Vibration and a 'Bang'

raymbo · 03-07-2010, 10:40 PM

G'day. Was riding my F12-X in a local river (Georges Rive, Sydney, Australia) on the weekend at a slow pace (15mph) when it started to generate a bit of a vibration. Pulled up on the beach and reached under to see if there was anything in the grate or jet outlet. Couldn't feel anything so went for a few runs to test the state of the ski. The vibration was minor, but evident at lower revs but softened with higher revs but the ski could only reach up to 45mph. I reved, then idled, then reved, etc a few times. On the 5th or 6th time doing this, as I started to accelerate there was a loud 'Bang' noise from somewhere within. I thought I broke something major by the feeling and loudness of the bang. After letting it idle for a few seconds (so my heart could slow down again) I slowly accelerated. The vibration was gone and the ski reached 59mph!

After reaching the ramp and putting the ski on the trailer I inspected inside the jet output and in through the grate and couldn't see any signs of damage, refuse, or anything.

I'm wondering if it was something stuck in the jet unit that got dislodged, or there could be an internal part issue that caused the interuption in running? Anyone had similar experience with a little more clue than me?

Thanks,

Ray

Governator · 03-08-2010, 12:23 AM

I would think you had something around your impeller/shaft which gave way. Lucky it was not the shaft itself. Always check thoroughly, vibration points mostly to debris in the pump section.

dav_dman · 03-08-2010, 10:27 AM

stock prop is horrible about doing that..getting stuck lodged like a vise.

raymbo · 05-02-2010, 06:53 PM

Well me thinks me know what the bang might have been.

Had the first service done at 9.5 hours. ( by my local Honda dealer) Was out riding with my 2 kids. We had done about 90 minutes with the ski going fantastic. Did a 30 sec WOT run (seeing 60mph on the speedo) when I backed off to turn around and then the engine cut out. On attempts to restart the starter would click but that's all. Paddled it to the shore and piled the seat off to have a look. All looked intact? When trying to kick it over the engine would rock a little when the starter motor was engaged, but that was it. Cut a long story short ( yeah I know, too late) we were towed back. Took the ski back to the Honda dealer where they found the pump bearing rusted, siezed and collapsed, and the o-ring pinched, from new. The ski had only done 13 hours , with 8 of them in salt water.

05-02-2010, 08:35 PM

Yea thats a common mistake

luardo826 · 05-02-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymbo

Well me thinks me know what the bang might have been.

Had the first service done at 9.5 hours. ( by my local Honda dealer) Was out riding with my 2 kids. We had done about 90 minutes with the ski going fantastic. Did a 30 sec WOT run (seeing 60mph on the speedo) when I backed off to turn around and then the engine cut out. On attempts to restart the starter would click but that's all. Paddled it to the shore and piled the seat off to have a look. All looked intact? When trying to kick it over the engine would rock a little when the starter motor was engaged, but that was it. Cut a long story short ( yeah I know, too late) we were towed back. Took the ski back to the Honda dealer where they found the pump bearing rusted, siezed and collapsed, and the o-ring pinched, from new. The ski had only done 13 hours , with 8 of them in salt water.

I don't think that it had to do with salt water. Me bearings and shaft also rusted with about 75 hours on the ski. Though the warranty covered it. i think that what actually caused it was when lubing the pump seal one to many squirts of oil blew the seal thus causing a leak. them over time it rust.

SHIP4BRAINS · 05-03-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luardo826

i think that what actually caused it was when lubing the pump seal one to many squirts of oil blew the seal thus causing a leak. them over time it rust.

Is the seal visible without tearing something apart?

raymbo · 05-03-2010, 04:46 PM

With mine the o-ring was definitely pinched from mis-assembly when the cone was put on.

To check it you follow this link to step 11
Pump Removal & Impeller Change "Pics" Step by Step