1st time wear ring install, is this ok? (video)

[amp3d]

First time replacing a wear ring so I'm not 100% what is considered acceptable.

It's an SBT ring (I would have gone OEM but I was ordering the alignment tool at the same time so, why not).

After installing it, if I spin it, it touches just slightly. I think I saw some posts saying it shouldn't touch at all.

Will it wear itself straight or melt the plastic?

To me, it looks like the wear ring isn't perfectly circular? I don't feel much if any play in the bearings so I'm not sure?

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05pDaRyT4A

 

[96spxpos]

First time replacing a wear ring so I'm not 100% what is considered acceptable.

It's an SBT ring (I would have gone OEM but I was ordering the alignment tool at the same time so, why not).

After installing it, if I spin it, it touches just slightly. I think I saw some posts saying it shouldn't touch at all.

Will it wear itself straight or melt the plastic?

To me, it looks like the wear ring isn't perfectly circular? I don't feel much if any play in the bearings so I'm not sure?

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05pDaRyT4A

From what I believe, the impeller is supposed to be as close and tight to the wear ring WITHOUT touching or grabbing in any spots.
I'm assuming that if you sit the pump body sideways and just Spin the impeller, it'll still rub in those same spots? Try and and post back.
To be honest, it's a brand new wear ring, so unless your impeller is not true, your housing may be a tiny bit warped and unless you wanna drop more cash on it, I'd wait to see if anyone else here says just ride it like that bc it will wear in soon enough.

 

[amp3d]

From what I believe, the impeller is supposed to be as close and tight to the wear ring WITHOUT touching or grabbing in any spots.
I'm assuming that if you sit the pump body sideways and just Spin the impeller, it'll still rub in those same spots? Try and and post back.
To be honest, it's a brand new wear ring, so unless your impeller is not true, your housing may be a tiny bit warped and unless you wanna drop more cash on it, I'd wait to see if anyone else here says just ride it like that bc it will wear in soon enough.

Ok thanks, I'll check that now. If it helps, my method of installation was putting the wear ring in by HAND using the freezer method (I used a little dish soap on a rag to make it wet). I didnt use ANY force to put the wear ring in, no 2x4's or anything. Just pushed down in place all the way by hand. I can't imagine a warped housing allowing for such easy install? But maybe?

 

[amp3d]

Edit: I tried it with the pump on it's side, and it still does the same thing when turning just the impeller blade. Hmm, I'm not experienced enough to know if this is a good idea to run it When I look really closely though, there is a spot on the wear ring where it seems to EVER so slightly hump out sorta..hmm I'm not sure! If you guys say try it and run it, I will give it a go.

I haven't had this old ski on the water yet since I've picked it up and been doing lots of work to it. Some other work is pending a water test so I do need to get it out there to make sure nothing else is wrong

I just dont want to get the pump back on all closed up and silicone all the hoses just to pull it off again later this week

 

[mikidymac]

Mine have always slightly touched when new. The impeller will shave it down when first started.

The big test is can you turn it with 1 finger without it hurting your finger. If it is tighter than that you might have an issue.

 

[amp3d]

Mine have always slightly touched when new. The impeller will shave it down when first started.

The big test is can you turn it with 1 finger without it hurting your finger. If it is tighter than that you might have an issue.

I can definitely do it with one finger, even the pinky without any issues thanks for the advice!

 

[1983]

Normal with SBT and some others.

I spray wd40 or squirt dawn in there on initial start.

 

[amp3d]

Normal with SBT and some others.

I spray wd40 or squirt dawn in there on initial start.

Awesome thanks! Do the sbt ones come out better than oem? Damn mine was a disaster to get out even with a Dremel and chisel! It had a black putter layer with white inner later that was rock solid!

 

[1983]

I've had good experience with SBT wear rings but after their disrespect on the phone today regarding a seperate matter I will never purchase a single item from them again.

Sounds like you removed the remnants of an oem ring. They are the best and will give best performance. I use a jig saw then finalize the cut with wood chisel and small hammer.

 

[amp3d]

I've had good experience with SBT wear rings but after their disrespect on the phone today regarding a seperate matter I will never purchase a single item from them again.

Sounds like you removed the remnants of an oem ring. They are the best and will give best performance. I use a jig saw then finalize the cut with wood chisel and small hammer.

I called sbt twice, once I had a lady and she was very helpful. The following time I had a guy in the international department and he certainly wasn't very friendly. Hit or miss I guess.

 

[pwgsx]

Normal for SBT rings........Sometimes if its tight I use my impeller tool hooked to my air tool and spin it to wear the ring to fit so its not hard on my starter.

 

[mikidymac]

Matt B. has been getting some good ones on ebay cheap but I am chicken and stick to OEM. SBT seems to be getting worse especially on shipping and customer service. Their prices used to make it tolerable but they are almost the same price as OEM on some parts now.