Pump alignment, Neoprene seal questions

[harleytq]

96 XP,
First question is, if I change out the complete pump with a different one, do I just use the same shims that were behind the original? And why are there shims back there, why wouldn’t they just align and shim the engine?
2nd question does Seadoo still make the neoprene seal? Is the oem one better than aftermarket? Are all the aftermarket ones good or do I want to avoid a certain brand?

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, put the shims back in place.
Any neoprene seal is fine.

 

[harleytq]

So is there some way of shimming the pump to get it straight, or is it just something done at the factory, to get it straight with hull?

 

[mikidymac]

It’s done at the factory so the shims need to go back in the exact same spot.

 

[harleytq]

It’s done at the factory so the shims need to go back in the exact same spot.

Ok cool! Thanks!

 

[etemplet]

If you don't use an alignment kit to realign the engine it won't be lined up properly. I check alignment on lots of skis when I pull the pumps. Most are not even close. Alignment is very important. Good Luck!

 

[harleytq]

If you don't use an alignment kit to realign the engine it won't be lined up properly. I check alignment on lots of skis when I pull the pumps. Most are not even close. Alignment is very important. Good Luck!

But it won’t change, just from removing the pump, right? But will it be different if you use a different pump? I guess bottom line it should be checked, right?

 

[mikidymac]

Alignment is based on the rear of the hull, not technically the pump. As long as you use all factory installed shims for the pump even changing the pump the alignment will not change.

Having said that as the hulls age the alignment can be off so it’s not a bad idea to check but it won’t be any different than before you removed the pump.

 

[etemplet]

But it won’t change, just from removing the pump, right? But will it be different if you use a different pump? I guess bottom line it should be checked, right?

Well if it is cost effective for you and someone nearby may have a kit it is a good check to do. I have a kit so I check all of them and I wonder if even Seadoo does a good job on alignment from the factory. I'm confident enough in misalgnment that I check every ski. You gotta look at the age of these skis. They ALL need pretty much everything done to them for reliability's sake. Cutting down on vibration is key for long term reliability.

On a side note: My 96XP bobs up and down at full throttle. I bought some trim tabs to help. It's always something. LOL Good Luck.!!

 

[Grnbeano]

I have the trim tabs as well..
They help a lot

 

[etemplet]

I have the trim tabs as well..
They help a lot

I hope so. I gotta hang off the front of the ski to get it to settle down. LOL

 

[Boyd12]

If you don't use an alignment kit to realign the engine it won't be lined up properly. I check alignment on lots of skis when I pull the pumps. Most are not even close. Alignment is very important. Good Luck!

What alignment tool do you use? I found these three. Are these OK?

 

[etemplet]

I don't think it matters which tool you use. I bought mine from a local guy for $120. It looks like the SBT kit. I think any of them will be good. Mine is very robust. The flanges are thick, the aluminum isn't going to distort and I haven't had issues with it on any ski thus far. I take special care and store the alignment rode in a position where it is supported. I don't think you need to fret over which one you get if you want to save a few bucks.

One thing the kit doesn't do is help correct angular misalignment but I guess if the tool slides in smoothing... you're good enough. LOL If you lived nearby I'd definitely help you do it. Good Luck !!

 

[Boyd12]

"the kit doesn't do is help correct angular misalignment" Is there a kit that does?

 

[etemplet]

No there is no kit that does that specifically. You do that by making sure the shaft slides in smoothly all the way till it bottoms on the PTO hub. When I say angular that would be for instance, if the back of the engine was lined up and the front was higher than the rear or left or right of the center line. The shaft would enter but become tighter as you slide if forward. So you could loosen the engine mount bolts to see if and how it changes when you loosen and tighten the bolts. I wouldn't get crazy with it. I aligned equipment as part of my trade so I am aware of those conditions. LOL When I check alignments I rarely find a decent engine alignment so you'll be ahead of the game. Good Luck !!

 

[etemplet]

I just checked the alignment on a 2003 GTI LE RFI. I had to remove a .050" shim from the front of the engine add more than .050" to the rear mounts. The misalgnment was extreme. Just sharing.

 

[Boyd12]

I just checked the alignment on a 2003 GTI LE RFI. I had to remove a .050" shim from the front of the engine add more than .050" to the rear mounts. The misalgnment was extreme. Just sharing.

The misalgnment was extreme. AGREED! Thank you for sharing.