Signs of Oil Pump Issues in Your WaveRunner
As your WaveRunner ages, there are various areas of the PWC that will bear the brunt of all those years spent riding. One of these is the oil pump, which wears down as debris collect in the oil or the housing becomes too damaged from excessive scoring. There are several ways you can determine if you oil pump needs to be inspected, either by yourself, your local Yamaha dealer, or a reputable service shop. With this guide, you can quickly troubleshoot the issues you’re experiencing with your WaveRunner to determine if the problem lies with your oil pump.
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The Lines Feeding into the Pump Are Damaged: Often, this is the culprit of malfunctioning oil pumps. The oil pump itself doesn’t have many moving parts, so the issue may be with your lines that lead to the intake rotary value. This can result in the pump moving oil into the hull instead of the motor. Check the hoses for cracks, fraying, or clogged portions. If no cracks are detectable, you can uninstall them and use a blow gun to feel air blowing from the sides of the hoses.
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The Impeller is Damaged: Impeller damage is another common issue, especially for those who have ridden in shallow areas. The impeller can pick up small rocks, shells, and other debris, which can crack and bend the impeller. Plus, all these things are sucked into the cooling lines, which creates blockages. Check around the impeller, and if it’s noticeably damaged, it will need to be replaced.
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You Detect A High Degree of Corrosion: Do you use your WaveRunner in salt water? Chances are that you do! It’s vital to spray down your PWC after a day in the ocean, as salt water is lethal to the inner workings of them. If you don’t usually wash your WaveRunner or lubricate the fittings and other areas, you’ll start to notice corrosion. The salt will eat away at the pump, which can cause it to fail over time if left unattended. If it’s badly corroded, you may need to replace the oil pump altogether.
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Excessive Scoring Is Present: When foreign materials are in the water, scoring occurs when you drive over them. A large degree of scoring will damage the pump housing, which can lead to a faulty pump. Failed supercharger ceramic washers can cause excessive scoring as well. There are many shops that offer re-machining for the oil pump housing, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Is your WaveRunner showing any of these signs? If your boat is still under warranty, you can first have your local dealer check it out before trying to fix it yourself. The best way to prevent the worst-case scenario is by changing the pump oil during every season and washing your PWC after saltwater use. You should also pressure test the pump, which can be done by a PWC expert. While the hoses will eventually need to be replaced, the oil pump itself should last for years. Even if your boat is brand new, preventative measures are the keys to PWC longevity!
