GSX having performance issues

[Scottcba1]

I had my 1997 GSX 800 out a couple times seemed to run well. Speedo not working but it did get up to 7000rpms on flat water. Last time out it seemed like it had less power. struggled to get to 6200rpms. when coasting to shore line I heard a loud screetch noise and the ski stalled. Tried to restart and the starter would just click. Had to push start button multiple times and you could here the motor bump everytime till it started again and got me back to the dock.

When I got it home to flush it and inspect it fired right up but sounded like something is dragging or rubbing and just didnt run right. I ran it for only a couple mins just to flush the salt water out then turned off.

I know my info isnt very helpful but anything you guys could think for me to check or replace that would cause something like this. Seems like somethings binding up...maybe impeller on wear ring but when I looked up the jet pump looked like the impeller wasnt pushing into the wear ring by just looking at it.

Any info, links, pics to help a novice figure this issue out is greatly appreciated.

-Scott

 

[Tsef]

Sound like another jet pump without oil. Had the same problem a month ago. Motor strained because no lube in pump til it finally locks up but by hitting starter I was able to to finally get it to turn over it struggled but made it back to dock. If it is the same be prepared to buy a pump, bearings and seal. Minnetonka4me sold me pump alot cheaper than new. Cost about 600 to put it back to working order! I found out water is nowhere near as good as gear lube.

 

[Scottcba1]

Sound like another jet pump without oil. Had the same problem a month ago. Motor strained because no lube in pump til it finally locks up but by hitting starter I was able to to finally get it to turn over it struggled but made it back to dock. If it is the same be prepared to buy a pump, bearings and seal. Minnetonka4me sold me pump alot cheaper than new. Cost about 600 to put it back to working order! I found out water is nowhere near as good as gear lube.

Thanks for the info I will have to check the pump oil. Your replacement, was it a good used assembly or new?

-Scott

 

[Tsef]

Got them from minnetonka4me and yes excellent shape prompt shipping he helped me get back on the water in a week. Used and good and cheaper than new. New pump housings are priced high. Buy a good used one from the man above. He prolly has everything you would need to get back on the water.

 

[Tsef]

Also if your pump is plastic get a bronze pump so much more durable but a few pounds heavier. Pm minnetonka4me your parts needed and he will let you k ow if he has them and give a good deal on the prices. My boat made pump noise and vibrated alot right before it happened. But mine did exactly what yours did with the screech and shutting off it too quite a few clunks of the starter before it freed up enough to turn over. Finally it started and barely wanted to limp backto ramp.

 

[Scottcba1]

Replacement pump on its way! I hope to be back on the water this weekend. Thanks for the helpful info. Removing the jet pump assembly wasnt as hard as i would have thought. My ski is in the garage all apart waiting on arrival of replacement pump as we speak.

Anything I should keep in mind when re installing the jet pump assembly? Any tricks to lining up the driveshaft splines easier?

-Scott

 

[Tsef]

Is it bronze or plastic?

 

[Scottcba1]

The insert where the cone to fill the gear lube bolts too is bronze and so is the replacement that is on its way.

-Scott

 

[Tsef]

Bolt it up and hit the water. Shouldn't have a problem with alignment the motor wasn't out. Where did you get the pump? New or used?

 

[Scottcba1]

Bolt it up and hit the water. Shouldn't have a problem with alignment the motor wasn't out. Where did you get the pump? New or used?

Used from a forum member.

-Scott

 

[Tsef]

Great hope all works out as it should.

 

[Scottcba1]

Received my used jet pump this afternoon! Installed and test rode everythings great. Could be all in my mind but the ski feels faster then before. I did manually raise the trim from the down to straight out since my VTS in inoperable and that seems to make a hell of a difference in the stability and the response from the steering.

Jet skis are all new to me but I was impressed with the ease of replacing the jet pump and making these adjustments. I wish changing the trans in a car only took 20mins like this jet pump did!:thumbsup:

-Scott