Another leaky GSX

[USCG96gsx]

After reading through numberous "water in hull" posts I decided to just make a post with pictures. I have a 96 GSX that runs great but brings a ton of water in while on the lake. The clamp closest to the carbon ring is lose about 1/4 inch (gap). How tight should that be, also the VTS boot is ripped. The VTS does work like a champ though. Really the only issue I have is the incoming water......Thanks in advance!

 

[howie099]

get a new VTS boot before you need a new VTS motor. I am sure water is coming from there also. with the carbon seal how much resistance do you have when pull back on the boot? It should be stiff and be a little hard to move back.

 

[USCG96gsx]

Ordered a new VTS boot...That boot has about a 1/4 inch gap and moves freely.Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[manolocross]

Loosen the rearmost clamp ( closest to jet pump side)that holds the carbon seal boot and slide it forward to put more tension on carbon seal and shut out the water.

 

[1983]

get rid of the carbon seal and go to bearing carrier, you will love life

 

[USCG96gsx]

Thanks for the help guys. oh and 1983 i love the Kenny Powers profile picture.....

 

[1983]

Haha thanks, it is a great show, taped here in NC!

Thanks for the help guys. oh and 1983 i love the Kenny Powers profile picture.....

 

[wfo speedracer]

One other trick when you loosen the clamp on the driveshaft bellows get a large zip tie then push the boot forward and put the zip tie behind the boot and tighten it up, then retighten the clamp, just moving the boot and retightening the clamp will not hold in the long run, the zip tie prevents it from being able to push back into its former location

 

[dieselndoo]

That clamp, that's on the carbon ring I is far forward. Loosen ur up and slide back OFF the fat part of ring, then reclamp it. The vts boot needs replacing as well.

 

[gunnar22]

get rid of the carbon seal and go to bearing carrier, you will love life

What's the process for doing this? Please elaborate. Thanks

 

[1983]

What's the process for doing this? Please elaborate. Thanks

Install this below. instead of acordian boot, carbon seal, and stainless ring. No more leaks, no more cavitation. You will also need the short "protection hose" that osd sells or I just use one from a 95 XP.


http://osdparts.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=1

 

[gunnar22]

so this is the hose your talking about? What is the other metal piece in the picture and is that needed as well? Thanks

 

[hotrodssnova]

That metal piece is the thru hull adapter. You just need the rubber hose or tubing. It's very stiff. That will slide on to the existing thru hull adapter you have now. Then the bearing clamps on the other end. You might have to trim the rubber hose so the bearing sits in the right place. Grease bearing before installation with your finger. This will prevent seal damage. Then grease before each ride. Only takes a squirt. Too much and you will push the seal out.

Edit
The osd units actually stake the seals in to prevent them from being pushed out by the grease.
I have their unit in my gtx. I still only use just a squirt.

I like the bearing setup, it allows me to run the engine longer then you can with the cs. I like to flush my engine thoughly and then fog. I ride in salt water, so I like the bearing over the cs.

 

[manolocross]

Leave carbon ring!!! Just refresh the parts....

 

[1983]

Yup, what he is saying. I have bought 3 of these from OSD, great units. I hate carbon seals. Very poor design. As you may know you cannot leave these skis or boats in water for long periods of time ( overnight ) it will sink. With the bearing carrier, you will no longer cavitate or have issues with water. Grease the zerk every so often with exactly 1.25 squeezes of the grease gun and you will be set! Yes I said 1.25 haha it is the perfect amount to make sure bearings are greased and a little peeks our the front of the seal as designed by OSD to indicate it is full.


Rob

That metal piece is the thru hull adapter. You just need the rubber hose or tubing. It's very stiff. That will slide on to the existing thru hull adapter you have now. Then the bearing clamps on the other end. You might have to trim the rubber hose so the bearing sits in the right place. Grease bearing before installation with your finger. This will prevent seal damage. Then grease before each ride. Only takes a squirt. Too much and you will push the seal out.

Edit
The osd units actually stake the seals in to prevent them from being pushed out by the grease.
I have their unit in my gtx. I still only use just a squirt.

I like the bearing setup, it allows me to run the engine longer then you can with the cs. I like to flush my engine thoughly and then fog. I ride in salt water, so I like the bearing over the cs.

 

[nickj718]

Sometimes you lose all the grease in the pto. Pump the pro with grease utilizing the fitting on it, you can watch the shaft love back and push itself against the carbon seal. Pay attention to the boot on the PTO don't over grease it.