94 SPX Low Thrust, Lots of Noise

[cbr rob]

So... We took our new (to us) toy out to the lake this weekend. It runs great but developed a rather interesting issue on the first day.

When accelerating, it starts to go, (rpm's come up normally) then just as you came up on plane I gave it full throttle and the rpm's revved to the moon. Just like when the clutch on a manual transmission is shot.

It got worse as we made our way to the cove, and by the time I got there even at idle the thing sounded like a popcorn machine and I couldn't even come off of a high idle without it "slipping".

So, what am I looking at here? Wear Ring, impeller. pump bearings? Any advise on where to start? I'm thinking I'll start with the cone and see what the oil looks like (water, metal, etc.) and go from there.

Anyone know where I can get a shop manual for this bad boy?

Thanks in advance.

-Rob

 

[rotaxrule1]

First thing I would check is the easy stuff, slide under the trailer and make sure nothing is lodged in the pump where he water comes in. While your there you can kinda see the wear ring to see if it is scuffed up.

If you become a premium member you can download all the manuals from what I understand. (gonna need to myself here soon)

Anyway, thanks to the other guys here, that is what I have learned to check so far, my gtx is doing similar things so it turns out that my wear ring is pretty chewed up.

 

[cbr rob]

Will do. Would that also explain all the noise I'm hearing? Moving at a high idle it sounds like the pump shaft is slipping and grinding. I'll have to get under there and see what I can find.

Thanks again!

-Rob

 

[rotaxrule1]

Exactly, yes it sounds like signs of "cavitation" I would do a search here for that and you can find many posts (including mine probably) of people with the same symptoms. :cheers:

 

[deepdiver]

Check the status of the grease in the bearings. Open up the cover at the back of engine. There are two grease fittings there that need lube regularly. bearing may already be bad which means you'll need to pull pump out from rear end to replace.

 

[cbr rob]

Well... just got under the ski. The wear ring is gone! That would explain the low thrust right? My concern is WHY is the wear ring gone. Where is the bearing that supports the shaft... on the pump side? Bearings were greased just before we left... however I think only one of them was greased. There was lots of grease on the cover so, it was either over greased or the boot is shot.

Looks like the pump is coming out! Hopefully an inexpensive repair that we can do over the weekend.

-Rob

 

[deepdiver]

I guess the support for the shaft is the thru hull fitting. Look at the manual and you'll see all the parts...become a Premium Member for a while so you can download the Service manual if you don't have it. You'll need it. Good luck with the wear ring. Replace the pump oil while you are at it.

 

[rotaxrule1]

:agree: it would be good to check all that since you pretty much take all that apart to replace the wear ring anyway.