dangarlepp

Hi, I've done a search and have'nt found much info on this.
My neighbor is selling a 2001 Zxi 1100. He says compression is low in one cylinder the other 2 are fine. One cylinder has a scratch so it needs a new piston and the cylinder fixed. I've never replaced a piston before but I'd like to try. Is this an easy fix?
Thanks any help would be great
DAn

dangarlepp

Oh, he also said the piston had a chip on the top of it. If I have to take it to a machine shop to fix the cylinder I guess I have to take the whole engine out?

dangarlepp

ok, I see I can unbolt and pull the cylinder off. This might not be so bad. I have a 96 750 XISS I bought new in 96. I've had the motor out of it to replace the stator but never the piston. Can you have one piston and cylinder bigger then the other 2 ??

WAKEMAN17

Its pretty simple to replace the pistons. just pull the cylinders off and there are the pistons. Then there is a circular pin on each side of the piston holding it on to the connection rod. just remove one of those pins and pull the pistons off the connecting rod and put the new ones back on the same way you took them off. Now putting the cylinders back over the pistons is a different story so let me know when you get to that step.

dangarlepp

Hey thanks wakeman, I've found a lot of info so far on changing the piston.
Maybe you can help me, I'm going to buy this jetski (2001 1100 Zxi), tomorrow from a neighbor of mine (he lives down the block I don't know him really). He says it has a chip on the top of the piston and a scatch on the cylinder wall. He says it's a little scratch but I won't know till I take it apart. But if the scratch is deep I would need a new cylinder $800. Other then that the ski looks in good shape.
What to due??

WAKEMAN17

If the crack isnt very deep then i wouldnt worry about replacing the cylinders if it looks like a really deep cut then dont waste the money on brand new cylinders, search ebay and craigslist for a cheaper one. And the chip on the piston go ahead and replace it. It would be better if you replaced all pistons but if your budget is as low as mine than it wouldnt hurt to replace the one.

dangarlepp

Is there an OEM topend kit from kawi available. I'd like to stick with OEM parts.
SBT might be another choice if I can't get an OEM kit.
What do you guys think?