96 Challenger Power Problems

[GWNSeaDooOwner]

Hi.

I purchased a 96 Challenger last fall and have been having problems with acceleration. Originally last fall, I took the boat to a dealer here, and they said that there was too much gap between the impeller and wear ring. Both were replaced. I never got the boat back in the water until this summer, and the boat does the same thing. On take off, it takes anywhere from 15 seconds to never to get up to speed. The RPM roars but the boat only achieves about 10MPH. It seems that if there is weight in the front of the boat it will plane after some period of time and reach about 45MPH. I called the dealer back, and they noted that when it was winterized that they suspected a cracked block. After speaking to another dealer, they told me if there was a crack in the block, the engine would have seized. Now I'm lost, and don't want to dump more money into this unless I can be sure it will help. I did read about Smart Tabs by Nauticus, and wonder if they may help. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[ocod]

other reason for cavitaion is to look at the carbon seals.
Remove grey cover at the PTO and check the SS ring..

 

[GWNSeaDooOwner]

I did look at the carbon ring where the shaft meets up under the plastic cover a while ago, and the guy that I purchased it from mentioned that the boot in front of the ring requires grease, and that it would force the carbon ring against the shaft with more pressure. Again, I have never owned this tyoe of boat, so it's all new to me. Does this sound right?

 

[Dr Honda]

Nope... not even close. The grease fitting on the PTO is to just keep grease on the splines of the drive shaft so the slight miss alignment won't eat the PTO.


When the carbon ring wears... there isn't much you can do about it. You need to just replace the parts. Sometimes, loosening the clamp on the boot, down by the hull, and then pushing it up, will help. But it's a temp fix.

 

[GWNSeaDooOwner]

Okay, I will have to take a look at that on the weekend. The boats out at the lake right now. Would it be worth buying a new carbon ring and installing it to see it that makes a difference?

 

[Phildoo]

Be a really good idea to not leave it on the water if it's possibly the carbon ring. If it's leaking it can sink the boat. My seal was out of alignment after a wear ring replacement and took on water while out on the lake. I got lucky and had enough tools inboard to adjust it right there. I think there are quite a few guys on here who won't leave their seadoo on the water too.

 

[seefishydotcom]

If you are going to do the carbon ring it is a good idea to replace the O-rings on the shaft and the seal on the jet pump. I just did my carbon ring, boot, o-rings, and seal while I had my engine out to be rebuilt. I also replaced the hose (pipe) that comes off my jet pump as it was showing signs of age.