Trent's Mild Restoration

[Shonuff]

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/31359/post-438648

I started the thread above to just say I got the ski and a mild buildup will ensue but I thought I would start an official buildup thread so I can keep track of the progress in a more linear fashion.

The ski is owned by Trent H. who is not a real watercraft guru but is an enthusiast nonetheless. He said that he had a SuperJet just collecting dust and wanted to eventually get back on it more. (I need to point out here that he also refused to sell it to me.) So I told him that if he paid for all the parts, I would perform all the labor for free since I need a hobby and the SX-R's are running entirely too reliably to mess with.

Here's the lowdown:

1994 Square 61x/61x (158psi both holes)
Zero degree bars with no grips
Ocean Pro rideplate (shimmed)
Intake grate (unknown as yet)
Atwood bilge with handlebar switch
Stock turf all around

 

[Shonuff]

He stated that the ski used to really take off but has since slowed considerably.

I started by removing the rideplate and pump.

The ski's been sitting for three years winterized so god knows how the carb looks inside. I'll need to get a rebuild kit from John Zigler soon.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

dude,

the pump looks workable enough.

are you confident it wasnt a fouled plug, or dirty fuel filter, bad gas, something silly like that?

also, cut the plug wires back... they run perfect on the trailer, but under load they miss... the stock plug boot configuration SUCKS... and a few seasons of vibrations make it a less than GOOD electrical connection.

another thought...

the overheat sensor?

have you ridden the boat?

a drastic change that a 'casual' rider would notice is likely some very obvious problem.

 

[Shonuff]

I pulled the prop and it's a friggin rock tumbler.

 

[Shonuff]

I'm going to send the pics to Dave and see what he thinks.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

that impeller is showing some wear, but not enough to make a night and day difference in performance.

keep looking my friend.

 

[Shonuff]

We both know it's the foam, Matt. All thousand pounds of it.

 

[Shonuff]

The carb's getting rebuilt, that honestly could be it.

 

[Shonuff]

Cleaned it up a little as it was a bit of a mess from being dragged from its slumber.

I'll need it registered in order to test ride it. Remind me to mention that to Trent.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

that chinpad is nice.

did you go thru the carb already?

 

[Shonuff]

Going to pull the carb tonight to prepare for the rebuild and evaluate the N/S for replacement. Trent's friend mentioned that the problem with the sluggishness could be the reeds. Though I don't think the problem is there, I told him I would yank them and look them over. He could be right, you never know.

I sent the prop off to Impros today to have them just clean it up so cavitation is ruled out.

I'm not looking forward to defoaming/refoaming but foothold installation is always exciting.

Also he mentioned today that he left the ski afloat in a boat dock a few years ago and it sunk overnight. Remind me to check the electrical box. :reporter:

 

[showmepro1200]

Be sure and check the electrical box

 

[Shonuff]

Well, I took the carb off to get a look at the reeds as requested and though they look fine, the crank is another story.

Interesting lesson here:

If you are going to store a ski for a number of years, be sure to fog the bejesus out of it.

Since this ski sat for a while, I'm guessing the rust on the crank is from moisture more than intrusion since compression is so good. It may be a factor in crank life but since everything is stock and the ski is gently ridden, I'm assuming it will be OK for now. How long will it last? . . . who's to say. Perhaps five more years give or take.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

nothing wrong that I have seen this far, other than potentially wet foam, and probably a carb full of rusty gunk based on the other rusty stuff.

I didnt realize you enjoyed taking on projects for others.

Swing by here and Ill send you home with a few 'projects'

just dont make eye contact with Rudie.

 

[Shonuff]

What about Parker?

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

Even though he thrives on eye contact, he rarely bites.

 

[Shonuff]

Got the carb off and ordered a rebuild kit from John Zigler along with a new N/S assembly per Zig's recommendation.

SBN44
Pilot Jet = 115
Main Jet = 135
Needle/Seat = 1.5
Spring = 95g
Pilot screw = 1-1/4
Main Screw = 1

 

[Shonuff]

Thanks, Zig.

 

[Shonuff]

Went through the carb today.

Interestingly, it had been rebuilt like it was a SBN38 as it was running the SBN38 gasket set. I can't imagine it makes too much difference but I set everything straight. The fuel pump cover gasket really put up a fight and eventually had to be ripped apart. The remaining paper detritus had to be carefully wire-wheeled away. Came out looking shiny though.

Rebuilt it in my kitchen. Hmm? Place kind of smells like gas now. :crutches:

 

[1550]

How you get jets off? I messed one carb when trying to remove jets...