challenger 1800 rpm difference and stiff steering

[Drackodude]

First time on the water with my 1997 seadoo challenger 1800...had a great time.... but i noticed that the rpm on the engines was not sync... it had at least 1000 rpm difference (sorry i didn't check how much the difference was). So what i did is just match the rpm's so it wouldn't damage my engines... the lever was not sync, ones was higher than other.... so a real hasle.:facepalm: Does anybody know if i just ajust the throttle linkage at the carbs to match rpms or is there something else that i should check first.

Secondly i noticed that in the water when im at speeds i really have a hard time turning, the steering is very stiff, even at idle its stiff. I know it has twins but i can't even turn quickly if i need to avoid something.... i find this dangerous. Out of the water..its easy to go left to right so only in water when engines are functionning. help :ack:

 

[Bonmotwang]

Your pump is shooting water out through the nozzle. And trying to straight the nozzle out. So you are experiencing the force from the jet water. I feel the same way, but not close to "hard to avoid" things.
What type of turning radius you are talking about?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Drackodude]

Your pump is shooting water out through the nozzle. And trying to straight the nozzle out. So you are experiencing the force from the jet water. I feel the same way, but not close to "hard to avoid" things.
What type of turning radius you are talking about?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well. Didnt want to break anything....... but at 35 mph... lets say 15 degres...... the only way i can turn quicker is the slow down very slow and it will turn. So really not steering much... impossible to do "S" in the water.

 

[USAF_Pride]

You can adjust the throttle linkage by pulling out the throttle assembly and make changes there. That being said, how far apart are the throttles? Some difference is normal and expected.

 

[Drackodude]

You can adjust the throttle linkage by pulling out the throttle assembly and make changes there. That being said, how far apart are the throttles? Some difference is normal and expected.

The levers are about 2 inch appart... i was told that when i turn the rpm should change... it dosnt do this at all... so does anybody know id its true?

 

[USAF_Pride]

The levers are about 2 inch appart... i was told that when i turn the rpm should change... it dosnt do this at all... so does anybody know id its true?

2" is probably to far for any adjustments. I'll let other more experienced people chime in, but it sounds like your throttle cables need to be changed. Get a shop manual and go through the proper adjustment procedures and see if that helps.

 

[Bonmotwang]

i was told that when i turn the rpm should change... it dosnt do this at all... so does anybody know id its true?

According to the manual, the steering will only change the RPM at low speed to help the steering. There is a mechanical linkage controls this feature. Mine doesn't do it either, I guess this because the throttle cable has some play or somewhere in the linkage is loose.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Guest_User]

chances are you need a steering cable. it should turn very easy with engines off and a little effort at speed. meaning you can still turn the steering wheel quickly if needed to avoid something in the water. The faster you go the more effort to steer as a result of the same rotation engines and venturi/steering nozzle combo. This type is normal, what you are experiencing is not.

Throttles. you really need to investigate this issue before you break a cable or have the control stick.
2" is way to much, 0-1/2 is the norm.
download a SHOP MANUAL and follow the exact procedure to adjust the throttles at full pull!!! and the steering assist. This is not easy bc at the same time you need to watch and adjust the cable to the oil pump to verify it is where it needs to be... If the cables are adjusted to tight, you will break a cable, break the linkage or break the oil pump, or and all of the above... these twin boats need to be set up correctly, no half assing it... especially when safety of you and others are concerned!

Steering assist: some like it some don`t. mine is disconnected bc I can dock using the throttle controls if need be. what is supposed to occur is when you are at idle and you need to turn the steering wheel all the way Port or Starboard, the system/cables will pull the throttle to 3000 rpm`s to help move the boat. This also is dependent on being accurately set up to work as designed.

once you set everything up correctly, you`ll be good to go...

look thru my build thread for a good read...

 

[racerxxx]

Disconnect the steering cable, see if it operates smooth, if so its not your cable. I can almost guarantee it is the pivot points for the nozzles. There are plastic bushings that will squeeze everything tight. Remove the nozzle, carefully press the bushings out, clean up the holes in the nozzle, put the bushings back in and try it again. Sand the holes with sand paper, DON'T USE A FILE OR DRILL BIT! Roll a piece of sand paper round. Make it so the bushings just press in with your fingers. You should be able to turn the nozzle with very little resistance.

On mine I actually had to use a reamer on the ID if the plastic bushing they were squeezing the metal pivot sleeve so tight, so that is another alternative. You could also sand that if needed, carefully.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk

 

[Guest_User]

^^^ yes yes yes, forgot about that!!! first place to look! Mine were good as they had been replaced...

a pipe cleaner works well too!

View attachment 25343

 

[Drackodude]

ok i will try that and check those cable's..... i bought another boat for parts... paid 150$ for it without engines, no computer eater... but lots of other parts perfect in case... and it has those cables... so ill be dismantling the whole boat...maybe do a project and learn a bit. Ill keep you posted i'll be tampering on it this weekend. thanks

 

[Drackodude]

You were right Pale Rider, the cable broke... so i will be changing the wire this week.. And for the throttle rpm difference, it was only an ajustement.:thumbsup: