Engine not pushing

[zibius]

My vortex 203 has a problem that I could describe as no push. No error code, temp is ok, oil is ok. But even at low RPM its not going as fast as before. When I bring it to 6000 rpm, it barely goes 15 mph

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

I think you're missing part of your sentence here. But as you are describing things, it sounds like cavitation. You should start by getting the boat on a trailer if it isn't already and then inspect the pump through the intake grate carefully using a flashlight. You're looking for the impeller edges and the gap between the impeller and the wear ring. Tolerances here are very tight... so it doesn't take much. What you need to confirm is if there's any damage to the impeller (like dents along the leading edge), the wear ring (grooves or major scratches) or commonly a piece of debris like a tiny stick or pebble. Also, make sure you're intake grate is clear of any weeds and there's no damage to it.

 

[zibius]

I think you're missing part of your sentence here. But as you are describing things, it sounds like cavitation. You should start by getting the boat on a trailer if it isn't already and then inspect the pump through the intake grate carefully using a flashlight. You're looking for the impeller edges and the gap between the impeller and the wear ring. Tolerances here are very tight... so it doesn't take much. What you need to confirm is if there's any damage to the impeller (like dents along the leading edge), the wear ring (grooves or major scratches) or commonly a piece of debris like a tiny stick or pebble. Also, make sure you're intake grate is clear of any weeds and there's no damage to it.

Thanks for the info. Would you go for plastic or steal wear ring?

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

I like to stick with standard OEM. But maybe I'd be of a different opinion if I sucked up a lot of stuff. I'm at 275h, still original wear ring. So yeah.... lol

 

[zibius]

Managed to take apart the pump, would that kind of wear be enough to cause a lost of thrust.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

No. I mean I can't see the whole thing, but assuming it's like this all around, it certainly should hit more than 15 mph.

Drive shaft splines and impeller are good?

Intake grate is good? No damage there? And you didn't find anything like a stick in there?

Otherwise, continue troubleshooting with the engine. Usually it would report codes, but I'd start with fresh spark plugs. Very inexpensive.