1997 GTI, slight hesitation at acceleration

[Mr Mufakka]

Thanks to this forum, my 1997 GTI is running pretty good. Fixed a few things like the filter in the carb, replaced the original fuel lines and just got the fuel gauge back functioning.

My question now is, on acceleration from a stop, the engine seems to rev up a bit and the pump seems to have to load up before the ski really gets going. Its not much but the "snap" of acceleration just seems to take a second or two. I realize it a 12 year old machine but it seems to run great (maybe a tad rich?) other than the slight hesitation at take off.

A few thoughts I had were for two different areas. Carb (running rich) or pump area. I've read a few places on here about a wear seal? Nothing in the pump area has EVER been replaced or serviced.

 

[custompartsguy]

need more info...is it running rough hesitation, or cavitation?

 

[Mr Mufakka]

Runs pretty smooth. Maybe a slight bit more smoke than when it was new but probably about average for a 12 year old ski. It does have a R&D grate but it's had that from year number one.

Anything to look for in the pump area? Any maintainence that probably needs to be done for the age?

One other thing to note. I don't think anything is mechanically WRONG necessarily but maybe just a bit worn. Just trying to get it running tip top.

 

[custompartsguy]

ok sounds like it would be a good idea to look at your impeller and wear ring and inspect them for damage

 

[Mr Mufakka]

Yeah. Going to take a look at my impeller to wear ring clearance this evening.

Saw the wear ring is around $50 through the "Parts" link at the top. What about an impeller? Best to just go with an OEM unit? Anyway to get some added low AND top end power with a new impeller or is it still a trade off?

Seems like this thread might be the same (although more extreme) case. http://seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=10826

 

[custompartsguy]

they have a Solas concord impeller that is stated to give you low and top end both...I have not tried one yet to know for sure...but hey anything is possible

 

[Mr Mufakka]

One other question, if I do replace the wear ring, should I replace anything else while I'm in there? Are they any seals or bearings, etc that I should order?

 

[custompartsguy]

get a look at your wear ring before you replace it and make sure that is your problem.....you could check and change your pump oil...

 

[Mr Mufakka]

Alright. Just took a quick look into the pump. It appears I've got a nice gap between the wear ring and the impeller. It also appears that the ring has worn out of round. In other words, it looks like the gap is slightly larger in some areas than others as you look around the impeller. However, it's hard to say exactly because of the impeller's blades moving away from you as they rotate around the impeller shaft.

I don't have a feeler gauge but from what I've read it should be no larger than the thickness of a sheet of paper (.040")? I'd say it might be upwards of 1/16" in some spots. The impeller itself looks to be in rather good shape. I couldn't see the edge of each blade but I didn't see any nicks other than real minor ones.

 

[Mr Mufakka]

Here's a pic.