Can I fix this myself? 1998 Speedster

[utah997]

I posted about 3 weeks ago, I picked up a 98 speedster, which actually was in pretty good shape cosmetically. Just need some new graphics on the outside and a little work on the seats.

I was told that there was some water coming in. After having it out on the lake for a day, it was obvious there was a problem.

On the pic below, I circled where there was water coming in.. (only when running) some sort of shaft seal? Is this common and easily fixable?

 

[Nike12000]

Did you make sure clamps on there are tight they can come loose or break.

 

[utah997]

Did you make sure clamps on there are tight they can come loose or break.

I haven't been down in there as of yet. I'm going to dig into it tonight. Just wondering what to look for exactly..

 

[Coastiejoe]

As noted, check the clamps. If they are tight, then try this trick.

Loosen the clamp on the boot that is attached to the boat, (not the collar). Pry the boot away from the boat a bit. Enough to fit a wire tie in the gap you just made. Tighten the clamp you loosened.

This will put additional pressure on the Carbon Seal. If the water stops or lessons, then you need to replace the carbon seal.

Yes, you can fix it your self. Just kind of a PITA job...

 

[utah997]

As noted, check the clamps. If they are tight, then try this trick.

Loosen the clamp on the boot that is attached to the boat, (not the collar). Pry the boot away from the boat a bit. Enough to fit a wire tie in the gap you just made. Tighten the clamp you loosened.

This will put additional pressure on the Carbon Seal. If the water stops or lessons, then you need to replace the carbon seal.

Yes, you can fix it your self. Just kind of a PITA job...

Thanks.. much appreciated..

 

[racerxxx]

Have you 100% confirmed that is your leak? I have a sinking feeling (pun intended) that that might not be your only problem. I want you to check where the exhaust exits the hull. There is a gasket that rolls over a hose clamp, the gasket lasts about 5 to 6 years TOPS. Once you roll the dounut back it will probably be dry rotted, allowing water to enter.


Here's a thread with an alternative.
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?65992-Exhaust-Port-Gasket-1996-Challenger




It looks like this:

 

[Dr Honda]

FYI....


The carbon seals leak by design. That's why they have a plastic cover over them. (So they dont' make a mess in the bilge) If is a slow drip while sitting... or a spray while running... that's normal. The real key to knowing if a carbon seal is ok, is if you get heavy cavitation.

This is why the seadoo/rotax boats are not rated to be left in the water.


So... how bad is the leak?

 

[utah997]

I've only had the boat in the water twice. The first time I just did a dry run (pun intended) after about 10 minutes it really seemed to bog down and was sluggish. That's when I popped the engine cover, and (while the boat was running) noticed water coming in from that shaft cowling. I couldn't actually see the source of the water, but it seems to be shooting out from under there. Turned on the bilge, and headed back to the dock. By the time I got back it was basically dry.

Next time was over the fourth. We had it in the water all day. I was a little worried about it, so anytime the boat was running I left the bilge pump on (mine doesn't seem to be automatic) it ran great and stayed pretty dry (an inch in the bottom) for a few hours. Then after running it hard for about 30 minutes, it started bogging down again.. I popped the engine cover and there was quite a bit of water in there. But this time I couldn't see it coming from the port cowling)

I checked the clamps on the boots last night. There was a little room in them, so I tightened them up. Also, pulled off the cover and noticed there was some junk in the impeller (not sure if that's the right term) small chunk of plastic, small rock and a zip tie. (might have been sucked up) cleaned that all out.

I also checked the exhaust gaskets. The port looks great.. fresh and not dry or rotted at all. Starboard looked like someone has used some black silicone sealer on it. (between the edge of the gasket and the hull) it looked watertight.

Would it be a good idea to drop a hose in there and see if I get water coming *out* from any of these areas? Or just put it in the water again and keep an eye on it?

Thanks for all the help guys. Much appreciated.

FYI....


The carbon seals leak by design. That's why they have a plastic cover over them. (So they dont' make a mess in the bilge) If is a slow drip while sitting... or a spray while running... that's normal. The real key to knowing if a carbon seal is ok, is if you get heavy cavitation.

This is why the seadoo/rotax boats are not rated to be left in the water.


So... how bad is the leak?

 

[Dr Honda]

Well.... to me... sounds kind of normal. If I don't run my bilge pump at all... may drain out 2~4 gallons out of the bilge of my old Sportster.

I wouldn't run the bilge pump nonstop. You may burn out the seal. Just kick it on every few hr's. But I would still keep my eye on it to get use to how much water comes in.

 

[utah997]

Well.... to me... sounds kind of normal. If I don't run my bilge pump at all... may drain out 2~4 gallons out of the bilge of my old Sportster.

I wouldn't run the bilge pump nonstop. You may burn out the seal. Just kick it on every few hr's. But I would still keep my eye on it to get use to how much water comes in.

I guess that's good to know. I've never had a boat before, and just naturally assumed that everything should be dry in there.

 

[utah997]

Guys, thanks for all of the help. Took it out yesterday, it wasn't the boot or carbon seal at all. The right engine had a pretty good leak in the exhaust elbow. I guess this is pretty common. I'll pull it and have it welded over the winter, but for now... A little JB weld, and it's sealed up tight!

Now onto the next problem...

 

[racerxxx]

Cool. If you need the Welch plugs I sell them, then you just need to have them ground out and the new ones welded on.

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