I just purchased a 1998 Sportster 1800 project that I have some questions about. First off, I am a total newbie when it comes to these type of boats (or 2 stroke engines in general), but I am very mechanical and have a well equipped shop. I purchased the boat from the owner with one engine removed (but still together as a longblock). The owner said that he had stored the boat for the winter, and when he went to fire it up in the spring the left engine wouldn't turn over. He took it to a local mechanic who found that oil had filled both cylinders causing the boat to not be able turn over until the spark plugs were removed and the excess oil blown out. Instead of fixing the problem the mechanic suggested that he just purchase a reman engine to replace the problem engine
Anyway, he has two young children and decided to wait and do the project over the winter... which never happened. So I bought it from him as a very nice, complete boat with the one engine removed. Now for my questions:1. What are the probable causes for the oil leakage into the cylinders? I did some searching and found that several people online complained of a similar problem after their boat sat for an extended period of time, but I never found where someone stated what the solution was??? I don't mind tearing into the engine and just replacing all gaskets/seals, but what should I be looking for?
2. What things should I check on one/both engines to ensure that I have good/serviceable engines? I would imagine a compression check would be at the top of the list... what else? As I said, I am a newbie to these engines.
3. Any other advice for me before I dive in? I have the service manual, what else should I get. I will be doing all the work/maintenance myself, going to the dealer is not an option. I don't mind a learning curve, just please point me in the right direction.
4. What is the technical designation for my 98' 1800 sportster??? Why is there so much info on the speedsters, 1800 challengers, but not the 1800 sportster???
Thanks in advance, really excited about finding this forum/community! Looking forward to becoming an active member in the near future. Thanks Cole
