97 gtx problem

[boombee]

i have an oppertunity to purchase a clean looking 97 gtx with 90 hours on it from a friend of the family. it starts right up, the compression is good. the problem is when you put it in the water and ride it the hull quickly fills with water. im a newbie and need some suggestions. the hoses look good and are tight. dont think he will let me fill the hull up with water to check for leaks, but does anyone have suggestions what it can be? doing research and process of elimination ive come to the conclusion that it can be the pump seal? the water box? when you run it on the hose there are no leaks at all. before i buy i will definately drop it in at the ramp and check for leaks, but thought i could get some suggestions from the experts first. also when i ran it on the hose i saw a hi temp reading on the gauge (he had the engine and carbs rebuilt took it out for the first time and had this problem) could it be possible the hoses were hooked up wrong? if so which hoses should i check. thanks in advance!

 

[b15philly]

Could be the tuned pipe, check the exhaust for leaks. Was it filling up with water on the hose or in the water, if in the water make sure the plugs are in and or not leaking. One other option is if he or someone has changed the jet pump oil recently they might not of put the two small rubber o rings back in their fittings which would allow water to enter the hull.

 

[seadooya]

remove the grey shield from back of motor, and inspect what looks like a "carbon" ring. If cracked/chipped, thats yuor issue, also inspect the "accordian" looking boot, where the carbon ring hose-clamps to.

 

[voodoo]

As you mentioned towards the end drop it at the ramp and leave it on the trailer, run it there so you can observe any liquid leaks and feel the warmth of the hoses, just lift the throttle a little to get the juices flowing - do this every year at the beginning of the season to limit the breakdown drama, Oh and check the battery voltage there to see it go up from 12 sumthing to 14 sumething but not over 14.5 or there is charging problem. If that motor is new remember to add extra premix oil and follow the piston breakin process that came with the package.