Looking at a 2006 GTX Supercharged - how to test the supercharger...

[surfcitypops]

OK, so I'm new around here. I'm going to look at a 2006 GTX Supercharged with 19 hours on it today. I've read that these SC washers can fail that early. What would you gurus do when inspecting this unit? Compression test? Supercharger finger test? What?

What tools should I bring to do the SC finger test? Just a screwdriver? Is the clamp easy on and off? What should the SC fan feel like? Should it not budge? Should it spin freely? Help a brother out!

 

[AircraftDoc]

You should not be able to fully turn the SC with your finger. The SC could be good for awhile without rebuild. Bench test is 44 to 88 in lbs for acceptable slippage. Screwdriver, yes.

 

[ski-d00]

You don't need to do the sc test before you buy it. You do need to make sure everything including the sc is working properly by riding it for 20 minutes. It will be obvious if the sc is working, just check rpms and top speed. At 19 hrs, sc failure is pretty rare.

 

[AircraftDoc]

Speed should be 65 mph for 215 hp.

 

[Brian J]

As stated, water test.

I would assume most buyers are not going to let you take pieces off their expensive high performance jet ski to test it. Almost all will allow a water test, if they don't, that's a BIG red flag.

 

[JoeZ]

Agreed...water test. If you have the stock hose clamps then just a screw driver won't work to see the supercharger anyway since you'll need to replace the hose clamps when you take them off.

If it doesn't get up to that speed of 65, then you can be pretty sure the SC needs a rebuild. Spinning the impeller by hand would be appropriate. Assuming you don't hit 65, I would put a stipulation in your agreement about the supercharger. In particular, requiring a full refund if one of the washers are missing.

It's not as scary as I'm making it sound; just trying to keep you informed so you know what to look for in a worst-case scenario.

 

[surfcitypops]

Agreed...water test. If you have the stock hose clamps then just a screw driver won't work to see the supercharger anyway since you'll need to replace the hose clamps when you take them off.

If it doesn't get up to that speed of 65, then you can be pretty sure the SC needs a rebuild. Spinning the impeller by hand would be appropriate. Assuming you don't hit 65, I would put a stipulation in your agreement about the supercharger. In particular, requiring a full refund if one of the washers are missing.

It's not as scary as I'm making it sound; just trying to keep you informed so you know what to look for in a worst-case scenario.

Against all recommendations, I think I'm going to roll the dice on this mint condition 19 hour unit. The price is right and it's absolutely brand new by all appearances. I've heard it run for 15-20 seconds and heard nothing abnormal. They seller is an older gentleman of ample means who isn't BS'ing me in order to make money on a ski he knows to be broken.

Question, though... if I start it up and give it a few raps on the throttle, would a failed SC prevent it from achieving the 8K rpms? Short of riding it and pulling the SC hose off and shoving my fingers or a screwdriver in there, is there anything I can do to rule in or out obvious SC problems?

 

[JoeZ]

You can compress the hose going from the supercharger to throttle body with your hand, and then blip the throttle. You should feel it expand if the supercharger is putting out boost. It isn't full-proof, but should give you an idea.

Without a load on the engine, it'll easily free rev up to 8k out of the water even if the supercharger has failed. Definitely still recommend a water test on any used PWC purchase, but good luck either way! Let us know how we can help further.

 

[AircraftDoc]

You can compress the hose going from the supercharger to throttle body with your hand, and then blip the throttle. You should feel it expand if the supercharger is putting out boost. It isn't full-proof, but should give you an idea.

Without a load on the engine, it'll easily free rev up to 8k out of the water even if the supercharger has failed. Definitely still recommend a water test on any used PWC purchase, but good luck either way! Let us know how we can help further.

I agree with Joe Z

 

[Brian J]

More than likely you're OK not water testing on a deal like that, BUT the risk, while low, can have very expensive consequences so it's always suggested to water test.

You can compress the hose going from the supercharger to throttle body with your hand, and then blip the throttle. You should feel it expand if the supercharger is putting out boost. It isn't full-proof, but should give you an idea.

Great info, thank you.