Daryl

I bought a SLT Polaris 1997 780 Waverunner...Can anyone tell me if there is any problems at all with this Waverunner that I might have to look out for..? This is my first Waverunner and want to make sure I know what to look out for. One other thing is this a good Waverunner???? Please give feedback...Daryl

mazdaboi

Polaris , like Tigershark, both are discontinued brands. But right now parts are still readily available for both.

Do you have 2 different Oil and Fuel tanks. Biggest thing that goes wrong is the inline fuel/oil mixer. there are kits out there to block off the oil tank and do pre-mix in the gas tank.

Shaft bearings - Check your grease fittings on your driveshaft. If they dont look messed up/rusted out, fill them with more general/all purpose grease, or you can goto a polaris dealer and get the marine/ATV grade grease. (works the same) New grease fittings cost $3 (pack of 10, 2 of each size). first thing i did when i got my tigershark was replace all my grease fittings on the ski and trailer.


Other then that, if she starts up every time, keep fresh water flushing her and its always good to throw a new set of spark plugs in her.

Just keep in mind, Starters, Starter Benix's, go up from time to time, and carburetors usually need a good cleaning/rebuild after so many years. Rebuild kits cost around $40 (avg).


Post some pics. and welcome to the board!

__________________
1996 TS 770

Daryl

Hello this is Daryl and No I only have one Gas tank and one oil tank. I sure hope I made a good decision in buying this waverunner. One question can a person start the waverunner with out it being in the water? And just let it run a little bit? I would like to know if it will start, I never heard it run yet. I will take some pic sometime and send them.....Thank you and would you send some feedback on my questions please.....Daryl

polaris2go

Daryl,

If you have to start it out of water, you can dry start for 10-30 seconds. I would recommend hooking a water/garden hose to the flush fitting on the cooling rail before starting. Just turn the water off before shuting the engine off. Since you are purchasing this used, go on-line and down load any manual available for this engine and manufacturer. Follow the maintenance guides closely. This will insure a good starting point from a poorly maintained PWC. If during your maintenace you find dirty filters, dry fittings or anything that does not seem right, take the time to ask questions untill you are satisfied. Once in the water with new plugs as recommended by others, check the color for any sign of gray or very clean looking after a short run. If its gray STOP and inspect for lean mixture. I recommend mixing your first tank irrespective of oil injection system. It may burn alot of blue smoke out the back but thats better than burning a hole in the piston.

awayisail

Hi all!

I have a 97 Polaris 780.. which I love and is a great little machine. I now have moved from the freshwater lakes of NY to the Florida intercoastal and East Coast. I am trying to figure out how to flush out the ski with fresh water before I start to abuse it in the salt water. I am trying to find the hose fitting to run the water through but am having no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help!

polaris2go

I don't know anyone in thier right mind that would dry start and run a watercraft any longer than say 30 seconds unless of course you want to spend alot of time and money repairing the damage. Read the maintenance section of your manual or take it to a professional and work with them. Good luck!! By the way, with a little common sense and maintenance, your Polaris watercraft will be one of the most reliable and fun to ride watercraft you'll ever experience. Continue too ask questions and understand before taking action and you should'nt go wrong.

awayisail

Hello!

I am not planning on dry starting it but on flushing it with fresh water after using it in salt water. I found a plug fitting by the spark plugs is this where I buy or make an adaptor to flush the system or run water through it on land?

polaris2go

Sorry I misunderstood your last inquiry. The brass plug on the coolong rail above the heads is where you want to flush the system at. Purchase an aftermarket kit from just about any watercraft supply house. If you are going to ride in salt water, pick a kit with a quick connect and shut-off valve. Flush after every ride thouroughly. Rinse out the engine compartment and the pump and hull, Fog the engine compartment with anti-corrosion spray (see a local dealer for common product in your area). If you are going to store for awhile, fog the engine via air intake with fogging oil. this will coat the inside cylinders, pistons and rings to prevent rust and further corrosion.
Good Luck!