1997 Speedster... what are these?

[T-bonemxzx]

Hello... I just crawled under my 1997 speedster to see what shape my wear rings are in, as my boat just started to have troubles getting to plane, I couldn't help but notice the following pictures. plactic washer type spacer between the hull and shaft totally chewed on the starboard side and gone on the port. What are these and is there any possible way this is my issue for the sudden delay in plane. boat still tops out at 55mph. and the wear rings look good and not a single ding in the impellers blades. Please let me know. thanks for your help and time!!!!

 

[Jared]

it is what remains of your shaft protector. It is supposed to help keep ski ropes from twisting up around the drive shaft. You don't really need it. Look it up under parts if you want "propulsion sytem driveshaft"

 

[T-bonemxzx]

If my impeller blades look good and my wear ring looks good. where do
I look next. slow getting out of the hole.... nurse it a bit and it comes out just fine. anyone?

 

[pl_dwsn]

You could be sucking air in from your thru hull fitting/or rubber boot. Check by sliding your boot towards the stern and if possible you can move your clip on the drive shaft back to create a tighter seal around your carbon ring. Also check the clamps holding the boot on and tighten if necessary.

 

[T-bonemxzx]

You nailed it bud.... thank you so much!!! pulled off the shaft covers and noticed one of my clamps lying on the bottom of the boat.... my next question is.... does the boot go over top of the carbon ring or up against and push boot towards the hull.... let me know...and thanks a million!!!!

 

[pl_dwsn]

Somebody double check this, the rubber boot slides over the thru hull fitting, this gets a pipe clamp. The rubber boot will not turn, the carbon ring is slid up next to this and will turn rubbing on the rubber boot. I believe that there are two o-rings, one before and one after the carbon ring. These will not be seen unless you remove the above mentioned parts. Then install a cable clamp on the other end of the rubber boot. Then in front of your carbon ring there is a half clip for the shaft. The shaft has three grooves approx. 1/2" apart. Mine is set in the middle groove since the carbon ring is not new. This is where you can make your adjustments on the carbon ring/rubber boot tightness. Hope this helps!

 

[T-bonemxzx]

Yes.... that helps big time... I think I got it fixed... one last question... now that the clamp came off.... actually it was off on the boot and on the other boot in front of the pump with the grease nipple. Sorry for the rockie terms.... would I have lost grease as its all caked under the shaft cover.... I see there a grease nipple. what kind of grease do i put in and how much? I truly appreciate all the help!!!! Just joined the site and love it!!! been a doo talk guy forever! Thanks again!!!

 

[pl_dwsn]

Use synthetic marine grease. Only use enough so that the rubber boot expands a little. Do not push enough in to make it actually come out of the boot. I believe the grease zerk is only for the spline shaft connection, but I am not sure.

 

[pl_dwsn]

And don't forget to remove the rest of your drive shaft protector. I don't know if it could cause any damage to your impeller, but I wouldn't chance it.