Cavitation Problem Solved?

[TxGasman]

Fellas-
Took the 97 Sea Doo GS for a ride today. This was my first time on this thing since I just bought it a week ago. The water was a little choppy but I couldn't stand it. I got out there. I had a blast! The GS showed some pep! I started noticing I was taking in some water. The previous owner put in a bilge pump and wasn't working. So I took out the ski and put a plug in the hull where it would normally pump out. Now for round two..I was idling in the NO WAKE ZONE and was raring to punch again. This time the engine cavitated and reved up - but no speed. So I turned her around and headed back to the dock. Took her out of the water and went back home. Disapointed!!! I been reading many posts here on this forum this evening and learned a lot. I read a tip that there may be trash in the intake. We guess what I found? A strap that had wrapped around the shaft! I hope no major damage was done. So tomorrow I'll try to get this thing out and pray that is all I have to do. I can't wait to get back out! BTW great forum and great group of guys willing to help!!!

 

[kustomkarl]

Keep us posted on how it runs for you ...

Karl

 

[Bills86e]

A pump or two of grease at the drive bearing should keep water out. Take the
pto cover off to get to it and a pump at the pto nipple too. Do this each time
you ride as this will give the opportunity to smell any gas fumes in the bilge.
This inspection will help prevent an explosion of compartment fumes from occurring.

 

[Spyderacing1]

Shouldnt be too big of a problem, I've ran sucked up a whole towing rope, the engine cut off. We pulled it up on the dock and untied it. The shaft is in perfect condition, it ran great after that. I would inspect it for damage.

Jake

 

[glenwhitt]

I have 1996 seadoo boat and rapped a ski rope around the shaft. It Killed the motor. Towed back to ramp, put on trailer, cut rope away, back in water, and was running strong again. Just do a quick visual of the impeller and ring to make sure nothing got sucked in there and damaged anything.