couplers came from the factory with a needle type grease fitting. Unlike the common Zerk fitting the needle type just looks like a tapered hollow. The factory grease fitting may actually still be in there.

The key with these older watercraft is to inspect and do the maintenance work on everything, not just the few things you 'think' are giving trouble.

Create a new thread in the Polaris Open Discussion forum if you have specific questions or want to share what you are working on.