300/440/550 Kawasaki 550js winter Project

Cool thx for the input.
Ok i've taken the pump out again and placed the wear ring that i bought off the JS pump on the SX pump. There is quite a gap maybe 1mm+ there unfortunately. Like you said if i place shims behind the impeller would it get ride of that 1mm+ gap or is that too big? Is the gap because i'm fitting a JS wear ring to a SX impeller?

Like you see on the pics, that std JS pump and impeller really has no gap. How much better would that skat impeller be better over the standard one?

I've taken the head off, So if i got it right, my stock SX head has been machined down and i need to find a none machined SX head? and use a copper gasket?? I would prefer to get the compression between 160-180 max.

The carbs and jet are another issue that i'll have to deal with when i get the above fixed. but yeah will most probably get it rebuilt.

Thx again for the help:)
 
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Quick question off topic of my issues. I was looking at other builds and came across this. Why is the smaller cone better?
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Thx
 
if you can get the impeller off of the JS pump, then see if there are any shims on it.. if so put them on the sx pump..the shims will bring make the impeller clearance closer to the wear ring... it will be a trial and error thing to find the correct shims... if you notice, the wear ring is tapered with the smaller end at the inlet of the pump, so placing shims behind the impeller will close the gap..

the shorter cone will just allow more volume in the pump and allow the engine to rev quicker with less load on the engine... some people like the shorty cones and some still want stock...

another thing that will change the ski acceleration is taking the exit nozzle and having it bored.. since you have 2 nozzles you can have one bored to see if you like the difference. just about any machine shop should be able to bore your nozzle for a decent price
 
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sorry but what do you mean by getting the nozzle bored? Not sure what part and where it needs to be bored.

Also how do i get the impeller off? is there a special tool or way to grab and unscrew it? If i don't any shims on the js pump, what must/can i use or get them?

Thx, very much for the help. this is very helpful.
 
you bore the round area after the taper on the exit nozzle..i believe you can go to 67-69mm diameter and it will allow more water to flow through the pump and reduce the bottom end load some so the engine can get to the power band quicker.. you will want to get a tool to remove the impeller but i think it can be done with the driveshaft and a vise... ive honestly never worked with 550 pumps only the 440 but i know the differences... im sure you could find pump shims on ebay...im honestly not positive where to find them to be honest...
 
you bore the round area after the taper on the exit nozzle..i believe you can go to 67-69mm diameter and it will allow more water to flow through the pump and reduce the bottom end load some so the engine can get to the power band quicker.. .
Which part are you talking of? sry i've got no idea of the term for them. Theres a plastic nozzle and a metal one before that where the plastic one bolts too. Which of the two? I suppose it the metal one??

Also i decided to get a shaft to suit the old pump:( and get a new head and lower the compression. Think its going to be my cheapest option and fastest as i found a place locally that has they for a very reasonable price. Maybe later i'll fool around and put the better stuff on.
My question now is, Is there a difference in thickness in the two shafts or is it just the splines that goes in the pump thats different. I'm asking because i have to replace the bearings and seals on the black square part and i'd hate to buy the wrong bearings and seals!!

Thx
Guy
 
im talking about the metal nozzle that the plastic turn nozzle bolts to... the part in the nozzle just after the taper right before the turn nozzle..that flat area can be bored to flow more water...

i dont think the js pump will work in your hull if it was set up for a sx style pump.. the sx bearing piece has the holes that are spread farther apart.. you should just sell the pump and shaft you bought and redo the sx pump and replace the bearing..
 
Is there any other pump i can use? Or has some one got a SX pump assembly in good cond? Or maybe i should just buy a wear ring for my SX pump. Bahhh, really have no idea anymore what to do.
Lol.
 
you can use the wear ring and nozzle from the js pump you just cant put the pump in the ski... what is wrong with the sx pump that you cant reuse it?? if it needs bearing and seals, you can definitely get new ones and rebuild the pump...
 
you can use the wear ring and nozzle from the js pump you just cant put the pump in the ski... what is wrong with the sx pump that you cant reuse it?? if it needs bearing and seals, you can definitely get new ones and rebuild the pump...

Nothing wrong with the SX pump. Its only that wear ring that had a bulge in it. I tried to put the JS wear ring and nozzle on the SX pump but there was quite a gap between the impeller and wear ring:( Not sure if the prop is worn from spinning in that nozzle that had the bulge in it?? I'll try and take the SX impeller out and stick a few spaces, shims and see if i can get the gap to close.

Before i knew that the sx and js shafts were different i did bolt the JS pump on the ski and it bolted on. Whats different apart from the spline for it not to work?

I'm Told to wack two copper gaskets on there and see what happens. What do you think? could that work? The only reason is the head i found locally is corroded as :):):):) and i can't seem to find one in the US at the moment.

Thx
 
May have found a ski for parts here etc but i have no idea if its a 440, 550js or 550sx running gear. I'm thinking of fixing both and selling one to kinda get a free one:) well thats the plan, not sure if it will work.
Would i be able to use the 440 or 550js head on my 550sx engine?

Would you be able to help me identify it if i send you some pics?


Also can you tell me how to remove the prop from the pump?
Thx
 
the piston port engine head will not fit the sx engine you have... to remove the impeller i think you will need a special tool... you may be able to hold the driveshaft in the pump and get it to come loose that way...i know the 550s have left handed threads for the impeller
 
Wandering about something else, I see some one the older 440 etc have this big metal shaft holder seal thing. that was on the ski that is for sale as parts. the hull is in much better condition than the one i have. Would i be able to swap my sx gear into it easily, bolt on? Replace it with the black square metal seal i have?

Thx
 
So i ordered some new part from the us, head, gaskets etc and a service repair manual:p

I also found this other ski but its again the older type, think its a 440 but with a 550 engine. anyway i'm thinking of getting it as the hull is much better and either wreak the rest or fix it. Only thing is is has this big bracket that supports the drive shaft. Anyone know if i can replace this
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With this??
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Thx
 
Would anyone know if i can swap over the two style shaft holders things??

Also wanted to find out what are the better parts between the intake grate and exhaust below.
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Thx

Would i be able to put the 550sx in that older hull? Are the engine mounts the same?
Will post pics of the new hull soon:)

Anyone has a 440 pump and after-market impeller for sale? Or a wear ring?
Thx
 
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