Advice: Replace Engine or Scrap Ski

[rbenzoj]

I bought a 94 superjet w/ a 2001 engine off Craigslist for $1500 2 years ago. The ski ran perfect on the trailer and for the first run in the water. Unfortunately, after that first test the ski just wouldn't open up. It'd get to about 50% of fully open then just keep cutting to a putter. Compression in each carb is fine and on the trailer it opens up fully w/ no problem. I've had it at 3 different repair shops, had the carbs entirely rebuilt, and ultimately none of the mechanics can fix it. I'm at the point now where I need to make a decision.

Please offer your opinion on whether I should invest $2500 in a new engine (~1k for parts, rest labor.. i'm not mechanically inclined) or just take the hit and try to sell it for scrap or to someone willing to do the work.

Any thoughts/advice would be hugely appreciated. Biggest questions:
1) if the engine doesn't fix the problem, how much more could be required to fix the ski? is the engine the biggest cost component, or could i be facing another 2-3k fix?
2) What is the range i could expect to sell a running, but not running well, 94 superjet?

Thanks very much for reading.

-Ben

 

[Big Kahuna]

Get in Touch With Phil Clemmons, he is in your area. If you have good compression, then it is either a fuel or fire issue (Carb or Ignition). @Philip Clemmons

 

[DAG]

Can you make it to VA Beach this weekend? Someone will A.) buy it from you or B.) look it over and let you know whats actually wrong. Symptoms you describe aren't uncommon but could be a multitude of things

 

[mikidymac]

Most Autozone stores will loan you a compression tester. I wouldn't do anything without checking the compression as it will tell you if the engine is mechanically good. It should be 150 psi each cylinder. If it runs and starts in the water you might be lucky in the compression. Once we know that we can start guiding you in the correct direction. Don't give up on her yet.

 

[SuperJet-Dave]

I bought a 94 superjet w/ a 2001 engine off Craigslist for $1500 2 years ago. The ski ran perfect on the trailer and for the first run in the water. Unfortunately, after that first test the ski just wouldn't open up. It'd get to about 50% of fully open then just keep cutting to a putter. Compression in each carb is fine and on the trailer it opens up fully w/ no problem. I've had it at 3 different repair shops, had the carbs entirely rebuilt, and ultimately none of the mechanics can fix it. I'm at the point now where I need to make a decision.

Please offer your opinion on whether I should invest $2500 in a new engine (~1k for parts, rest labor.. i'm not mechanically inclined) or just take the hit and try to sell it for scrap or to someone willing to do the work.

Any thoughts/advice would be hugely appreciated. Biggest questions:
1) if the engine doesn't fix the problem, how much more could be required to fix the ski? is the engine the biggest cost component, or could i be facing another 2-3k fix?
2) What is the range i could expect to sell a running, but not running well, 94 superjet?

Thanks very much for reading.

-Ben

I had a similar sounding issue with a SuperJet. After trying a ridiculous amount of things to fix it... replacing the (relatively new) fuel filter for $5 fixed it. Replacing the motor is expensive and is only a last resort. Things like carb adjustments, replacing fuel lines, replacing fuel filter, replacing spark plugs, checking plug wire connectivity, etc are easy and inexpensive.
I know this is a pain. Good luck.

 

[bored&stroked]

A motor rebuild most likely won't fix the engine. Had a friend go threw this ended up being spark plug caps. Find a better mechanic.

 

[rbenzoj]

Can you make it to VA Beach this weekend? Someone will A.) buy it from you or B.) look it over and let you know whats actually wrong. Symptoms you describe aren't uncommon but could be a multitude of things

I can't unfortunately but thanks for recommendation.

Get in Touch With Phil Clemmons, he is in your area. If you have good compression, then it is either a fuel or fire issue (Carb or Ignition). @Philip Clemmons

Thanks for connect. Phil reached out and I'm going to call him.

I had a similar sounding issue with a SuperJet. After trying a ridiculous amount of things to fix it... replacing the (relatively new) fuel filter for $5 fixed it. Replacing the motor is expensive and is only a last resort. Things like carb adjustments, replacing fuel lines, replacing fuel filter, replacing spark plugs, checking plug wire connectivity, etc are easy and inexpensive.
I know this is a pain. Good luck.

Interesting.. thanks for insight. I will do these before I move to engine.

A motor rebuild most likely won't fix the engine. Had a friend go threw this ended up being spark plug caps. Find a better mechanic.

Thanks for advice

 

[Collussus]

I suggest stator. You have compression. You have gas. Spark appears to be an issue. Before you toss the ski, replace the charging coil (check the resistance first). I followed your path and symptoms. We eventually replaced the shortblock (ok, it was over 20 years old, on OE seals) and it was exactly the same. When the coil warms up, a defective one will go out of tolerance even if it tests OK cold. Sorry, but we all ride vintage and this stuff dies eventually.