First things to do

URL link to this web page ==> First things to do

Welcome to the world of Polaris PWC ownership!

Polaris Personal Water Craft production started with the 1992 SL650, and Polaris stopped making PWC near the end of 2004. However, these machines are still fun, fast, and maintainable. You just need to learn what it takes to get them running properly, and keep them running. Polaris Industries is still in business, and parts are generally still available.

As with every 2-stroke watercraft engine, you must make sure everything is correct before you start riding.

Note: If you have a 2004 MSX 110 or MSX 150 4-stroke Weber engined Polaris, click here.

If you simply get on and ride (even just to 'water test it') without first making sure things are as they should be, you run the risk of significant engine damage. Even a few minutes of riding can cause damage if certain things are not as they should be.

If you have purchased a Polaris PWC that is not in running condition, often enough the reason it is broken is that the previous owner was riding it without properly taking care of it.

The most important thing is to educate yourself about how these machines work, and what you must do to keep them in good operating condition. You will find support, information and advice among the Polaris PWC community, especially at www.Greenhulk.net

Basic Introduction to the purchase of a Personal Watercraft

This is not specific to Polaris PWC, and some things may not directly apply.

It is written for PWC with carburetor 2-stroke engines.

How to check compression on a 2-stroke engine

Get your Polaris PWC running properly and keep it on the water ==> Click here

Polaris PWC model overview

Polaris made several distinct generations of PWC. Starting in 1992, the first few years were powered by 3 cylinder Fuji 'blue' engines.

Polaris then migrated to a US manufactured 'red domestic' engine design, starting in 1996, and appearing in more models in 1997 and 1998 (two and three cylinder versions).

In 1999, Polaris introduced the 2-stroke Ficht direct fuel injection (FFI) domestic engine in the new four person Genesis i model, while continuing to sell carburetor models.

Additional fuel injected 2-stroke Virage i (two cylinder) and Virage TXi models appeared in 2001 and 2002, and the MSX 140 arrived in 2003.

The one person Polaris Octane stand-up model was originally sold only for racing (2002-2004).

Click here for information specific to the Fuji engined Polaris PWC (1992-1997)

These have engine sizes of 650, 750, and 780cc, and the engines are normally painted blue.

Click here for information related to the newer generation models (Virage, Genesis, MSX 140) 1999-2004

Click here for information specific to the Polaris domestic engined PWC (1996-2004)

These engines are typically painted red. The 2003-2004 engines were sometimes black.

Click here for information related to the Ficht fuel injected 2-stroke models (1999-2004)

Genesis FFI, Genesis i, Virage i and Virage TXi, MSX 140

Click here for information specific to the Polaris Pro 785 'race' model (1997-2000)

This model has a specially tuned version of the Fuji engine, and has many differences from the other Fuji engined Polaris.

It also differs from the Pro 1200 model.

Click here for information specific to the Polaris Octane 'Stand-up' model (2002-2004)

If you are fortunate enough to have a rare Polaris Matrix (MSX 140 with carburetors and triple exhaust pipe conversion) click here.

Hull Identification Number

The actual engine serial number is embossed into the side of the crank case. On Fuji engines the serial number is behind the starter motor on the left side of the engine, and usually hidden by the exhaust manifold and pipe. There may also be a sticker on top of the water manifold bar.On domestic engines there is a sticker on the magneto housing near the starter motor.

Do not confuse the engine model code with the engine serial number.

Engine model codes

For Fuji engines, the model code may look something like EC78PWE-02 or EC65PW.

EC = Fuji engine

78 = 780cc

PW = Polaris Watercraft ?

E-xx = engine version or revision code

Polaris blue Fuji engine model codes

EC65PW = 650cc

EC75PW = 750cc

EC78PW = 780cc

EC78PWE = 780cc

EC78ZPWE01 = 785cc (Pro 785)

Polaris red domestic engine codes

WC70DCSP = 700cc

WC70SCSP = 700cc

W77-DCSP-02A = 777cc (Octane stand-up, 2003 w/regular flywheel)

WC90TCSP = 900cc

WC105TCSP = 1050cc

W120-TCSP = 1165cc (red 1200)

Ficht Direct Fuel Injected (DFI)

W77-DFI = 777cc (Virage i '800')

W120-DFI = 1165cc (red '1200')

W12HO-DFI = 1192cc (black MSX 140 '1200')