Reverse gate spring question

[darrengee]

I have a 96 GTS and I noticed that reverse springs were just laying around under the reverse gate. I found where they connect to the gate, but I cant seem to locate where the other end of the springs connect. Can anyone help?? Thanks!!

 

[PWCdoc]

There should be a very small tab located on the front side of the pump housing on each side. Small rectangular shaped, about 3/8" long x 1/4" or so, right next to the mounting bosses for the pump.

 

[darrengee]

I've been looking, but I still don't see it. I don't see any tabs whatsoever on the pump housing. Just the 4 mounting bosses. Is that tab part of the housing (is it casted that way) or is it something flimsy that could be broken off?

 

[PWCdoc]

Yes it is cast as part of the pump housing. The older style aluminum tabs would snap off fairly easily after time but I've never experienced the plastic housing tabs breaking off.

 

[darrengee]

Thanks Doc, I can barely see where they broke off now. I guess I can remove the 2 lower housing nuts and put an oversized washer with a little hole drilled in it (or fabricate a bracket) for the spring to connect to and put it between the housing boss and the 17 mm nut. Kinda cheesy, but it should be a cheap fix! Do you have a better suggestion?

 

[PWCdoc]

You could try the bracket route but to be honest I think that'd be more work than necessary. A larger washer with a hole drilled into it will work perfectly. Try to find a stainless steel washer so you won't have to worry about rust. There should be enough length on those studs to just add the new washer on top of the one already there.

 

[darrengee]

Sweet, guess I could bend the washer toward the hull and over the boss a little so the spring won't be too loose. Thanks man.

 

[PWCdoc]

Nah, I think the hole will be enough. There is a good bit of tension on that spring and I honestly doubt the little extra you might gain back will make any difference at all. I'd just drill it and go.