$69,000.00 question

[MAX HENDRICKS]

Just purchased a 1996 Speedster. When test driving the boat before purchase everything seemed to work well. Since purchase on the 3rd trip to the lake, the boat will not take off at all because of cavitation. It will idle anywhere you want it to go, even in reverse. I have looked at the wear ring and see not major issues with it. I looked at the impellers, and see no scaring ect. The billows on the carbon ring do not leak, but they do look like they not be fully extended. Before I jump off the deep end and replace a bunch of things that don't need it, can someone point me in the right direction. Any and all help will be appreciated. There is not a lot of room to get to the carbon rings inside this thing, and if that is what it needs, that is what it will get, but I want to go fast, and soon. Thanks Much

 

[POPPS]

Since the carbon ring may appear to be a issue, remove the pto cover, go to the water, remove the pto cover. Have a spotter, open the engine cover, and take it out in the water. Have your spotter see if you are leaking water at the carbon seal, of course only a 20 year old, long armed, upside down monkeys, can work in the hull of jet boats. I also have seen jet boats cavitate from the drive shaft protectors.

 

[MAX HENDRICKS]

Thank you for the advise. Last night I climbed upside down and stretched inside the hatch, and I can with my bear hand move somewhat freely the carbon ring. To me it appears to have quite a bit of slop in it. Should it be tight? Thanks Again.... Max

 

[POPPS]

I apologize, the carbon ring should not move at all, or the bellow that holds the ring. I would remove the pump, so that you can have a clear close up of the prop and wear ring.