Can the motor be ran without the driveshaft being connected?

[scrisp]

Hoping to get the starter and other parts installed on my new motor tomorrow, but the guy that I'm renting the alignment tool from, won't be back in town until Wednesday, so I was wondering if the driveshaft has to be connected to the motor if I am able to get it primed and started?

I'm just looking to get it to fire and start, not to do the break-in. Just trying to get as much finished as I can before re-installing the jet pump.

Also, I just filled the jet pump with new oil, after replacing the wear ring, and the impeller seems to rub the wear ring just a tiny bit. Is that normal? It's not as though the impeller shaft is bent, as it rubs the same place on the wear ring by each blade, as they come around. I spin it with my hand, so it's not a bad rub, just a little drag, but was just thinking about maybe the ring isn't perfectly round.

 

[AdamXP800]

My new wear ring rubbed a tiny bit at one spot, alittle running and all was good. Yes you can run it with the drive shaft off, I see no problems with that

 

[jammin777]

yes you can run it without drive shaft. i just did that a few weeks ago purposely before installing the drive train so i could test my new engine without worrying about roasting my carbon seal.

 

[68ragtop]

I agree, Its nice to let it fire up for the first time with no drive line clatter. No need for the driveshaft in the 580-951 engines. The 4-tec is a completely different story however.

Another option is to remove the c-clip & let the seal side forward & let it run. most of the ski's have some room for that.

I wonder if something small might have been caught behind the wear ring when it was installed? how much clearance to you have everywhere else?

 

[scrisp]

I wonder if something small might have been caught behind the wear ring when it was installed? how much clearance to you have everywhere else?

It's really tight all the way around, it just rubs a little in one spot. When I took the old ring out, I went around the inside of the pump with my hand to check for any burrs or high/los spots, and didn't find anything. I cleaned the pump with a rag and lubed it lightly with jet pump oil to make the ring install go easier.

I have to take the driveshaft out today, so I can set the alignment took in place this week.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I'd be real hesitant to fire off a new motor without the driveline intact b/c that PTO is threaded onto the crankshaft, what happens if it's not tight and comes spinning off?

I'd hate to see a PTO spinning wildly around inside my bilge, I'd have to ride the thing loaded up in the water for a week or two with WOT pulls before I'd fire it up without drive line installed.

 

[AdamXP800]

Sportster I respect and100% understand your statement. But... I've seen a many of new motors run with no driveshaft and I have yet to see an issue

 

[racerxxx]

Look Ma' no driveshaft!

Just don't be a dipstick and not torque the PTO on. I'd do it again and again.


[video=youtube;CavRsSc-7NE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CavRsSc-7NE[/video]

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Ride a pained pony let the spinning wheel spin.....
I'd feel differently if the ski had a few WOT runs on it to work the PTO on good.