Picked up a 94 Sport Jet 90 basket case. Lots of questions

[Maximusprime]

After telling myself I would not buy any more projects, my buddy convinced me to go in halfs with him on a 94 bayliner jazz with a 90hp sport jet engine. I have read all of the threads about how these engines are dogs, but for the $300 price tag, I figured if I can get it on the water, it would be worth it.

The hull is in great shape, looks almost new. The motor, on the other hand is now sitting on my workbench as the previous owner blew it to smithereens and never finished putting it back together after the rebuild. He had the cylinders honed, and bored one out to .020. One new cylinder and new rings on all three. Cylinder walls look good, and getting the motor back together should not be too big of a problem.

The biggest question I have is what would have caused the cylinder to crap out? The piston is all messed up. The guy who sold it said that the oil pump went out and recommended just pre mixing oil/gas when I fill it up. I dont mind doing that if it is safe, as I have heard that these oil pumps are prone to failure, and I would be much happier not worrying about a new one going out. Should I replace the oil pump? Are there any other typical causes for this type of engine failure?

I have a question about the jet drive also. The seal on the input shaft of the drive looks old, and I figured I would replace it but I want to know if I need to even bother. Also, it appears that the seal kit is now obsolete. Where could I find one if I do replace it?

What kinds of "while you're in there" type maintenance should I do while to motor is out?

Thanks!

 

[sixfigures]

Re: Picked up a 94 Sport Jet 90 basket case. Lots of questions

Everyone is different but if I had that I would remove the entire engine and jet drive. glass in the bottom and place a custom built bracket on the back for an outboard engine. I actually have plans to do that some day in the future time permitting. The force 3 cylinder was ok , I owned one for years, it's a modified force outboard power head, the rectifier will fry the field windings for the ignition if it goes bad.
The boat won't steer for crap unless you install a cobra jet steering system on it. Once you start spending money on that boat you will be in over your head and constantly fixing things if you can locate parts. The hulls were a blast though thus the reason I would like to retrofit a outboard engine on one.

 

[Maximusprime]

Re: Picked up a 94 Sport Jet 90 basket case. Lots of questions

that is a pretty cool idea, but unfortunately not really an option for me. My goal is to get it back in running condition while taking whatever precautionary steps I can to avoid any headaches down the road. Also trying to keep it cheap.