WAJetboating

Here's the 2002 version:

http://articles.rich...jetboat/240EFI/

Each PDF file is a separate chapter.

Hope this helps!

The basic function of the steering cable works, or you wouldn't be turning both directions at ANY speed.

One more idea: Is it related to the position of the thrust reverser (F-N-R) lever or throttle lever? Try those in various positions and see if the steering problem shows up out of the water.

Otherwise, it almost has to be mechanical interference. It works on the trailer and at low speeds, so the problem is caused by higher thrust or water speed. That means something must be moving one way due to thrust or water speed, and relaxing back into its "rest" position when you back off of thrust or water speed.

How about this test: Get the boat moving fast (so the problem exists), then quickly drop the engine to idle and try the steering. With the engine at idle the hull won't respond to steering changes very fast so this is a safe test even at high speeds. You'll have to try the steering before the hull slows down much. If this permits the steering wheel to turn all the way at high hull speeds, it's thrust related. If it's still difficult to turn the wheel even though the engine is idling, it's speed related.

Report back!

Yes when its on the trailer, the steering wheel moves just fine and the jet in the back moves left and right without any problems...when I am ideling, it will go fine to right or left. When I pick up speed, to around 18ish, it won't turn to the right anymore up to full throddle.

I suspect interference between your thrust reverser and steering nozzle. As you increase speed and thrust, the reverser (or perhaps something else) is coming into contact with the steering nozzle and preventing it from turning. See if you can wiggle something back there such that it comes into contact with the steering nozzle - or perhaps the opposite, see if the steering nozzle can move into contact with something else.

There aren't any parts on the jetdrive's exterior that are supposed to move based on throttle setting, engine thrust, or water speed. So it has to be something that has slop in it that isn't supposed to be there, and gets pushed by the thrust or the movement through the water. Wiggle things until you find it.

Report back!

The boat still won't turn to the right at speeds at over 18-20... NO CHANGE! What a disapointment. I spent hours and about $400 on these parts and it changed nothing! Not steering, speed, nothing. If anyone has any help with steering problems, please let me know. I guess I could try to replace the steering cable...but I followed a dealers reccomendation to change out the bent ride plate first.

OK, time to start debugging. Now that you have new parts, please carefully describe exactly what happens and when. Can you turn the wheel lock to lock when on the trailer? Does the steering nozzle follow the wheel? How about sitting still in the water? What does it feel like when it won't turn? Does this change happen suddenly, or is there a transition speed where it gets harder/rougher/etc.?

First thought is to check for interference between the thrust reverser and the steering nozzle. It should be impossible to have them touch each other.

Report back, we'll try to help!

The drive plate that the stator bolts to underneath was damaged also. It was bent upwards.

That would be the ride plate.

So the whole assembly took on a pretty good hit. I think this is what caused water to leak in. When I took it all down, I saw the damaged stator assembly. The hit was on the right hand side. The boat would not turn to the right at regular and high speeds, only at idle.

WOW, that must have been some impact. The water in the stator indicates a problem with the impeller shaft seal, a damaged impeller shaft, or both. I certainly hope it's JUST the stator and its seal. Tearing down the jetdrive to replace the impeller shaft requires lifting the engine.

I am replacing the entire assembly and the bent plate. It can't hurt, and hopefully it will cure the turning right problem...the steering wheel turns just fine, and the jet drive truns just fine, and freely, when on the trailer.

Agreed. I would replace everything from the impeller rearward. New stator with a new seal, new ride plate, etc. Take a careful look at the impeller, too. Use a straightedge to confirm it's not bent and doesn't have any unusual marks back where it enters the stator. No sense in damaging a new stator with a damaged impeller shaft - if it's damaged you should replace the impeller shaft at the same time. Hopefully that won't be necessary.

Check the wear ring, too. The stator assembly mounts against it. Be sure the mounting surface is flat, the screw threads aren't damaged, etc. All that impact force was transmitted through the ride plate, to the stator, to the wear ring, to the jetdrive housing, and finally to the hull. They ALL felt it. Inspect everything.

Report back!