Pump & Drive Shaft Alignment

the_Birdman

the_Birdman

Location
Kansas City, MO
I had to take the pump and drive shaft out of my 2014 Super Jet to put new inserts in for the pump mount bolts. In doing so I don't recall any shims being on the pump mounts, but am now not positive it was or was not shimmed. There are no markings on the hull indicating factory shimming numbers either.

I have not done anything with the motor, mid shaft, etc... I have called multiple shops and they all seemed to say I shouldn't need to do a full realignment with bolting the pump back on. Given I do not know if the pump was shimmed, should I be concerned about bolting things back together and running the ski? I have had it out a few times and have not noticed any abnormal shaking, sounds, etc...

Thanks!
 
SteveC

SteveC

Location
West MI
My view is anytime the pump comes off, realignment is required. That's because the shims only get you up/down pitch, not left/right yaw alignment. Granted it's probably not required on many hulls, but I have least one (a/m) hull where the alignment if just using the holes is so bad that I had to tighten 1+ bolt pretty tight and then whack the pump with rubber mallet to get the yaw into a decent spot.
 
Myself

Myself

manic mechanic
Location
Twin Lakes AR
Don't take it all apart yet! Remove the intake grate. Place a small pair of locking pliers on the driveshaft. Stick a dowel rod in the pump to hold the impeller. Carefully rock the driveshaft back and forth with the pliers. See if you can FEEL play in the splines. It will be very minute, but can be felt when alignment is good. We're talking thousandths here.
 
B

Batteryman

Location
Oregon
I would align it if you removed the entire pump. Jetmaniac carries the new Push alignment tool. I just purchased one to get mine aligned. Its not cheap but better than prematurely wearing out your driveshaft and mid shaft


 
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