Water entering hull/engine bay

[DaBoss]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to the jet ski world and have a big problem.
Yesterday whilst leisurely cruising on the river with my son the engine on my 05 GTX 155 stopped and the ski started taking in water from god only knows where. The ski was running perfect before this, no fault codes came up on the display and the hull was not breached so im pretty sure i didn't hit anything. I think it might of started taking water whilst cruising and that what caused the engine to die. The ski is now at the local sea doo dealer as im covered with insurance but im at a loss why this happened. If water entered through the propulsion system what are the reasons this could happen.
I would be extremely thankful for your input.
cheers
P.S both bung plugs were screwed in and tight.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Could be a few things. One common failure is the Carbon Seal. If it or the boot fails, water will come in VERY quickly...

 

[Coastiejoe]

The exhaust has Raw Water (the water you are sitting in) that runs through it. Something may have failed and you were pumping water directly into the hull.

Was the water hot or the temp of the water you were riding on?

 

[DaBoss]

I didnt notice the temp of the water in the ski as when it started sinking all i wanted to do was get it to the rivers edge which took about 20 minutes. The river temp would of been around 23c at the time it happened.

 

[Michael211_2000]

I put an automatic electric bilge pump in my RXT's hull and plumbed it out through the hull right under the rear grab handle. 800 gph flow rate, mechanical float mechanism activates it (so it's not leaching battery power sitting on the trailer... it's wired to always be on in automatic mode so there's no forgetting to turn it on when I take her out).

But SeaDoo's have an OEM water extraction system according to the owner's guide... right? Right, but it's a low flow system it wasn't meant to keep up with fast water intrusion (and it only works while the engine is running). You'll also never know if water is just starting to come into your hull thru an initially minor leak that grows.

Thus the need I felt for a good automatic electric bilge pump in mine!

Additional advantage is that if I notice water pouring out the side of the back of my RXT from under the grab handle I'll know instantly that she's taking on water! 800 gph is like a small fire hose turned full on mind you.

You may well have damaged your engine if it ingested water... water does not compress, it'll bend a piston connecting rod in a heartbeat and THAT will stop your engine cold!

I cannot recommend highly enough people install automatic electric bilge pumps in their PWC's.... it can save you so much trouble and money (you still have a deductible you'll have to pay no doubt?).

- Michael

 

[mkov608]

I've experience a similar problem with my '02 GTX, 155. It took me a while to find the leak. I backed the ski down the boat ramp, left the bow strap connected, took off the seat, and removed the rear bin. I also had a very bright light. Once I started the ski, I noticed water entering at the O.P.A.S. valve. When I removed the valve, I noticed the installer rolled the seal. Since I had already installed the RIVA block off kit, I ordered the RIVA O.P.A.S valve block off plate; problem solved.

 

[DaBoss]

I have resolved the problem. A clamp that attaches to the exhaust had rusted through and come off. The exhaust pipe detached from the outlet which then let exhaust gases directly into the hull which caused the engine to stop. Once stopped the ski began to take on water through the exhaust . Electrics all good, no fault codes, a little water in top of engine. Removed water, new spark plugs, oil change and now running well.
Lesson learnt, constantly inspect everything. I have a pretty good mechanical knowledge of bikes and cars but this jet ski thing is a whole new ball game. You cant just pull to the side of the road when something goes wrong.
Thanks for all the advice and if there's anything else i should do to the ski now i have had water (fresh) in the hull and around the engine i would be very grateful for any advice.
Cheers everyone

 

[Coastiejoe]

The pump would be putting TONS of raw water into and through the exhaust. It would flood the hull quickly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[maxthebird]

I had the same problem with my 2006 GTI. Exhaust hose clamp rusted and broke, detaching the rubber hose, pumping lake water quickly into the hull. Engine died and ski filled with water. Was fortunate engine didn't flood. I would advise to check all hose clamps and double clamp the exhaust hose. Boats have double clamps on all through hull fittings.

 

[CharlestonRXT]

Michael, what model pump did you get? I am going to instal this on my RXT. I am currently getting a bit of water in the hull maybe 1/2 gallon every 3 hours. This will should safe guard me until I figure out the small leak.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Was years ago I did that.. it was a SeaSense pump about 600gph I think from Academy. Maybe $29 then.

Your OPAS tubes may be leaking and check the front bolt on the intake grate it goes all the way thru the hull if it's fallen out water will come in.

Good luck!

- Michael