Jet boat won't throttle up

[Jon Clifford]

Hey everyone!

I was wondering if someone could help me figure out this issue with my 2019 scarab 165..
It has about 25 hours on it.

I was idling down the river and was having no problems until I tried to do a sharp turnaround. The engine immediately starting sounding 'off' and since then it hasn't been able to throttle up without sounding like its going to explode and won't go faster than idle.

Somewhat recently I was in reverse and sucked up some rope and the engine sounded similar to what it's like now. When that happened I scuba'd under and cut it out. I did that this time to check and there's nothing there..

I don't have the capability to get this boat out of the water by the way. Any suggestions would be really appreciated! Thanks,
Jon

 

[Crob83]

Definitely sounds like something is stuck/wrapped around the Impeller, more than likely going to have to figure out a way to get it out of the water to inspect

 

[Jon Clifford]

Definitely sounds like something is stuck/wrapped around the Impeller, more than likely going to have to figure out a way to get it out of the water to inspect

Thanks for your input Crob. That's what I was thinking too but I have no way of getting it out of the water.
I live on a river with nothing but walls and no access to the boat lift to get it over the wall..
If I can bum someone's key and raise it out of the water would I pull out the circled tube in this picture?

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Thanks for your input Crob. That's what I was thinking too but I have no way of getting it out of the water.
I live on a river with nothing but walls and no access to the boat lift to get it over the wall..
If I can bum someone's key and raise it out of the water would I pull out the circled tube in this picture?

I'll answer on his behalf... no.

You need to access the pump via the stern of the boat. Do not go to it in any other way. This looks intimidating, but it's very easy to do.

That video is for a different brand of boat, identical engine and parts. Follow it to the letter and it won't be a problem.

Good luck finding the debris. It definitely sounds like debris/rope.

 

[Jon Clifford]

Thank you Luc! I'll give this a shot

 

[Jon Clifford]

Thank you Luc! I'll give this a shot

 

[Bryan Halsey]

Does the Scarab have a clean out port? Sounds like when you throttled up making your turn you blew the plug out. All the water pressure is being released through the port and not going out the back. Just a thought it’s happened to me.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Does the Scarab have a clean out port? Sounds like when you throttled up making your turn you blew the plug out. All the water pressure is being released through the port and not going out the back. Just a thought it’s happened to me.

No clean out port on Scarabs.

 

[Jon Clifford]

I don't know.. I can't even get it to start now.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

I don't know.. I can't even get it to start now.

Well that's a problem...

1. Do you have power to the dash?
2. Is it clicking when you try and turn the key?
3. Does the engine turn?

Answer all three questions please.

 

[Jon Clifford]

Well that's a problem...

1. Do you have power to the dash?
2. Is it clicking when you try and turn the key?
3. Does the engine turn?

Answer all three questions please.

Ok I replaced the battery and now it starts but still wants to explode when throttling. At least it starts now.... A little white smoke comes out the back tho kinda sketches me out

 

[Jon Clifford]

Ok I replaced the battery and now it starts but still wants to explode when throttling. At least it starts now.... A little white smoke comes out the back tho kinda sketches me out

 

[Crob83]

If something is stuck in there, than the loud rattling sounds when reving up are normal. Get the pump out and find the debri like Luc said and more than likely you'll be all set

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Also, just a reminder, don't run the engine very long while out of the water. I'd keep it shorter than a min... less is better. The more you do, the more likely you are to overheat the drive line seal (aka carbon ring). That's only cooled while sitting in the lake.