No propulsion-Water in hull

[gordiegl]

New to the forum:
1999 GTS
2003 GTX, non-super 4-tec

My brother, never on a ski before was riding the GTX over the past weekend. I believe he was running it pretty hard, which I didn't mind, but I can't speak as to him venturing in shallow water, sand bars (lots of shells in the sand here in Daytona Beach) weedy areas etc.
With that said:
Engine running fine but no or limited propulsion, maybe 10 mph at any throttle setting so he idled in from about 1/4 mile offshore. I didn't notice and really unusual noises etc. and the engine starts fine responds to the throttle and acts completely normal, just no propulsion. After getting home and pulling the seat the engine compartment was about 1/2 full of water. On examination of the pump, looking in through the back of the ski, I reached in and pulled out part of a black plastic (?) ring. I say ring because it was curved and maybe a quarter or third of a 8-10 inch circle. Never had an issue with either ski so haven't really done much work other than oil, plugs et. Anyone have a thought on what happened here and what I need to do to futher investigate?
Thanks,
gordiegl

 

[djredman99]

Sounds like your Carbon Ring. When it goes, you lose propulsion and take on water. Do a search for it on the forum here to learn more.

 

[gordiegl]

Thanks, I'll do that

 

[djredman99]

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/seadooforums/Seadoo_oem/Seadoo_PWC.asp?Type=13&A=104&B=22

Part #36

This is for a 2003 GTX 4-tec.

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah i would bet its the carbon seal. When they let loose, you will get water coming in rather quickly and go to zero thrust like instantly.

 

[gordiegl]

Carbon Ring

Thanks for everyones input, a couple of questions:
1) What destroys a carbon ring for this to happen so quickly?
2) I'm going to put it in the water, if it takes on water WITHOUT the engine running then it is most likely the carbon ring-is this correct?
3) If no leakage in step 2 and I start the engine (seat removed) and it takes on water what is the best guess then?

Again, thanks for the input-this forum is great.

Gonna try to do this sometime today or over the weekend but.....it's Biketoberfest here in Daytona and the scooters have priority over skis for the next 3 or 4 days.

gordiegl

 

[Rampage]

I fought my carbon ring several times and just got sick of it. So I did this.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=36675

Now my ski feels more responsive then ever. I just keep it greased real good and I'm so happy we changed it.

My worn motor mounts made my carbon seal leak, because if your motor is not perfectly lined up it will never seal. Hitting waves and kniocking the motor a little out will make it leak. Then my carbon ring chipped and leaked. Its been one thing after another with that thing.

 

[djredman99]

1) What destroys a carbon ring for this to happen so quickly?

They are just prone to failure. They commonly wear out on many machines. They were the replacement to the setup that Rampage mentioned above. However, with Rampage's setup, if you fail to regularly grease the bearings, you could have a more catestrophic failure (much more damage). My machine is setup like Rampages, and I'm glad it is. I am responsible enough to keep it greased and I don't have to worry about the Carbon Ring breaking.

2) I'm going to put it in the water, if it takes on water WITHOUT the engine running then it is most likely the carbon ring-is this correct?

Not necessarily. There certainly are other ways to take on water. Best way to tell is remove the gray driveshaft cover near the PTO so you can get a good look at the area where the carbon seal is located. If you don't see water coming in just sitting there, run the motor while in the water (with seat off) and have another look. If you are taking on water as fast as you described, you should be able to pinpoint the area at which it is occurring easily.

3) If no leakage in step 2 and I start the engine (seat removed) and it takes on water what is the best guess then?

My best guess is that you don't have to worry about this because it is your Carbon Ring.

The fact that you lost propulsion also is a pretty good indication (not to mention that you seemingly found a piece of your previous Carbon Ring). Although, I won't disregard the possiblility that it could be something else as I have a brother too and know about interpretating a story as to why something of yours broke while they had it, try to rule out the Carbon Ring before we troubleshoot in another direction.

Here is a link for you for with additional help for Carbon Rings
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=27277