2002 challenger 2000 just revs and does not go

[Rollerized]

Hey guys, was out on my 2002 challenger 2000 240 today and it was running great, until I brought the engine down to idle and tried to take off. It just revved and went nowhere. It would only go 2 or 3 mph when i revved it. I managed to get it back to the ramp and thought it was clogged but there was nothing stuck in the grate or impeller. I figure its the impeller which does have dents and Knicks on it or the wear ring? I just can't believe that it would run great and then all of a sudden not move. I was in deep water and did not hear or feel anything get sucked in. The engine starts up and runs fine the boat just will not move, only revs. Any suggestions? Thx

 

[Coastiejoe]

It does sound like a wear ring issue. See if the gap is larger than the width of a dime. If the impeller is bent laterally, (front to back), that can do the same thing as it moves the water back and forth and not through the tunnel per say. Also, the splines on the drive shaft go bad more often then they should. When this happens, the load on the impeller is greater than the resistance of the damaged splines. Thus, the engine rev's up and the shaft spins within the slpines.

 

[Rollerized]

The splines on the shaft sounds like it could be the problem because right before this happened I had the boat up to 52 mph and it was running great. Then all of a sudden it would not move. Ill take it apart and have a look. Thanks for your input.

 

[Dr Honda]

It could be the splines... but I'm guessing you got something in the pump. It either fell out when you got back on the trailer... or it's REALY stuck, and you can't see it.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I will second that whatever was in there could have fallen out. It is pretty common when you pull the boat/ski. It is worth going to the ramp and backing down and testing it while on the trailer...

 

[Rollerized]

Good idea guys, ill take it to the ramp tomorrow and check it before I start taking things apart.

 

[Rollerized]

I'm glad I took your advice guys. Tested the boat today and it ran great. I was ready to rip it apart. Btw anyone know what that metal rattle sound is when the boat is running from the water hose outside the water? Thanks again for the help!!