SoCal Jet Boats
Tech Talk => Jet Pumps => Topic started by: Legal Chemistry on May 08, 2008, 02:26:51 PM
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Does anyone else have this problem? I realize most the jets here aren't pulling up skiers and wake boarders, I tend to do so most of times I'm out for a couple of runs. The pump barely trickles in at rest and while underway -just the slightest drip every once in awhile - but when pulling skiers the bilge fills pretty quick... should the thrust bearings be tightened down? Kind of a catch 22, too tight = problems, too loose = water.
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Does anyone else have this problem? I realize most the jets here aren't pulling up skiers and wake boarders, I tend to do so most of times I'm out for a couple of runs. The pump barely trickles in at rest and while underway -just the slightest drip every once in awhile - but when pulling skiers the bilge fills pretty quick... should the thrust bearings be tightened down? Kind of a catch 22, too tight = problems, too loose = water.
Are you referring to the packing gland/pump shaft rope seal? It should be set so that it leaks 1-2 drops per minute. It needs some water to leak past for lubrication.
If that doesn't solve your problem the rope seal (aka the packing) could be worn. Either replace the ropes or go with the Don's Pump Service mechanical seal. I run one and it doesn't leak a drop and no required adjustment. They run about $90 but well worth it IMHO.
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Legal: the "trickle" you described is normal and neccesay for cooling of the packings , Honestly doesnt make sense why pulling skiers would increase the flow as you described ? Overtightening of the gland will cause the packings (which have thier own "Impregnated lube" ,some PTFE some organic animal fat ) to burnish and become less effective not to mention shaft wear , seriously leaking packings (worn or misadjusted) can cause air to be drawn into the suction and some cavitation . DPS style replacement seals are IMO best used on "perfect" pump shafts with no wear and if ever failed ,require complete jet disassembly to replace .Rope seals are easily replaced in minutes for 12 bucks
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Had this issue on an older Renegade w/ a Berkley and a GM 427, you need to check for cracks in the epoxy around the intake plate. When the boat is under heavy load the pump arches upward the leak will be worse. A real b-stard to repair, but can be done.
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Had this issue on an older Renegade w/ a Berkley and a GM 427, you need to check for cracks in the epoxy around the intake plate. When the boat is under heavy load the pump arches upward the leak will be worse. A real b-stard to repair, but can be done.
I hope this isn't the case, I gave it a look look over and everything looks perfect... I maybe get a drop a minute, probably less. The only time I see a fair amount in there is after pulling skiers for the day. I've covered up the hatch w/towels to rule out the water from boarding. It simply could be that I'm a jackass and the water is getting in from the on boarding or similar. I should have clarified that the bilge does not "fill" -there is simply more water than I typically see (which is little/none).
thanks