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98 sportster 1800 revs up but no acceleration

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Scootdoo20

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Hey everyone I'm new to the forum as well as the world of jet boats. I recently purchased a 98 sportster 1800 on excellent condition and have had a few great months on the water. Today while I was out the boat ran great for a bit but then it started to rev way up without acceleration. Couldn't get speed over 25 mph and had to limp it back to the trailer. I replaced the plugs when I got home and greased the driveshafts. Any idea what may have caused that?
 
Simplest issue would be that you sucked something into the pump and it just needs to be cleared.

Pull the pump. You'll need and impeller tool to remove your impeller. Check it for damage, check the wear ring for damage. If the person that you bought it from has not replaced the wear ring then plan on replacing it. You''ll need to cut the old one. I used a chisel and busted up my knuckles a bit. I'm sure that there is and easier way, but once the ring is cut it will come out easily. Freeze the new one and it will slide right in with little resistance. You'll need some synthetic gear oil to refill when you are done. Take the cone off and drain the oil. Pull the pump shaft and make sure that the bearing and shaft are in good shape. If the previous owner hasn't rebuild the jet pump then it is probably time. Rebuild kit are about $40 on Amazon or $105 with the pump shaft if it is worn and needs to be replaced. Tapping or pressing out the bearing and seal and replacing them is about a 20 minute job if you've done it at least once before. I just rebuilt mine and the job went easy. I wish that I had done it sooner so I didn't need to replace the shafts.

If all of this checks out good then check the through hull fitting and carbon ring. If these aren't sealing well then when the jet pump revs up it will pull air through these and you will lose power.

Check the drive shaft splines and make sure that they are in good shape and that there are no metal shavings in the grease. Damaged drive shaft or pto splines can cause this issue.

Good luck!
 
I checked out the wear rings from under the boat and they look terrible. I reached my arm in and I can feel that there are sizable chunks missing. I ordered new rings from PWC parts.co so when they arrive I will pull the pumps and do some looking around. Thank you for all the great advice!
 
While you have the water pump pulled you might consider changing the carbon ring through hull fitting or retrofitting your boat to the 96 bearing through hull fittings. I retrofitted mine many years ago. Just grease the bearings at the start of the season. This work will be easy since you already will have removed the jet pump.
 
Yes makes life super easy for removal and install. Otherwise it's gonna be a royal pain in the you know what
 
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