Cavitation and no propulsion at higher throttle

[Farescb52]

On a week vacation to the lake and our 95 XP has an issue. Somebody was riding normally and all of a sudden it revved up and almost came to a complete stop. From reading through the forum it seems like it’s sucking air from inside and not able to push water causing the issue. I jumped in and drove it. More cavitation than normal and propulsion is somewhat normal up to 3-4000 rpms. More throttle than that the rpms jump up and the propulsion pretty much stops. Looking for short term and long term. Short term so we can use it for the rest of my trip. Long term what I can do in order to fix without it continuing to happen.

 

[JeremyD615]

It’s most likely something small stuck in the pump somewhere. Get underneath the ski and look up through the intake grate. It doesn’t take much at all to make these things cabotage like that... Something as small as a pencil diameter stick lodged anywhere in the pump or nozzle will cause exactly what you’re describing.

 

[Farescb52]

I will check that out. I just pulled it out of the lake. Lunch is #1 on the agenda. Then I will take a look and see if I can find something obvious. Stay tuned.

 

[Farescb52]

Well you might

It’s most likely something small stuck in the pump somewhere. Get underneath the ski and look up through the intake grate. It doesn’t take much at all to make these things cabotage like that... Something as small as a pencil diameter stick lodged anywhere in the pump or nozzle will cause exactly what you’re describing.

You might be the man! I ate lunch and put up and easy up due to rain. I saw something caught up in the impeller. I took off the grate since I saw some wood. I was able to use a long screwdriver after it was dislodged. To push back into the intake area. I hope that fixes the problem. More than likely will. Picture included for size comparison. The smaller end of this wood had another thinner piece caught in the impeller that broke off. Thanks for posting your helpful thoughts on my issue.

 

[JeremyD615]

I’d say that was 100% your issue! It’s crazy how something so small can have such a huge effect on these pumps.

 

[Farescb52]

I’d say that was 100% your issue! It’s crazy how something so small can have such a huge effect on these pumps.

That is crazy! I was just thinking, man that is why this thing won’t move. Again, thanks!!

 

[beergut]

to add to the above, before putting it back in the water- there may also be more stuck between the impeller and stator vanes- you can get a flashlight and look into the jet pump from the rear and make sure there nothing caught up in there between the impeller and stator vanes.

 

[beergut]

ohhh- i clearly see the problem in your photo.... your ski swallowed some bud light and started choking on it!

 

[Farescb52]

Back in the water late yesterday and working like it should. The wood correction did the trick.