2004 SX230 Jet Pump coupler slop

[Slim Slowey G]

Hey can anyone out there tell me if the lovejoy coupler on the jet pump side is supposed to have any play in it ? I can grab it and move it up and down 1/16”. I’m talking where the 2 couplers join on the pump side inside engine bay. It doesn’t seem to me any bearing should have any play in it but just looking for some good news

 

[Neutron]

Hey can anyone out there tell me if the lovejoy coupler on the jet pump side is supposed to have any play in it ? I can grab it and move it up and down 1/16”. I’m talking where the 2 couplers join on the pump side inside engine bay. It doesn’t seem to me any bearing should have any play in it but just looking for some good news

Shouldn't have any play up and down, if it is sloppy when turning it is probably the rubber damper

 

[Beachbummer]

I have not yet had the pleasure of needing this job, but with that piece being pressed into the bearing, etc. that is indicative of failed/failing bearing on the pump side of that coupler. I would suggest watching carefully on next outing and keeping an eye for water ingress or suspect noises. I hope I'm wrong!

 

[Brad_Ct]

Hey can anyone out there tell me if the lovejoy coupler on the jet pump side is supposed to have any play in it ? I can grab it and move it up and down 1/16”. I’m talking where the 2 couplers join on the pump side inside engine bay. It doesn’t seem to me any bearing should have any play in it but just looking for some good news

I had the same issue with our 06 SX230, there should be little if any movement in the the mid shaft and bearing assembly. I replaced both of ours and it solved the problem.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

There is a vibration dampener rubber coupler that goes between the two parts it wears down over time and you need to replace it
number 36
Rubber Shaft Coupling
part number
66E-4581J-00-00 And while you are in there replace the intermediate bearing housing also


Housing, Bearing

part number 61X-G5332-00-00

 

[Beachbummer]

Even with no dampener in place, the pump bearing side should not move right??

That's why I think it's not the dampener.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Even with no dampener in place, the pump bearing side should not move right??

That's why I think it's not the dampener.

you mean have slop in it no it should not but if it does the seals may also be allowing water in the pump it the bearings are bad so remove the cone and see what the grease looks like in the pump

 

[Neutron]

The OP has left the discussion I believe

 

[Slim Slowey G]

Sorry for the late reply, in that photo that cobra Jett steering attached, the housing has a rubber dampener (piece with 100 holes in it) that is where the play is. I know there are bearings inside the actual housing but I’m not sure what the rubber dampener with all the holes purpose is, maybe absorb shock loads or misalignments.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

vibration dampening to avoid damage from vibration if the drive shaft is vibrating like during cavitation if it were solid it would self destruct

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Sorry for the late reply, in that photo that cobra Jett steering attached, the housing has a rubber dampener (piece with 100 holes in it) that is where the play is. I know there are bearings inside the actual housing but I’m not sure what the rubber dampener with all the holes purpose is, maybe absorb shock loads or misalignments.

The rubber damper with all the holes in it is a …. Damper. It’s there to isolate vibrations between the lovejoy connection, intermediate shaft and the pump drive shaft.

Here’s a good thread on the intermediate bearing replacement and what it looks like.

Thread 'intermediate bearing replacement info.'

Apr 1, 2025

This intermediate bearing replacement has been tough, but I finally finish one engine. waiting on the other intermediate bearing to arrive to do the second engine. Tested the starboard engine after replacement and it runs really smooth and quieter. really happy with the results. I am including the part numbers in case they are needed.

• Riveramx
• intermediate bearing
• Replies: 61
• Forum: Yamaha AR210, SX210, 212X, 212SS & 212 LS

• 

 

[Boisebiker]

Just picked up a SX230 and have to report my findings on this issue. Here you can see each coupler in the photos. Is there anything I can do with them in the boat to remedy? Or an I destined to remove them and adjust with the press? Both sides make additional noise due to the couplers.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

just curious did you check the motor mounts

 

[Neutron]

Just picked up a SX230 and have to report my findings on this issue. Here you can see each coupler in the photos. Is there anything I can do with them in the boat to remedy? Or an I destined to remove them and adjust with the press? Both sides make additional noise due to the couplers.View attachment 239903View attachment 239904

One is too close, one is too far. And the rubber damper on the too far one looks worn out and needs replacing. I would look into getting a complete service manual

 

[Boisebiker]

just curious did you check the motor mounts

Just a visual inspection and they looked good. Engines do not move while running.

 

[Boisebiker]

3 hours of work I fixed my couplers. All engine mounts look good.

 

[Boisebiker]

The one rubber on the coupler that was too far apart looked good too. No torn fingers or significant distortion.

 

[Beachbummer]

What did you actually do to fix the couplers?

The gap looks good. Did you move the engine to close the gap? Adjust shims?

Thanks!

 

[Boisebiker]

What did you actually do to fix the couplers?

The gap looks good. Did you move the engine to close the gap? Adjust shims?

Thanks!

Remove hubs from boat and use shop press to move coupler in hub. Just a harbor freight 20 ton press. Measure gap and set hub 1/8” less than gap.

 

[Beachbummer]

Interesting. Any chicken with the amount of play and engagement required on the pump side? Too far in and there won't be enough spline to go into the intermediate shaft, right?