1995 Seadoo Sportster thrust problems

[mike molzen]

Hello, I have recently joined Seadoo Forums as a member. I am hoping that you can help me with a problem I am having with my 95 Sportster. I have been reading some of the other posts regarding wear-ring problems. I purchased my Seadoo last summer from a gentlemen who had purchased new and kept it garaged all it's life. The boat looks outstanding and was well maintained. At the time of purchase, the seller had told me he had replaced the wear-ring and impeller. I used the boat three times on a large fresh-water lake with no problems (approximately 5 hrs of use in all) During the 4th trip I launched the boat as usual with no problems, but when I attempted to accelerate the engine rpms jumped but the boat acted as if it wasn't getting a good bite in the water. After backing-up a few times the boat improved. I could get the boat on plane if I accelerated slowly. I crawled under the boat and shined a flashlight to check the pump impeller. I noticed the new impeller and the black wear ring. I didn't see any obstructions or even a nick in the wear-ring or impeller. This spring I took the boat back out, and wouldn't you know it, it didn't fix itself over the winter. Eye-balling the clearance at the impeller, I would guess the clearance is with-in your mentioned .040" tolerances but won't be able to check until I purchase a feeler guage tomorrow long enough to check. Prior to checking the tolerances at the impeller tomorrow, are there any other possibilities that could cause worn wear-ring symptoms. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[robin savell lloyd]

Check and make sure intake grate is not cloged with some thing. If impeller and wear ring are good the only other things that I can think of that would be the most likely would be the neoprene seal between the pump and the shoe or the threw hull seal are sucking air. Good luck Robin :cheers:

 

[mike molzen]

Robin, I appreciate the tip, I am going to check my wear-ring tolerances today. If all is good, I will check the two seals you mentioned. I will post my findings after I check everything. Again thank you for your advise.
Mike

 

[mike molzen]

Robin,
You were right about the neoprene gasket. I pulled-off the pump, and I might add, very easily. The only thing sealing the pump housing was a dab of black silicone around the plastic water intake spout that enters the hull of the boat from the pump. I looked at what was left of the gasket and not much was there. I guess most of the gasket came off during the wear-ring and impeller replacement the previous owner did. He didn't replace it and didn't add any additional sealant around the housing. A couple of light straight tugs and the pump housing came off in about 10 seconds. I checked the impeller and wear-ring tolerances as you described in other posts, and mine were well within tolerances. I am going to the dealership today to get a new gasket and take my pump with me to get an experienced examination, and purchase the correct pump oil and do a change since I have it off anyway. I will post you as soon as I get everything back together. Robin I greatly appreciate your advise. I will be joining as a premium member as this forum is a must for Seadoo owners. Will post you soon.
Thank you, Mike

 

[mike molzen]

Robin, I got my neoprene gasket and marine silicone from the dealership. I had the pump impeller and wear-ring examined and both mechanics agreed everything was fine with them. I removed what was left of the old seal with kerosene and a razorblade. After assembling everything last night and changing the pump oil, I took the boat out on the lake today and it works perfectly. I drove around for a good hour and had absolutely no problems with cavitation. Damn, with the pump air-tight, the boat sure does move now. I want to again thank you for your advise. With the money I saved doing the job myself, I was able to stock up on Seadoo injection oil for the summer.
Thank you,
Mike

 

[robin savell lloyd]

I am glad to see that you have it running good. The true test will be when you get 3 adults in the back seats about 200 lbs each it should still take off with a little cavitation if every thing is good. That is a little over weight but my boat seem to handle it well. just do not let a heavy person sit in the front seat while trying to steer as it is not safe. :cheers:

 

[smalpr]

Hi Mike,
I seem to have the exact same problem with my 2004 sportster I just purchased.
I'm a little unclear as to which seal you replaced; the neoprene seal between the pump and the shoe or the threw hull seal?
Could you clarify for me?

 

[robin savell lloyd]

It sounds like he only replaced neoprene seal, the seal between the pump and the ride shoe.[the pump to the back of the boat] The thew hull seal was probbly good. Your boat may need more than a seal. :cheers: