Carbon seal issues.

[MurrayMassey]

Hey guys, this is my first post on the forum, but i have been lurking for awhile reading as much as possible. I bought a 97 sea doo challenger (single engine) as a project boat. I tuned up the engine and etc, but now the only thing that stands in my way is the carbon seal. For some reason the previous owner had messed with it and not put it back into place. The issue I face now is that I am not able to slide the bellows/carbon ring backward very easily at all. I get about 1/2 in movement, but not enough to get the C-clip back on. Any tips or tricks? I have noticed some kind of binding at a certain point. Is this the carbon seal hitting the hole in the hull? Thanks!

 

[Guest_User]

Hey guys, this is my first post on the forum, but i have been lurking for awhile reading as much as possible. I bought a 97 sea doo challenger (single engine) as a project boat. I tuned up the engine and etc, but now the only thing that stands in my way is the carbon seal. For some reason the previous owner had messed with it and not put it back into place. The issue I face now is that I am not able to slide the bellows/carbon ring backward very easily at all. I get about 1/2 in movement, but not enough to get the C-clip back on. Any tips or tricks? I have noticed some kind of binding at a certain point. Is this the carbon seal hitting the hole in the hull? Thanks!

make sure the jet pump is in place to help hold the driveshaft, if that`s already the case, then spray a little CR56 or lube on the drive shaft where the floating ring slides. maybe the 2 O-rings inside the floating ring are getting caught up...

 

[MurrayMassey]

I have tried everything that I can think of to get it to compress. Could it be that the bellows has become too stiff to re-compress with age? Thanks!

 

[Guest_User]

I have tried everything that I can think of to get it to compress. Could it be that the bellows has become too stiff to re-compress with age? Thanks!

can`t say for sure. post a few pics and we`ll see and others can help out as well...

 

[Dr Honda]

Yes... the rubber boot with get stiff... and that's part of the issue. It needs to be "Springy" to work.


As pale rider said... the O-rings in the stainless ring will get stiff, and stick to the driveshaft. A little spray lube will help. Also... if that is the case... you will never move it by hand. Put a block of wood on the PTO, and use a pry bar to push it.


And finally... you won't get anything to move if the jet pump is off. You nee that in place so the driveshaft doesn't move.

 

[MurrayMassey]

Jet is in place, collar moves with a bit of effort on the shaft. The issue that I ran into, which I am not sure is normal, as I was prying, I noticed the shaft move toward the stern of the boat on the PTO side. Is this normal? Also is it necessary to pry on two sides at once? Thanks!

 

[Dr Honda]

It will move some. The seadoo driveshafts are of a floating design. Normally... there is a rubber bumper in each end to hold them closer to center... but if the pump has been serviced by someone who didn't know exactly what they were doing... the bumpers could be missing. AND... then the driveshaft could move a lot. (up to an inch)

 

[Guest_User]

It will move some. The seadoo driveshafts are of a floating design. Normally... there is a rubber bumper in each end to hold them closer to center... but if the pump has been serviced by someone who didn't know exactly what they were doing... the bumpers could be missing. AND... then the driveshaft could move a lot. (up to an inch)

and just to add, if the engine is to far forward the play will be even more.

 

[MurrayMassey]

Ok, thanks guys! I was at it again today and that collar simply will not go any further. It's like I'm hitting a brick wall, the bellows starts to compress, the collar moves then it all stops. I am afraid to use any more force for fear of doing damage. Do you guys think that I'm missing anything?

On a side note I thoroughly appreciate the patience you guys have with newbies like me!

 

[Guest_User]

Ok, thanks guys! I was at it again today and that collar simply will not go any further. It's like I'm hitting a brick wall, the bellows starts to compress, the collar moves then it all stops. I am afraid to use any more force for fear of doing damage. Do you guys think that I'm missing anything?

On a side note I thoroughly appreciate the patience you guys have with newbies like me!

take a few pics of the bellows compressed as far as you can get it, and we`ll see what`s up...

 

[Dr Honda]

take a few pics of the bellows compressed as far as you can get it, and we`ll see what`s up...

It's kind of a moot point. IF... the boot has compressed to the point, where the seal is hitting the hull fitting... then the pump needs to be removed, and the end of the driveshaft needs held into the engine.

You description sounds normal. The "Collar" is moving, with the driveshaft. Once the driveshaft hits inside the pump... it stops. THEN you need TOOLS to push it more. The only time the seal can be moved by hand, is when it's been recently serviced, and all the rubber is still soft.

As I said before... you aren't going to compress the old boot, and hard O-rings by hand. Did you try what I said to do?? (wood block and a pry bar?)

 

[MurrayMassey]

Yes, have been the entire time. How much force is safe to apply? Perhaps I have been too gentle?

 

[Dr Honda]

OK... just making sure.


If it's old and crusty... I've used A LOT of force. AND... in some cases... I've bent the lip of the stainless ring getting it to break loose.

But... spray lube between the stainless ring, and D-shaft to help.

 

[MurrayMassey]

Ok. Did you pry on both sides for equal pressure? Also, will it hurt the jet in any way forcing the drive shaft astern so greatly?