Explorer jet pump removal

[FinnExplorer]

Hi guys! Couple days back I was doing regular maintenance for my baby('97 Explorer). While changing pump oil I noticed the wear ring was pretty worn out and was in need of changing. There was also tiny bit of water in the oil. So the back end is almost taken apart and the pump housing is in it's place with four bolts remaining. Do I have to unbolt something else for the pump to come off? Does the drive shaft stay there hanging from the engine side of the boat or do I have to take it apart from intake grate area? I already ordered wear ring and overhaul kit for the pump with bearings and o-rings.

Also I was interested in changing the impeller for some aftermarket part, just wondering about the pitch... It now has the original which I believe is 10° - 22°. What would it do for the boat to change the impeller for lets say Solas 16° - 23°? I mainly use the boat for towing wake/kneeboarders and just general cruisin...

 

[shagy959]

to pull the pump its only the four bolts sometimes on the older skis i know you have to pull the 3 hoses off from the inside but the newer ones they have a oring there insted now it may have some type of sealant around it and that can make it sometimes a bear to break free sometimes easier to take off the ride plate so you can get a prybar on it to break it loose the shaft sometimes stays with the motor others comes out id say take it out inspect your splines and grease them up before putting it back together hope this helps

 

[FinnExplorer]

Thanks for the info so far! I've been lookin for a proper shop manual for my boat but haven't been able to find exactly correct year/model. Only '97 Explorer book I have is only a supplement and would need a same year Sportster book to cover everything nicely. What I'm mostly worried about is if something breaks loose in the engine compartment like the drive shaft. I hope I can pull those three hoses from those two small round-shaped maintenance holes. Guys back at the Doo made hull size for a boat, but maintenance should be done through a hole meant for jetski. Been there too much already and it's always real pita job.