1998 GP800/GP1200 Carb Rebuild

[DTV]

Recently purchased a 1998 GP800 and 1998 GP1200. The GP800 runs great, the GP1200 runs a big sluggish compared to the GP800 and seems to be quite smokey and the engine doesn't seem to run as well and smoothly as the GP800 (sorry for my non-mechanical terms).

Since these are my first skis, I have been told to rebuild the carbs on both since they are long overdue. I'm quite handy, but never have rebuilt carbs before. I do want to save $$ and get to know the skis so I don't have to pay someone to do maintenance on them. I hope I'm not getting myself into too much trouble. Is this something that's better left for someone experienced?

If this is doable by the average person, which kits do I need to buy and where is the best place to buy them? Are they normally available locally? I want them by this next weekend so I can try to rebuild by the 4th of July for some water fun.

Thanks in advance...

[addicted]

Not difficult to do. First, search the forums and download the OEM service manual on PDF. Then it's just a matter of removing the carbs, taking them apart, cleaning and reassembling with the new parts. do 1 at time so that if you forget where something goes, you have another for reference.

I would only buy genuine mikuni carb kits. They cost more, but they are better than the after market stuff.

[Flying Scotsman]

make sure you get the right kits as well

GP1200 will have SBN carbs GP800 will have I body carbs.
GP1200 will need 3 kits and GP800 will need 2 kits

FS

[DTV]

Thanks guys for your replies... looking to get them soon. Do the Genuine Mikuni kits sell locally anywhere? Or is it best to order online. If online, where is a good place to order that is pretty good on prompt shipping?

[Flying Scotsman]

You can get kits many places even ebay
They will be in a Mikuni package
GP1200 has 44mm Mikuni SBN carbs GP800 has ?mm Mikuni I boby carbs.
I think 44mm and 46mm I body carbs use the same kit but make sure.
Scott.......

[addicted]

Good dealers and PWC shops will stock mikuni kits, but bring some vasoline They can be found on ebay for as low as $25ea. for the sbn kits. I buy them whenever I see them. Retail usually runs about $45 for the SBN's. I body kits are a little more, just not sure how much more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MIKUN...spagenameZWD1V

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawas...spagenameZWD1V

[dav_dman]

if you hit a problem, gimme a call..can do em with my eyes closed by now.
get an impact driver from harbor frieght for cheap and save yourself stripping out the kidney screws. Mine is sears, but i saw cheap ones for low use at harbor the other day. Use vise grips sideways to break loose the outside screws, then unscrew with a #2philips.

502-608-6227 Dave

[DTV]

if you hit a problem, gimme a call..can do em with my eyes closed by now.
get an impact driver from harbor frieght for cheap and save yourself stripping out the kidney screws. Mine is sears, but i saw cheap ones for low use at harbor the other day. Use vise grips sideways to break loose the outside screws, then unscrew with a #2philips.

502-608-6227 Dave

awesome.. thanks for hte offer. have everything out except the 6 screws that hold the carbs to the intake grate. going to wrestle those tomorrow and do the rebuild and hopefully put it all back together with no problems!