water in the hull last fall

alman72 · 03-09-2010, 10:14 AM

I had some water in the hull of my 95 montecarlo last fall, and plan on putting some water in the hull(not over the jet pump) to see where I may be taking on water. My Bilge has been re-wired by the previous owner to only work by the button on the steering, so it may be just water from normal jet ski fun. My quesion is how hard is it to replace the seal on the drive? where else could i be leaking? (my hoses are fine, i did check them) would I be better off fixing the bilge to run when the ski is on so water is not an issue? it is kind of a pain to remember to push the button every now and then to get any water out. Thanks!

engr146 · 03-09-2010, 12:51 PM

Both my TS's I own ,have bilge pump run when engine is running automatically from the factory,and the button on handlebars is a bypass.

alman72 · 03-09-2010, 01:20 PM

ummmmm, yes, so did mine( according to manual) until it was re wired by the previous owner for some reason.

lownrangr · 03-09-2010, 01:56 PM

you could also go the automatic bilge pump route. The pump turns on every 2.5 minutes and if water is detected it will run until the water is out. This can be wired (with a fuse) right to the battery. Just an option.

alman72 · 03-09-2010, 04:55 PM

how do you go auto? a small electronic timer of sorts? wired direct to the batery?
I hope that when I rewire it works as on when the motor is on, but I just dont know what was going on with the prev. owner. hopefully, he was just trying to save his bilge from being run dry, but there may be more to it. At least I have the manual and can trace the wires back to the correct path.
Have you replaced the seal on the drive pump? is it very difficult?

lownrangr · 03-10-2010, 12:35 AM

you have to go buy an automatic pump. It'll be something like a 500 gph for 40 bucks. Since mine has a slow leak somewhere and I keep it in the water for a week when i'm up north, i replace the stock pump with this and keep it hooked up all week long. To replace the seal you have to remove the nozzle, jet pump, and impeller shaft. For you it might not be that hard since you have more room in there to work than i have.

QuinnO · 03-10-2010, 05:48 AM

"re wired by the previous owner" Then he did not know what he was doing with a PWC. Un do his F.U.B.R., do yourself a favor return it to the stock wiring. If you need wiring schematics I can post it. Till then I'd stay close to shore.
If its not auto, & you have any problem and take water.... You will sink it.

alman72 · 03-10-2010, 02:14 PM

what brand is the 500gpm bilge that checks every 2 min? I take it it is not a float switch, and this sounds like a good option.did you order online, or pick it up at the local marina? Thanks!

lownrangr · 03-10-2010, 03:17 PM

yeah i'd recommend returning the pump circuit to stock operations. But if you did go the automatic pump route, even temporarily, it is a Rule brand pump. It uses the same strainer as the stocker so it'll just snap in place. I got mine from Boat US.

engr146 · 03-10-2010, 06:35 PM

i love my TS,bilge factory setup since I leave my ski's in water behind my boat for long periods,,it runs auto when engine started and has bypass on handlebar to pump out any unwanted water wile sitting ,my new to me Yamaha ,has a siphon system and pumps only when running (non-electric)I'm installing a small rule w/ float switch
I put 9v battery operated high water alarms in ,they strap rite to the side of the battery $10 @ home depot