98 GSX LTD taking on water

[Brprxt215]

Hi guys I just picked up a 98 GSX LTD last week for $200 with the trailer! This is only my second 951. After a new starter it ran so I went and ran it on the trailer. Took on water and drive shaft was all sloppy. I bought a new carbon seal and bellows and put them in and replaced the Orings on the pump when reinstalling it. It was only leaking when running idle and more at throttle. It didn’t leak running it on the trailer yesterday with throttle so I figured I was good to try it out today. Well I went out for 5 mins and came back to check on it and it’s all the way to the drive shaft and bottom of the battery. I can not see it leaking anywhere. The carbon seal is new and good I believe and the exhaust and waterbox is dry except the bottom where the water flooded up to. There is no cracks in the bottom of the gel coat. Anyone have any ideas where this is coming in from? Attached is a couple pictures

 

[mikidymac]

That mess of sealant around the hull where the boot clamps is not stock. I would see what is going on around there.

What do you mean, "the driveshaft is all sloppy"?

Did you install a new rubber bellows with the new carbon seal?

Finally you can fill the ski with water on the trailer and then look on the outside to see where the water is leaking out which will be the same as where it is getting in.

 

[Brprxt215]

That mess of sealant around the hull where the boot clamps is not stock. I would see what is going on around there.

What do you mean, "the driveshaft is all sloppy"?

Did you install a new rubber bellows with the new carbon seal?

Finally you can fill the ski with water on the trailer and then look on the outside to see where the water is leaking out which will be the same as where it is getting in.

The drive shaft was missing one of the rubber plugs on one end and the old carbon seal I could move the entire drive shaft when pulling on it. It is now stiff with new carbon ring and new bellows and the plug put in the drive shaft. That mess of sealant was there when I bought it. But not showing any signs of leaking. I did fill the thing up with the garden hose higher then it is in the picture and it didn’t leak a drop

 

[mikidymac]

Then if it is still taking on water I would be looking at the exhaust and cooling system for leaks.

I would be leaning towards exhaust because you can see the black mark on your waterbox that exhaust got really hot at one point and melted the rubber hoses.

 

[Brprxt215]

I’ll check the flange on the exhaust. I did check the cooling line running from the pump up to the exhaust and couldn’t feel any cracks or rips. I might just have to pull it to inspect further

 

[mikidymac]

I like to back them into the water still strapped to the trailer and with the seat off give them a rev to look for any leaks.

 

[Brprxt215]

I like to back them into the water still strapped to the trailer and with the seat off give them a rev to look for any leaks.

Yes I did that a bunch until it got to the point it didn’t seem to leak. So what I have discovered is the intake bolts up through the hull itself. There was two epoxy patches over the bolts that flaked off with the scratch of my finger. I’m thinking it might have been leaking there under throttle with all the built up pressure and not leak when not running! I’m hoping I can just use my west system and fill over the bolts and create a nice seal and be good to go.!!!

 

[TJG358]

Yes I did that a bunch until it got to the point it didn’t seem to leak. So what I have discovered is the intake bolts up through the hull itself. There was two epoxy patches over the bolts that flaked off with the scratch of my finger. I’m thinking it might have been leaking there under throttle with all the built up pressure and not leak when not running! I’m hoping I can just use my west system and fill over the bolts and create a nice seal and be good to go.!!!

What was your final outcome? Was it the intake bolts? I have a water leak similar to yours. I havent been able to locate it yet.

 

[Brprxt215]

The final out come was I ripped off the transom plate in the back and sold it all disassembled to a buddy for $1000. I am almost betting the motor was put back together without an alignment tool and that was the issue. My buddy hasn’t touched it since i sold it to him so we don’t really know for sure what happened

 

[etemplet]

I've found that the temperature of the water inside the hull gives a good indication of where it is coming from. If it is warm, it went through the engine. If it is the outside water temp and kinda dirty looking it is likely coming from outside the cooling system. I ride skis with the seat off for the first few minutes. Those water leaks are sneaky !!

 

[etemplet]

I just bought a ski where the seller said he had an intake manifold leak as he just did the top end on the ski. He was sure exactly where the leak was coming from. I'm a bit curious and may pull the head and have a look. I may pull the whole top end. We'll see.