1996 GTX top speed problems

[Rubicon97]

I just bought a 96 GTX. Engine seems to run well and hits 7000 rpm without any bogging or cutting out. Was told the engine replaced 5 years ago. But the top speed is around 30-35 by gps (speedo says 25). Impeller has some nicks and chips on the leading edge, but the wear ring looks smooth and the gap is less than the thickness of a dime. Looking for suggestions for getting the top speed back to normal range of 50-55. Thanks in advance.

 

[mikidymac]

With the 7000 rpm you have a drive system issue. Check the driveshaft spline, carbon driveshaft seal, pump to hull seal "neoprene seal", wear ring and impeller.

 

[Rubicon97]

With the 7000 rpm you have a drive system issue. Check the driveshaft spline, carbon driveshaft seal, pump to hull seal "neoprene seal", wear ring and impeller.

 

[Rubicon97]

Wear ring seems smooth and gap doesn’t look too big. Seems consistent. Can you tell me more about the carbon seal, slime and pump to hull seal? How do those affect speed? Trying to learn fast.

What about dirty rave valves?

 

[Seadoo timebomb]

If engine is running 7000 and only 35 mph, you have something way wrong. That ski should either be cavitating like a sob or sound like the a run away train with those numbers.

If you have not removed the pump, do so. I am thinking the wear ring has delaminated or chunks missing. The clearance is a lot more than you think.

 

[dr00andrew]

seems like you've gotten some good advice already but ill throw in my 2 cents. it appears to be cavitation. check your wear ring, neoprene seal or even the impeller boot. if you are reaching near 7k rpms than its something pump related

 

[Rubicon97]

seems like you've gotten some good advice already but ill throw in my 2 cents. it appears to be cavitation. check your wear ring, neoprene seal or even the impeller boot. if you are reaching near 7k rpms than its something pump related

I appreciate the input. Stumbled on another post about the reverse shroud and noticed mine wasn’t locking in forward. Locked it in place and now I’m hitting 50, but I’m noticing cavitation. Rpms are good. Planning on replacing the wear ring.

My impeller has some dings and chips. Is a solas 15/23 a good idea? Don’t want to just throw money at, but I like things to be right.

Also, should I replace the pump bearings while i have it open? Thanks again.