1998 GSX water leak around propeller shaft

[deer slayer]

I just purchased a 1998 GSX and it is leaking water around the propeller shaft. Do I need to pull the pump to replace a seal or can this be done without pulling the pump / shaft?

Thanks,

 

[timmyboy76]

pull pump dude, and since its off, take gander at impellor condition and wear ring, make sure gap between it is no more than .040

 

[deer slayer]

so can most pumps be pulled by hand? I see a special puller in the service manual.

 

[timmyboy76]

that "special" puller aint nuth'n more than a couple 2x4'z and some long bolts, to incorporate a push/pull mechanism...if silicone aint gobbed on, then yeah, but will take some tug'n

 

[deer slayer]

Are there any special tools I will need to do this?

 

[timmyboy76]

impellor removal tool, BUT if get creative, just need a bench top vise.

 

[Goddo]

FYI, you can get a cheap impeller tool on Ebay for $10 usually.

 

[deer slayer]

Do I need the impeller tool if I am not going to take the pump apart? Just to replace the propeller shaft seal?

 

[All Things Custom]

you have a carbon seal, you can usually loosen the hose clamp on the rubber hose and slide it forward about 1/8 inch and re tighten the hose clamp. this will seal the leaks.

start the ski out of water and spray some wd 40 on the seal every 15 seconds or so for a few minutes to true the surface then go play in the water and re check it.

 

[deer slayer]

Does this unit seal by pressing the carbon ring against the floating ring? Please pardon my ignorance.

 

[All Things Custom]

yes the seal is created by the carbon ring against the metal washer. it is also a friction thing, so even if it drips when not running, the heat caused by friction will seal it.

 

[deer slayer]

Thanks a ton for the info. It will save me lots of work I think. The exhaust came loose inside the boat after jumping a wake. We fixed the exhaust and then it started leaking water around the propeller shaft. Maybe the heat made the rubber soft enough to start leaking. I will try pushing it a little tighter against the washer.