Loss of Propulsion :(

[Dave Rogoza]

Hey all. Had my first difficulty with my 2016 AR 190. Wanted to know if anyone has experienced something similar or had a diagnoses...
It started making a high pitch kind of hissing noise when under way, and getting less performance, would rev high but not really get much push, but it didn’t really sound woofy like cavitation does. We anchored for a while, and when we started back up, engine runs, but high pitched hissing sound is more apparent and propulsion is gone. Nothing coming out of pissers as well... checked for blockage in jet drive, nothing there. With nothing coming out of pissers and next to no propulsion, we got a tow home. Flushed the engine at the ramp and water is coming out pissers (makes sense, it’s just hide pressure) and impeller is turning.
I fear it has something to do with one of the bearings in the upper part of the jet drive.
Performance previous to yesterday was normal.
I can wrench on things OK but think this is probably out of my league. Taking it to the dealer today or tomorrow. Any ideas? Thanks all in advance.

 

[ripler]

Small stick wedged between impeller and housing will cause havoc, take a really good look there.

 

[Sbrown]

Last year on our way out of the inlet in Florida, I had the exact same thing you are describing happen to my port engine. Open the cleanout and felt around without finding anything twice. Third time I checked I found a very thin sliver of plastic had gotten between the impeller and housing in such a way that it was VERY difficult to detect. I initially though my wear ring had come loose, lol. But I grabbed the piece and yanked it out (it was difficult to remove) and that solved my problem. Bimini trip saved.

 

[dshscarab]

Forgive me if I am way off base but what about the pump screen (filter) located on the side of the jet?

 

[MidnightRider]

Sounds like a clean out plug not fully seated.

 

[dshscarab]

Scratch that what I post. I just reread and he also said no forward movement. Sorry. Clean out plug would be a good starting place.

 

[njmr2fan]

Any update?

 

[Peter simon]

I had a small piece of plastic wedged between the impeller and the housing. I was shocked that the impeller couldn't push it out. We were 5 miles from our dock so I decided it was better to work on the piece. I found starting and stopping the motor so the piece was most accessible helped. 30 min later I dislodged it not before the sheriff came by to ask if my hand was stuck in the cleanout port. I now carry a few different size offset pliers.