1998 gsx limited wear ring question

[tshaw]

Well I got my first sea doo this year and from the help of dr. and lou ive leared a lot. Ive replaced tempo lines, fixed vts, rebuilt carbs, replaced filters. So i was out on it today and everything was actually going good on it after around 45 mins I was just going across the lake about 60 and all of a sudden I can hear the rpms going but wasnt moving at all. Ive read and seen all the articles on having cavatation and its slow taking off etc. This made a bearing sound noise like something was rubbing. After I got towed back and home I started for a few seconds to make sure impeller was moving and not hitting the ring all seems ok and the bearing noise isnt there anymore. While in the water it seemed like it was filling up with water inside the hull also. Id imange I shouldnt be on here i should be taking off pump and impeller to see it more lol.
Now for the question I was told that when the wear ring is going out it feels like a clutch on a motorcycle going out. I drag raced them for 4 years so I know the feeling of them buring, slipping then not moving. My only problem is seems the sea doo went from running great to not moving in a few seconds with no warning. Ive only put 3-5 hours on it and with all the fuel issues ive had im not sure how fast it shouldve taken off. Only other jet sk ive rode is my 94 tigershark 640 and anyone thats ever been on one knows they dont take off that fast so maybe my ring on the sea doo was worn just didnt seem that way cause it still took off faster then tigershark.

Another problem I had was the vts just put a new rod in it and was working fine up and down tested many times but when its in the water it doest move.

Thanks I know this is a long drawn out confusing post

 

[Dr Honda]

Your problem sounds more extreme that just a wear ring. But.. remove the pump and inspect it. With what you are saying... Im going to lean toward a drive shaft seal. (The carbon ring) If it cracked... you will suck enough air to not even move.

As far as the VTS... all you can do is pull the unit, and look for a bind.

 

[tshaw]

Thanks Dr. I pulled pump and wear ring doesnt look that worn although it doesnt have the clearence like it should it actually feels like the impeller is very slightly rubbing. Would you go ahead and replace it since its already out. Now for the seal you were talking about it does have chuncks taken out of it so it will need replaced. Removing the drive shaft doesnt look like I have any clips on it and I pull the shaft and it moves almost all the way out you can see other ends of the splines. Am i forgetting something or just not pulling hard enough. Thanks