2005 AR230 - Driveshaft Grooves

[JodyHarrison]

Going to go on ahead and dive on my sword here. Yes, the 2nd time out I sucked up the tube rope and have received a great education on the jet pumps. However, I could not have fixed it without all of the great info you guys have here. Thank you for a great forum.

I replaced the bearings in both jet pumps but while I had the Starboard drive shaft out I noticed grooves worn into the drive shaft. The Port side was smooth as it should be but the Starboard has what I would consider pretty deep grooves up close to the splines and some closer to the impeller. I put everything back together and installed it back in the boat but it is just bothering me knowing the grooves are in the shaft. I feel like I need to replace it but also hate to spend the money if it is not needed.

Thoughts?

 

[Scottintexas]

those grooves would be aft of the hull fitting aren't they ? you could see the grooves in the jet tunnel while the impeller is installed ?

 

[Ronnie]

If you are not experiencing any cavitation or loss in performance I think you should keep using the grooved drive shaft but start looking for a new or used spare as well.

 

[JodyHarrison]

yes sir, that is correct.

I'm not sure if it affects performance because I had only taken the boat out 3 times since I bought it. Once for about 30 minutes test driving, the 2nd time for about an hour just trying to get a feel for it, then about 20 minutes before I sucked up a rope which led to all of this. Oh what joy! hahahaha

But, even had I not sucked up the rope, I would have been at this point anyway. When I was changing the bearings, they did not feel good at all. Very rough feeling and would catch as I tried turning them. So really, I am glad it happened when it did.