2000 Gtx cavitation. New owner, please help

[97Explorer]

I've never worked on an explorer, but it seems similar to the old through hull fittings with carrier bearings. Basically pump the bearing carrier until you see grease seeping past the seal, then take it for a ride. If the cavitation goes away, or is less, then you need a new seal. Also it is good to check your driveshaft for excessive wear/missaligment as this could cause premature seal wear, ending up with another air leak.

Personally, I like these seals with the carrier bearings because as long as you pump them with grease every so often, they last forever, and wont sink your ski over night! (Have the original one on my '91 GT and it sits in the water all summer. Weeks sometimes with no supervision!)

Yep....seals are going bad ....

4 pumps of grease before and after today's use and much better hook up out of the hole.

Thanks guys!




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[manolocross]

Well did it work out???

 

[97Explorer]

Well did it work out???

I think so. Most of the cavitation issue seems to be gone (not hitting rev limiter any more). Problem is I am new to this boat and I don't know what it should do when everything is correct.

I will have to replace the seals but that seems like a big job as the drive shaft needs to come out. I am not sure yet if that means motor removal or just the jet pump.

Leigh


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[- BiRkS_]

Just remove the jet pump, then loosen the hose clamp, slide the bearing carrier out. Replace the seals, and/or the caged bearing at the same time. (I would recommend it).

Probably a 2 hour job start to finish if you have the parts infront of you.

 

[going up]

Great thread... I have a 96 gtx with very similar issues. I already replaced the wear ring so I am thinking carbon ring... going to try thins fix. Thanks for all the information.

 

[97Explorer]

To update,

I replaced the seals and bearing carrier (single unit from SBT). The old seals were worn quite flat. The new seals are better but I still need to pump grease into the carrier every time I use the boat, especially if I have left it in the water over night. If I don't regrease the cavitation comes back.


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