Reverse gate seadoo sportster

[Josh791979]

My 97 sportster needs a reverse gate. When i bought the boat part of the mount was cracked. I put some epoxy on it and it held together ok for awhile. Now its broken againa new one is 140 bucks.
It doesnt look too hard to fix, im wondering if its as straightforward as it looks?

 

[snikwad003]

Post a pic if you can, should be super simple to do and would be perfect time to change the pump oil.

 

[Josh791979]

Ok ill post pic tmrw. Dont know how to change pump oil???
My last jet boat was a 76 sleekcraft with a 460 ford and berkeley jet pump. It was super easy to work on.....super fast too but not a kid friendly boat so i got rid of it.
These newer jet boats are much more confusing

 

[snikwad003]

When you take all the reverse stuff off to swap it you pop the cone off the pump and drain the oil out and put the cone back with a new o ring and it is wise to pressure test the pump with a pop off tester before you fill it back up with jet pump oil. If you just bought this boat you should check out a few other things and rebuild the carbs with OEM mikuni rebuild kits, and possibly replace the fuel filter and selector. These motors are pretty tough but it ain't no big block Ford and running lean will burn it up in a hurry. The fuel selectors often clog and that can cost you a top end. A little home work around here goes along way, lots of knowledge in some members

 

[lurtz]

I am not sure what pump or engine you have on your sportster, but on my 2002 Sportster LE with the 951 removing the reverse bucket is easy peasy...

1) Remove the steering cable and bolt from the nozzle.
2) Remove the reverse bucket cable.
3) remove the 4 bolts that hold the steering nozzle and reverse bucket to the pump and remove nozzle and bucket.
4) remove the 4 bolts that hold the pump on to the transom. You may have a neoprene seal or RTV/Silicone sealant between the pump and transom wall so it make take a bit of pulling.

Its easiest (for me) to inspect the impeller and replace the pump oil with the pump on a work bench. Easier to pressure test as well.

Last year I replaced a broken reverse bucket, damage impeller (twice), and replaced my engine. I can now remove the pump, change a wear ring, and reinstall in less then 20 minutes.. 15 if im in a real hurry! .