impeller not spinning freely

[LVDjetskis]

hey guys, i recently bought a new to me jet pump off ebay and came across something a little strange, i upgraded to a solas dynafly impeller and a new stainless steel wear ring. When i was testing to see how free everything was spinning, it spun fine with the nose cone off, but once i only got the cone to where a finger tightened the screws, it could no longer spin freely. I have not put in any oil yet for the jet pump, but I am really not sure what's going on. any tips? (this is on a 2000 seadoo gtx with a 951 engine)

 

[mikidymac]

First off the stainless wear rings are a bad idea. I would recommend switching to a delrin or OEM.

Make sure you didn't crush the thrust washer first. If it spins fine without the end cap then the thrust washer should be fine.
Your cone has an "anti-rattle pusher" that is spring loaded. You have to push it with a pencil through the fill hole before tightening the bolts to release it or it will bind. Page 09-02-18 of the service manual.