98 spx jet pump and propeller

[J Nord]

I changed the oil in the jet pump and I noticed that the specs for those little screws say 4nm so I used a torque wrench.. so fine. I did that, but now the darn propeller doesn't move that easily. How freely is the prop supposed to move around?

[Scope]

The impellar should spin easily. Presuming it's not dragging on the wear ring, it's probably a misaligned thrust bearing and/or washer.

The thrust bearing and washer are at the rear of the axle, under the flared part of the axle. They may not have seated correctly when you put it back together so now everything's in a bind. Been there and done that. Also, there should be a little bit of longitudinal movement in the impellar and shaft.

You need to take off the cone and back out the shaft again. Check the thrust bearing and washer and make sure they're okay. Then be careful when installing the shaft to make sure they don't bind up again. The last check, after everything is tightened down, is to check the free spin before putting the cone on and filling with oil.

I empathize with you. Like I said, been there, done that.

-Scope

[J Nord]

I didn't actually take the jet pump apart other than changing the oil. I left everything in once piece.. and everything was working fine before.. so woudl this still apply?

[Bill O'Neal]

If you didn't take the pump from the ski, then I'd say you are ok, but if you removed it from the ski then possibly the prop moved rearward and let the flat bearing drop down and out of position. This usually doesn't happen unless you removed the pump from the ski.

If you try to run the pump with a bearing pinched, you will do approximately $400 worth of damage to the pump, shaft and bearings.

After installing a prop, or messing with a pump, you need impellor end play of a mm or two and the prop should turn freely. The only other allowable cause for not turning freely is when the blades are dragging on the wear ring. This is ok because they will clearance themselves when you start the motor.