2003 GTI LE RFI Rear engine shaft vibration

[theattack]

First time owner.
Just bought a used 2003 GTI LE RFI and at idle there is a significant vibration or shake at the rear engine/ shaft area (inside the hull). The engine actually rocks a little left to right. Once I accelerate the vibration seems to smooth out or at least lessen (Its hard to tell). Could this be something stuck on the impeller or does it seem like an alignment problem or mount issue. I examined the plate underneath the hull and it looks as if someone has been inside because there is black RTV along the seal. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Dennis]

Sounds like something is out of balance in the driveline. Connect spark plug wires to their grounding posts. Have someone crank the ski while you look at the driveshaft and impeller from underneath. You're discribing a bend driveshaft.

DAWG

 

[onebadcav00]

it could be pump bearings freezing up too.

 

[theattack]

Thanks for the quick reply Dennis. You said to look from below at the drive shaft and impeller. I am guessing that I need to take off the bottom plate on the hull bottom to view these items. I mentioned before that there is some RTV already present around this plate, does that mean that I must re RTV this plate when re-attaching. Sorry, but this is all new to me.
Also can I do major damage to this machine if the drive shaft is truly bent??

"onebadcav00" stated that it could be pump bearings freezing up. Does this make sense if the machine operates typically other than the vibration I have mentioned.

Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!

 

[onebadcav00]

the amonut of force it would take to bend that shaft you would have more problems than just a vibration. there would be a lot of broken stuff. the rtv is from the factory, they all have it.