1997 Seadoo GTI Horrible noise

[mtf0011]

Hi everyone. Long time listener, first time caller.
I've been working on a 1997 Seadoo GTI that was in pretty good shape overall, just hadn't ran in a while. After fixing some wiring issues that a dumb*** mechanic "fixed," I finally got it started for the first time in 2 years and let it run on the hose for about 30 minutes. I shut it off and then decided id take the carb off to clean bc i know it has probably never been done. After taking it off, i find that it is cracked at the top by the choke. I order a new one throw it on today. I had also replaced the fuel lines so i filled up that filter right by the fuel selector and tried to start. No luck. I spray some starting fluid down the carb and it runs off that for a couple seconds and dies. repeat a couple more times hoping that eventually the fuel pump will start sucking fuel through the lines. Then i hear a weird noise. I try to start again and I hear this horrible grinding/whining noise. I take the cylinder head off to see if something somehow went inside the cylinder. The cylinder walls look okay, but that noise is horrible. Ive seen a few other threads where people describe a similar noise. Some people say its the starter (which sometimes only clicks even after new solenoid), some say it ate a bearing, and other say something about the magneto. I posted a video below. Anyone have any clue what this noise is? Thanks in advance.

1997 Seadoo GTI Grinding noise

 

[mikidymac]

My guess by running it on the hose for 30 minutes is you either trashed the driveshaft seal or the pump.

You should never run it for more than a couple minutes out of the water, even on the hose as the driveshaft and pump have nothing to cool them.

You need to pull the driveshaft seal then the pump to inspect.

This is not directed to you in particular, I don't know why everyone wants to run the skis on the hose? There is no good reason for it other than to flush the cooling system of salt water or debris. Running on the hose only cools the engine and exhaust, not the pump or driveshaft. Running on the hose will tell you nothing about how the ski actually runs as there is no load on it.

Also never use starting fluid as it will remove the lubrication from your engine, if anything make a little premix to put down the carb.

 

[mtf0011]

My guess by running it on the hose for 30 minutes is you either trashed the driveshaft seal or the pump.

You should never run it for more than a couple minutes out of the water, even on the hose as the driveshaft and pump have nothing to cool them.

You need to pull the driveshaft seal then the pump to inspect.

This is not directed to you in particular, I don't know why everyone wants to run the skis on the hose? There is no good reason for it other than to flush the cooling system of salt water or debris. Running on the hose only cools the engine and exhaust, not the pump or driveshaft. Running on the hose will tell you nothing about how the ski actually runs as there is no load on it.

Also never use starting fluid as it will remove the lubrication from your engine, if anything make a little premix to put down the carb.

Well how unfortunate for me. All of my mechanical experience is boats and cars. Never worked on a jet ski. I did a google search before deciding to let it run and a lot of people insisted that there's no problem letting it run on the hose. Really weird timing that it was seemingly fine the whole time it was on the hose and now all of a sudden it does this?

When you say "pump" that refers to the jet pump correct? as in the thing inside the black plastic that I would remove from the rear of the ski? The noise doesn't really seem to be coming from back there. Sorry for the ignorance. Jet ski repair is new to me.

 

[daredevil95]

I would disconnect the driveshaft and listen for sound again. That will narrow it to either motor or driveline and go from there.

 

[mikidymac]

You can really "disconnect" the driveshaft on these.

You need to pull the plastic cover at the rear of the engine.
You will see a stainless steel ring on the driveshaft, you need to push this ring towards the back of the ski until you see either a "C" clip or an o-ring and remove it from the driveshaft. This will let that stainless ring slide towards the engine.

Now you need to pull the jet pump and finally the driveshaft will come out of the ski.

 

[daredevil95]

You can really "disconnect" the driveshaft on these.

You need to pull the plastic cover at the rear of the engine.
You will see a stainless steel ring on the driveshaft, you need to push this ring towards the back of the ski until you see either a "C" clip or an o-ring and remove it from the driveshaft. This will let that stainless ring slide towards the engine.

Now you need to pull the jet pump and finally the driveshaft will come out of the ski.

Yes, I know.....I just went through that. I've had my jet pump off so many times that it literally take me 5 minutes. Carbon seal, c-clip and bellows & slide shaft out is pretty simple to but, I understand if you never did it before. I'm a jet ski newbie and learned most of my 717 in the past 2 weeks so, I know the deal.

I was thinking that by doing this, it would narrow down the noise issue to either engine or drive line but, there might b a easier way. I have a harbor freight stethascope and it's helped me find a problem area a few times albeit, in automotive. I don't knwo if there is to much vibration to be any good but, worth a try as a last resort?

 

[mtf0011]

Thank you both for the input. Pulled starter out (total pain in the ass), took that plastic housing off, and spun the drive shaft by hand and I can still hear it. Oh well... I was planning to have that starter rebuilt anyway.

I am about 99% positive that its not coming from the jet pump. Really sounds like its coming from the motor. I've seen folks talking about a nut on the magneto that backs off and rubs against the metal housing. Took that front plate off the mag housing and doesn't look like anything has been rubbing against it.

I guess I should pull that jet pump just for the sake of process of elimination?

I'm getting a bad feeling.....

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, I know.....I just went through that. I've had my jet pump off so many times that it literally take me 5 minutes. Carbon seal, c-clip and bellows & slide shaft out is pretty simple to but, I understand if you never did it before. I'm a jet ski newbie and learned most of my 717 in the past 2 weeks so, I know the deal.

I was thinking that by doing this, it would narrow down the noise issue to either engine or drive line but, there might b a easier way. I have a harbor freight stethascope and it's helped me find a problem area a few times albeit, in automotive. I don't knwo if there is to much vibration to be any good but, worth a try as a last resort?

Always a good option to avoid pulling unnecessary parts.

 

[mikidymac]

Thank you both for the input. Pulled starter out (total pain in the ass), took that plastic housing off, and spun the drive shaft by hand and I can still hear it. Oh well... I was planning to have that starter rebuilt anyway.

I am about 99% positive that its not coming from the jet pump. Really sounds like its coming from the motor. I've seen folks talking about a nut on the magneto that backs off and rubs against the metal housing. Took that front plate off the mag housing and doesn't look like anything has been rubbing against it.

I guess I should pull that jet pump just for the sake of process of elimination?

I'm getting a bad feeling.....

Easier to pull the pump than the engine and the pump needs to be pulled to pull the engine anyway.