2017 242 limited SE series port engine problem. Help!

[Medwar13]

New to us jet boat on 2nd trip out. We slowed and idled in neutral for a few minutes to watch a waterfall. When we tried to accelerate, the port side engine vibrated and did not have the same volume of output as the starboard engine. It was working perfectly not even 5 min earlier. We have checked the intake and it’s clear. The gates are both open. Starboard engine is fine but port engine is very angry. @HELP

 

[Babin Farms]

Something in the pump. Maybe a rope wrapped around the shaft. After killing the engine take cleanout plug out, reach down the tube and feel around. Sometimes it doesn't take much to have this issue.

 

[granpachuck]

New to us jet boat on 2nd trip out. We slowed and idled in neutral for a few minutes to watch a waterfall. When we tried to accelerate, the port side engine vibrated and did not have the same volume of output as the starboard engine. It was working perfectly not even 5 min earlier. We have checked the intake and it’s clear. The gates are both open. Starboard engine is fine but port engine is very angry. @HELP

I picked up a stick the size of a pencil and it was wedged in the impeller blades . I could not clear it until the boat was on the trailer. Had the same symptoms you are describing. Once it was removed, everything was back to normal.

 

[F.M.]

I agree, sounds like something small in the impeller.

 

[Medwar13]

Thank you all for your replies! After many further investigations, a small log was found in the impeller. It was about 5 inches long. The boat now has the nickname woodchuck because it can’t chuck wood. Boat is running well now.