View Full Version : Considering an 2005 Prostar 197...
broncotw
03-03-2010, 10:18 AM
I am considering purchasing a 2005 Prostar 197 with the MCX Indmar engine... Before I make the transaction I am going to have a mechanic perform a compression check and a leak down test on the engine....
What are acceptable compression rates for each cylinder?
What results should I be looking for on the leak down test?
Are there any reoccurring problems with that boat/engine?
Thanks,
Ted
Thrall
03-03-2010, 10:39 AM
Does it have alot of hours or something?
JMO, but the MCX is a old school small block chevy and if it ran well, I wouldn't worry about a comp test unless it was way up on hours or appeared to not have been maintained.
That said, JimN should be along to give you compression specs.
Good luck with your purchase.
Jim@BAWS
03-03-2010, 10:51 AM
150 PSI excellent 130-140 is OK
All must be within 10%
Jim@BAWS
Hollywood
03-03-2010, 11:26 AM
I may consider compression testing a 1985, not a 2005.
etduc
03-03-2010, 12:53 PM
I may consider compression testing a 1985, not a 2005.
Cracked head or block. is always a consideration, even in Texas. Many boats are not, winterized in Texas. With the winter, we having in Texas, this year. I'd check it.
Also, blown head gasket, from over heating.
Hollywood
03-03-2010, 02:02 PM
A nice hard test drive should tell me if there is any major damage. If someone showed up with a toolbox digging into my 5 year old engine I'd tell them to get lost.
JohnE
03-03-2010, 05:51 PM
An '05 197 w/ MCX is a great slalom ride. First year of DBW, iirc given that it is the mcx. I don't know enough about motors to give any more advice. But I agree that with a nice test ride I wouldn't feel the need for a compression test.
For what it is worth, I tested my compression on my 93 and had 150 per cylinder. I probably would not compression test the boat. I would drive it hard to see if there is any loss of power. I watch temp guage and oil pressure. Touch the impeller after at operating temp and exhaust risers. Were is the boat you are looking to buy. If you dont want everyone knowing PM me. Texas MC are a great group of guys and I am friends with all of the Tech's up there. The MCX motor is their fav. They have the least amount of problems with that engine. If the boat is here in Ft Worth I can go look at if for you if you are traveling. If it is the 05 TT197 at TXMC they have already tried to sell it to me but I am not looking to buy another boat. I hear its in excelent condition and if I had the money I would get it. I have seen it.
Muttley
03-04-2010, 10:33 AM
Unless the boat is coming from a ski school or has over 800 hours, if it runs great and the motor is clean I'd say you're pretty safe. . A 5 year old boat is practically still new. You can tell just by looking at it if it was maintained and winterized. Was it garaged? Or left outside?
I guess better safe than sorry, but I didn't even comp test my '92 until after I bought it. Altho' it was always garaged and only had 400 hrs.