96 GSX Cavitation Aggrivation

[Matt Braley]

I have done it all twice. The research, the part swaps, etc. This problem is still kicking my but. I fixed the trim and tried all positions. No drive shaft seal problems, $30 worth of Permatex silicone on the shoe and rideplate(every crook and crany). Perfect pump(tried other perfect pump anyway). Original grate is not bent. Any ideas? Thanks guys

 

[Dr Honda]

How bad is it?

If it's sight... then it's an impeller issue.

If it's bad... it's an air leak.

The trim position wont' make a difference if the pump is in good shape.

You mention that you sealed the shoe... and did stuff to the pump... but did you replace the carbon seal? Did you look for a hole in the carbon seal boot? Did you make sure the fitting in the hull was not loose? Did you make sure the O-rings in the stainless ring were in good condition?

 

[Matt Braley]

It is between slight and severe. The women and the kids love it and think it's perfect because it is "smooth". I know it should be yanking my arms when I gas it. I swapped for the old style drive shaft seal with no difference so I swapped back. The carbon seal is in good shape and I have the zip tie behind the boot for good pressure. I'll go take some pics. Thanks for your thoughts doc

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... "Severe" cavitation would be... Full throttle, 7200 RPM's, and you are going 10 mph.

Since you had the carbon seal off, and back on... I would think that anything that was wrong, would have been replaced. I guess all I can say is to ride a second GSX and see how it rides.

What kind of impeller do you have?

 

[Strizzo]

Since you have extra pressure in the carbon seal, is that because it leaks otherwise? The extra pressure might be enough to keep water out, (doesn't take much pressure to do really) but not enough to hold back the suction under acceleration.

 

[Matt Braley]

That is a good point Strizzo, I did it just to try and rule that out. Doc, I have the stock prop. I have other used parts to try another swap but then I have to tear the plate and shoe off and try and re-seal again.

I worked on another ski this afternoon cause I just had to get something accomplished if you know what I mean.

 

[Dr Honda]

That impeller looks clean... so that shouldn't be your issue.

Also... since you have the zip-ties on the boot... and tried an old sytle pack.... I'd say that the air has to be coming in around the shoe or the hull fitting where the boot is.