Octane rebuild project.

[cjbchopper]

Picked up a '03 Octane this winter. The engine has a rod bearing fail and it took out the crankcase. I accumulated all the needed parts and just got finished rebuilding the motor. Got some great advice from Randy and I am getting ready to put it together. The only other problem I found with this ski is the pump cone got loose and water got into the hub. Took out the bearings in the pump, other than that it is a very clean ski. I was pleased to find it.

[RMBC Freeride]

very cool! nice find

[MADMAT]

Very nice. What does a blown octane go for roughly? Just curious.

[785 lugs]

I remember seeing it forsale for a great price can't remember where though .I think the guy you bought it from bought it on PwcToday for around 1600.00 last year
Great Deal !!!!!!!

[yamaslut]

Picked up a '03 Octane this winter. The engine has a rod bearing fail and it took out the crankcase. I accumulated all the needed parts and just got finished rebuilding the motor. Got some great advice from Randy and I am getting ready to put it together. The only other problem I found with this ski is the pump cone got loose and water got into the hub. Took out the bearings in the pump, other than that it is a very clean ski. I was pleased to find it.

great find.... octanes are such fun stable skis....

[cjbchopper]

I bought it from the second owner, he owned it for a couple years. He had the entire motor ready to send to Watcon, but I opted to rebuild it myself. Paid just over two grand for the ski, I was stoked about it. I have invested $500 in it so far, but should not need to spend much more. How are the stock intake grate and ride plate on these? I heard the ride plate can be improved with an aftermarket plate. any thoughts?

[octane972]

The stock intake grate is not very good. Installed a worx grate and liked it until it broke. I got a R&D grate to replace it, but have not had a chance to ride it yet. I think I like the design better though.

On the ride plate: If it has the composite ride plate, almost anything else would be an impovement. Mine had that plate on it when I got it. I replaced it with the aluminum version from polaris. Randy at Watcon recommended this and I found it is much better. I've heard the worx plate helps with straight line performance, but causes it to slide out of turns more easily.

[cjbchopper]

The stock intake grate is not very good. Installed a worx grate and liked it until it broke. I got a R&D grate to replace it, but have not had a chance to ride it yet. I think I like the design better though.

On the ride plate: If it has the composite ride plate, almost anything else would be an impovement. Mine had that plate on it when I got it. I replaced it with the aluminum version from polaris. Randy at Watcon recommended this and I found it is much better. I've heard the worx plate helps with straight line performance, but causes it to slide out of turns more easily.

Will a RN intake grate work on a Octane? I have heard this before, but not sure.

[octane972]

I've also heard it will. The R&D grate I got looked like it may have been originally made for a yamaha and then machined around the bolt holes (the front holes were slotted) so it would fit the octane. I shaved about 1mm from the leading edge of the pump shoe to get the grate to sit flush.

[cjbchopper]

Build updated. Found a decent deal on an Octane dry pipe that is like new. Figured I would go for it, I have heard that these work excellent on these motors with proper tuning and setup. Also my buddy Dave had his waterbox crack so I fixed my before it happens. Added gussets and some weld to reinforce it.

[cjbchopper]

Got a 14/22 brand new Solas from Jetmaniac. My prop had a good size ding in it, so I went with a new one with a little less pitch. Wet Wolf stubby cone installed. The prop fits very tight in the wear ring, looking forward to lots of hook up, but OMG these pumps are heavy!!

[cjbchopper]

Fired it up for the first time this weekend. Seems to run really rich, but that will do for break in. Motor has a great deal of vibration, is that a trend with the octane? Shakes alot like a high compression 701 yami so I am guessing it is normal on these non counter balanced motors. Got Rev footholds on Friday and put them in over the weekend. Worked excellent.

[24-7 760 superjet]

Nice build, keep up the good work.

[WFO Speedracer]

Sweet build!

[cjbchopper]

More pics....Should be riding it by this weekend. Have owned this ski since November and still have never ridden an Octane. I am going to have to get used to the wammer hull. Mint condition B pipe may be up for sale if I like the dry pipe. Need to try it first.

