97 GTX lost steering on the lake

[Trooper182]

Ok so sitting on the lake now. Taking the ski out for its first spin and 2 min in have a issue. Lost all steering except at very low speed. There is no binding feeling and the nozzle is turning fine but when I go to speed up I can only go straight.

 

[Trooper182]

Was able to limp it back to the trailer safely. Now to figure out what went wrong

 

[Tyman2020]

When trying to turn at speed are you holding the throttle sorry have to ask...

 

[Trooper182]

When trying to turn at speed are you holding the throttle sorry have to ask...

Yes holding the throttle. Can hold it wide open and get no steering response. If I go like at 2-3mph I can get steering. Crazy thing is when I got out of the no wake zone and was swirving around it worked fine then all of a sudden no response. Had my friend get off his ski and tried moving the nozzle and it moved fine. Also at low speed I could look back and see the nozzle is moving.

 

[Trooper182]

Ok did some poking around and found this. The threads on the plastic snapped. Steeing still moves fine. Not sure if this would effect steering.

 

[Trooper182]

thats my issue, ordering new parts

 

[Tyman2020]

Yeah totally your issue your whole cable is shifting when enough force is applied to the nozzle. Good eye! its nice when its something easy lol

 

[Ckrawiec]

thats my issue, ordering new parts

Yep, it's broke good....had a similar issue on a 2017 Spark, it wouldn't steer......the steering cable outer sheathe NEEDS to be constrained at the front steering column and at the rear (where it exits through the hull). The inner cable is what pushes the nozzle left or right.....your rear constraint is not there so the whole steering cable (outer and inner) is moving.

Looks to be a relatively easy fix once you get the right part....now all you need to do is fish out the broken threads still in the ski....there will probably also be some rubber washers in there as well to form a watertight seal....the new threaded part compresses those washers around the steering cable as you thread it in. Good luck.

 

[Trooper182]

Yep, it's broke good....had a similar issue on a 2017 Spark, it wouldn't steer......the steering cable outer sheathe NEEDS to be constrained at the front steering column and at the rear (where it exits through the hull). The inner cable is what pushes the nozzle left or right.....your rear constraint is not there so the whole steering cable (outer and inner) is moving.

Looks to be a relatively easy fix once you get the right part....now all you need to do is fish out the broken threads still in the ski....there will probably also be some rubber washers in there as well to form a watertight seal....the new threaded part compresses those washers around the steering cable as you thread it in. Good luck.

Thanks, glad not too much water entered the hull. Also glad I installed a bilge pump. Can anyone tell me where I can find the large boot that goes behind the nut? The part number I'm pulling showes it is no longer made and nobody has it in stock. I found a different one and am wondering if it will work. Part number 277000039

 

[Trooper182]

Ok so got the new parts installed yesterday. Very easy to do. One thing I'm not sure on is the neoprene seal. I have been searching for the seal but can't find it. It shows for the 98 GTX but not 97. Looking at the repair manual diagram it doesn't show it. Looks like the pump has been off before and they used sealant on it. The wear ring looks recently replaced.

 

[jts32]

Some manuals/models don't show the seal for some reason. Google Seadoo 140mm seal