- Location
- California
Hello everyone,
I have been riding an '89 Kawasaki 650sx with a '91 engine in it.
While stopped, I felt the ski sinking. When trying to start the engine, it took in water and wouldn't turn over. After towing it in and getting the water out it ran like a champ. A couple trips to the lake later, however, it lost power and stopped running. I have experience rebuilding small engines (lawnmowers, etc) and figured I could fix this as well. I would really like to have it up and running in 4 weeks (large family vacation planned).
The cylinder head is toast. The front one is black, and both have chunks missing. I suppose I'll need to replace this.
The cylinder itself is a little scratched. A slight honing should take care of it. I might end up needing slightly oversided rings.
The pistons are quite chopped up on top. They'll need to be replaced as well.
The crankcase looks like it took on a little water. It seems to spin freely, but if I'm rebuilding the rest, should I go ahead and change the crank bearings while I'm at it?
I have looked on eBay and Google for parts, and I'm unsure if the sellers are reputable. Is there a reputable place to buy top end rebuild kits from? How about any other parts I may need? From what I've seen so far, I might be better off spending a couple extra hundred dollars for a professionally rebuilt engine (so I know nothing else is wrong). This option may also be quicker, making it easier to have running within 4 weeks.
I'd gladly appreciate your input and help, having more experience in working on these jetskiis than I do.
I have been riding an '89 Kawasaki 650sx with a '91 engine in it.
While stopped, I felt the ski sinking. When trying to start the engine, it took in water and wouldn't turn over. After towing it in and getting the water out it ran like a champ. A couple trips to the lake later, however, it lost power and stopped running. I have experience rebuilding small engines (lawnmowers, etc) and figured I could fix this as well. I would really like to have it up and running in 4 weeks (large family vacation planned).
The cylinder head is toast. The front one is black, and both have chunks missing. I suppose I'll need to replace this.
The cylinder itself is a little scratched. A slight honing should take care of it. I might end up needing slightly oversided rings.
The pistons are quite chopped up on top. They'll need to be replaced as well.
The crankcase looks like it took on a little water. It seems to spin freely, but if I'm rebuilding the rest, should I go ahead and change the crank bearings while I'm at it?
I have looked on eBay and Google for parts, and I'm unsure if the sellers are reputable. Is there a reputable place to buy top end rebuild kits from? How about any other parts I may need? From what I've seen so far, I might be better off spending a couple extra hundred dollars for a professionally rebuilt engine (so I know nothing else is wrong). This option may also be quicker, making it easier to have running within 4 weeks.
I'd gladly appreciate your input and help, having more experience in working on these jetskiis than I do.