[cjbchopper]

Started turfing and padding.

[cjbchopper]

Close to taking it out to the lake!

[Wolf Child]

Fired it up for the first time this weekend. Seems to run really rich, but that will do for break in. Motor has a great deal of vibration, is that a trend with the octane? Shakes alot like a high compression 701 yami so I am guessing it is normal on these non counter balanced motors. Got Rev footholds on Friday and put them in over the weekend. Worked excellent.


welcome to the world of Polaris.

Every Polaris motor I've had. (sl750, 785Pro, 2 octanes) all shake like they are coming apart till you get them into the midrange. it's normal, you get used to it.

[Motorheads5]

Chopper Congrat's that is a sweet ski nice work I am real sure you will love it. I got to spend a little time with Randy in Samammish wash. he is a great guy, having him to get help from is as good as it get's.Have fun.

[cjbchopper]

Got a chance to ride the Polaris a couple times over the weekend. Started with a 148 main, and a 80 pilot. Seemed to be running really rich, but the plugs were just light brown. Seems to be far from dialed in, falls on it's face when you open the throttle over 3/4. I went all over with the adjuster screws with minimal gains. Any suggestions from the Polaris gurus?

[Wolf Child]

Got a chance to ride the Polaris a couple times over the weekend. Started with a 148 main, and a 80 pilot. Seemed to be running really rich, but the plugs were just light brown. Seems to be far from dialed in, falls on it's face when you open the throttle over 3/4. I went all over with the adjuster screws with minimal gains. Any suggestions from the Polaris gurus?

:thinking:

that's pretty much the exact opposite of every octane I've ever ridden.

I'll have to look at the my stockers carbs.

[Wolf Child]

welll stock is a 68pilot and 140main. at least thats whats in my old pull off carbs and thats what the dealer fiche shows.

[cjbchopper]

The octane dry pipe has a main jet to regulate the water going to the stinger. Anyone have a suggestion as to what jet to use?

[cjbchopper]

The 42's were causing me a bit of trouble. Ended up swaping the octane jet plate into them and jetting with the help from a board member. Now it is running strong. Impressive mid range and top end pull, really like the wammer hull.

[haggis]

Nice, i bought a octane 2 years ago from a guy who had no idea how to look after it, when I eventualy dug it out from under a pile of tyres it was in a right state, blown crank, rod through the case, stripped threads in the cylinders etc. I bought the ski for £1000 and completly rebuilt the engine, new cases the lot and with a bit of graft it cleaned up great, my mate has it now.

[cjbchopper]

Have the ski running quite good now. Rips on top end and mid range, bottom end is now lagging. Has one dead spot when accelerating, then pulls like a train. Thinking about going back to the stock carbs just to see what happens. With the 42s the ski runs great when your wide open, but I can't get any sensitivity with these carbs. See what the stock carbs do next week.

[ttiedt]

Yea i wouldnt go back to the stockers. they're :-):-):-):-)ty. I would stick with the 42s. I know its pain to get them dailed but once you do you'll never have to touch them again you know untill you deside you want more power! lol! Keep an eye on your electrical box. they are notorious for getting water in them! i went threw 2 cdi boxs and a voltage reg the first two seasons. Same with my buddies 03. Its like a 3rd grader designed it. i ended up scraping it and went with a total loss. BEST INVESTMENT ever. you should kick it around! unleash the beast! And you should renforce your motor mount plates too. that vibration will ripp those plates right off the hull. I had an 02 pull the exhaust side completly off. Also reseal the bond lines so it doesnt water log! Like some one said earlier welcome to the world of octanes!

[cjbchopper]

Gave up on the 42's. The ski pulled hard with the carbs wide open, but had very rough mid range and bottom end was weak. Running the stock carbs with 68 pilot and 138 main. Ski runs quite good with this setup. Top end power seems just as good as with the 42's and better bottom end. Currently looking for some Novi's. How does everyone install the Mikunis on the Octane? Different mainfold? Or modified stock intake? If anyone is looking to sell a Octane Mikuni setup PM me.