19 replies to this topic

[Bill Martin]

I bought a clean 1998 Grand Touring SE 700 with a little over 3200 miles on it. The problem is the motor will not turn over and has been sitting for many years. How can I try and free it up without tearing the engine apart?

Thanks

[SKI_DOO_MAN_484]

you can spray penetrating oil or pour diesel down each cylinder and let it sit for a day or two. I sure dont think that motor will last long if you get it freed up and running.....

[Ditchbangr zx]

Pour a bit of injection oil in the cylinders and let it sit for a day. Take the exhaust off and see if it runs down the y pipe and getting past the rings, if so give her a pull. Like it was said above thou, it might not last long.

[TogiakDoo]

I did the same thing last year bought a 98 GT SE that hadent moved in 3 years with 4,400 miles on it. I had to put oil in the plug holes to free up the motor then take the clutch apart and clean it. Now a year later I have a base gasket leak and it might need new reads. so I would have to put about $400 into it and a bunch of work. It has been a pain in the butt, but when it runs boy does it really haul.
Other things to look at is the wiring. My headlights went out and the fuse holders that they have are really bad. I am in the process of trying to fix this.
Good luck. it will be a project but if your good with tools you should be alright.
Greg

[Bill Martin]

I did the same thing last year bought a 98 GT SE that hadent moved in 3 years with 4,400 miles on it. I had to put oil in the plug holes to free up the motor then take the clutch apart and clean it. Now a year later I have a base gasket leak and it might need new reads. so I would have to put about $400 into it and a bunch of work. It has been a pain in the butt, but when it runs boy does it really haul.
Other things to look at is the wiring. My headlights went out and the fuse holders that they have are really bad. I am in the process of trying to fix this.
Good luck. it will be a project but if your good with tools you should be alright.
Greg

I was able to get the engine free and I just did a compression test :

#1 120
#2 120
#3 145

[ZXMODV]

I was able to get the engine free and I just did a compression test :

#1 120
#2 120
#3 145

Those aren't very good numbers.Because that engine was stuck,those 2 low numbers indicate the rings may be stuck in the pistons.If you run it like that stuck rings let combustion gases and high heat past the rings,which wash off the very thin oil film and cause piston seizure that looks like a lean mixture. Regardless, there is way too much difference in those readings.you should take it apart, measure everything and do rings at least.The crank bearings could easily have pitting or tiny rust spots on them as well.But you can take a chance and go to a mercury marine dealer and pick up a can of 2 stroke "power clean".Its a spray for carboned up outboards and it works quite well.I've had good luck with it in the past.Just follow the directions carefully,cause it can be hard on crank seals if left in the motor.Hopefully your numbers will change after using it and running the engine a bit.good luck.

[Jimbob SOS]

A complete gasket kit is not that pricey and could be a good learning experience for you. Take apart and get everything cleaned up and should be good to go, it's a long summer.

[Bill Martin]

I wasn't sure about rebuilding the top end on it or just buying a running engine off ebay or find one that's being parted out. I don't want to put new pistons/rings in it and then find out something is bad with the bottom end.

[Jimbob SOS]

I wasn't sure about rebuilding the top end on it or just buying a running engine off ebay or find one that's being parted out. I don't want to put new pistons/rings in it and then find out something is bad with the bottom end.

You won't need to buy new pistons/rings. Before I would buy a "fresh" motor off ebay I would check the one I've got and then I would be sure of what I have. You could probably get a complete gasket with new seals for less than $50, I bought one for my 98 fanner for $35. For the price of a used motor you could probably rebuild yours cheaper.

[SKI_DOO_MAN_484]

If the motor sat long enough for the top end to lock up, I can only imagine what the bottom end looks like. I bet those bearings aren't long to the world.....

[Ditchbangr zx]

Have you tryed to get the motor fired up since the compression test? Or have you had the motor fired up and running? Ansewer those 2 questions first, yeah your compression test doesn't reveal good #s. But jumping on EBay and buying another motor in ? Isn't cheap either, could cost you double. What I mean is you could get another motor in the same repair as yours (good compression) but bad crank seals? It could be cheaper and easier to rebuild yours.

[Bill Martin]

There is no battery in it and no spark

[maluchm]

It's a 98 700 triple....probably the worst for PTO crank bearing failures. Check the Mach Triple forum sticky post at the top for the fix, called oiling hole mod.

Start with the crank IMO and work your way up. EBay is a crap shoot especially if you are looking for another 98 to replace it with. Try a 99 or newer OR a 98 with the oiling hole.

Where are you located? I think I have an extra complete 700 but if I don't I know someone who does.

[Bill Martin]

Does this model need a battery to run?

[yellow fever mxz]

Does this model need a battery to run?

should run without the batt....IMO do not attempt to ride that sled without tearing that thing all the way down to the crank...98s are the worst for the triples..like maluchm said the pto bearings are notorious for failure....just ask me how i know this...