Jet Problem after sucked up Tow Rope, 05 Sportster LE Di

[dcbutcher]

Hello to all: Great Forum, looks very helpfull, especially the parts links, thanks everyone.

My Son and I are new to boats but fairly mechanically inclined.

We did the ROOKIE thing and sucked the tow rope up the intake!!!!!!! got it all out and confirmed it was only around the shaft and NOT into the impeller itself. Whew, we thought!

Now we have major cavitation/slipping when trying to get her up, high rpms and vibration, hit max RPM around 7500 or 8000 but no get up and go.

Local shop is swamped and says at least 2 weeks before they can even look at it. double darn, we just wanna go have some fun

We are fairly handy with fixing cars, trucks and things with engines, but we have never touched a jet pump.

Should we wait for the shop, or just strat taking it apart?

Please, really appreciate your input, thanks

 

[ocod]

Take front part of pump off and look at wear ring better or prop for nicks.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... take the pump out, and get a better look at things. You may have messed up the ring... but I'm going to guess that you busted the plastic drive shaft cover, and it's causing issues.

If that's the problem... take it out. They cause more issues than they solve.

 

[dcbutcher]

You are talking about the blue drive shaft cover? It is still on the shaft but not the entire length of it. Does the shaft need to be removed to take off protector or can It be cut off?

 

[racerxxx]

Yep... take the pump out, and get a better look at things. You may have messed up the ring... but I'm going to guess that you busted the plastic drive shaft cover, and it's causing issues.

If that's the problem... take it out. They cause more issues than they solve.

X2, a buddy sucked my rope up for me once, took 2 hours floating down the river to get it all out and the shaft protector was beat. I removed both of them to resolve that issue with the cavitation.

 

[rreimann]

on mine you can shine a bright flashlight into rear of jet and see the wear ring condition too

 

[Dr Honda]

You can cut it out... but it's easier to remove the pump, and just slide it off from the rear.

 

[dcbutcher]

HI

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like we have a slightly bent drive shaft causing slight contact and wear to the wear ring. No rope left anywhere. Thought we would find some shearpin or breakaway but looks for sure like a bent shaft!!!! Crap!

Could it be machined or should be replaced with a new wear ring?. Impeller appreas undamaged. While in there what other components should be replaced with new?

Thanks again

 

[Mazdarx]

Might as well change the jet pump oil, also a new neoprene seal that seals the pump to the hull. I was quite nervous the first time I pulled my pump as I'm still new to the whole jet thing but it really wasn't that difficult at all to do.