Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

The parts cost is already adding up! I've spent about $120 already buying maintenance and replacement parts and I haven't even begun actually working on it.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

They are fun toys! Ever since my modded '94 Polaris SL650 blew up I've missed having two around. My parents have a '01 Polaris Virage so it will be nice having two at the lake again.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Nice, I had a couple of vintage SL650's as well, great ride for the price. I thought about slapping a turbo on it, then read up on two-stroke's, no thanks.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Turbo two strokers can make a decent amount of power, they are just a pain in the ass to set up.

As far as using a DSM to tow a boat, I think the boat in the pic would be a little too heavy for me to feel comfortable with. I used a '93 Celica to tow my jetski and it worked just fine.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

I wouldn't worry about a boat behind my DSM since it's beefed up in every way, but I wouldn't want to be putting the rearend in the water every time I launched or pulled out the boat. Trucks that frequently load and unload boats go through rear bearings quicker.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

I spent a good 8 hours today working on this thing. I replaced most of the fuel lines (10' wasn't enough so I ran out today), removed the jet intake grate to clean out the jet pump, put in new spark plugs, sprayed the carbs with some carb cleaner, drained the oil and fuel, inspected and cleaned the reeds, lubricated the steerting, throttle, and choke cables, tightened the steering and trim connections, refilled the oil and fuel with fresh stuff, replaced the fuel and oil filters, and finally primed the fuel system. If I work on it again tomorrow I'll finish replacing the fuel lines, clean the flame arrestors, reattach the intake manifold and carbs, and maybe get a new battery for it and try turning it over :D

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Sounds like you know what you're doing!

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Good progress.

You will probably need to take the carbs apart and clean them. Just spraying carb cleaner wont do much.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

You're probably right :( Do you think a carb rebuild kit will be necessary?

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Unless you wanna spend hours cleaning every tiny little part, I'd suggest getting a rebuild kit. You would probably need to buy gaskets for it anyways.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Yeah, just rebuild them, and buy yourself carb cleaner in a bucket, so you can fully submerge and soak the non-plastic components once you get them disassembled.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Damn them for not using Stabil 4 years ago!

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Haha even stabil wont stop all gumminess in carbs. I had to clean/rebuild by bikes carbs this year, did it 2 years ago too. Passages are so tiny that gas in the carbs just gets gummy.

Rebuild kit isnt a bad idea, the rubber gaskets are probably all hard, may leak if taken apart and put back together.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Once they are out Chris you might as well rebuild them, it's cheap and then you won't have to worry about your high speed jet not working right, running it lean, and burning it up in the process. Plus rebuilding those older carbs isn't very hard. Another thing I would strongly suggest checking out in the oil injection system, I have heard of those having problems if they sit a long time. Looks like a cool project though.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Not a bad machine, I have a 1995 seadoo hx with minor mods. Definitely fun summer toy but they are maintenance whores!

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

I would say definetly rebuild the carbs and fuel pump as they are more then likely all gumed up and dried out.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Well, everything is ready to attempt starting the engine, just waiting for the new battery to charge :)

Scheides' lended a hand today and came over (well, I picked him up) and assisted in getting the carbs/intake manifold bolted back on and finish replacing the fuel lines.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

I successfully lost one nut and one bolt! Glad I could help! :D

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

No go :( I drained the battery and a can of starting fluid with no success. As 95talonracer said, the carbs and/or fuel pump probably need rebuilding. It is getting spark though which is good. The engine was so rusted solid it wouldn't even turn over at first. It took a lot of quick repeated start button pushing to finally get the internal rust broken free. Once it started turning over though it sounded really strong which got my hopes up. I was trying for a long time though, I'm impressed with the $50 Walmart battery.

Re: My summer project - 1995 Polaris SLX 780
 

Hopefully the cylinder walls and bearings aren't messed up from being slightly seized up like that.