Port Engine Issue

[MLo3]

I have a 2005 AR230 and am having issues with the port engine, starboard runs fine. Engine works in neutral but when I try to give it throttle, the boat vibrates and rattles with no acceleration. My knowledge is limited but it acts like a jet ski with something stuck in the intake.

I pulled out seized cleanout plugs and replaced with the repair kit. I didn’t feel anything inside when I replaced the plugs on either side. Previously, the boat had done this before but with some throttle manipulation, the issue would resolve itself. This isn’t the case anymore.

My next step after consulting the forum is to call a mechanic. Any suggestions are worthwhile. Could this be a throttle cable issue? Thank you!

 

[Babin Farms]

Sounds like you have something in the pump. Look from below while it’s on the trailer. The smallest piece of debris will cause cavitation and vibrations

 

[MLo3]

Sounds like you have something in the pump. Look from below while it’s on the trailer. The smallest piece of debris will cause cavitation and vibrations

Thanks for the quick response, I should add that the RPMs jump when I give it throttle. I did swim under and tried to feel for debris.. nothing.

 

[Babin Farms]

Sometimes you have to be a contortionist to reach down the clean out port and feel around the blades for debris

 

[dgfreeze]

I will agree the odds are something is in your pump, somewhere. You’ll need to get her out of the water, so you can look up through the intake grate from underneath the boat. If there really isn’t anything in there, then my mind would go to one of two things: either a swollen wear ring, and the impeller is rubbing it, or maybe the engine is missing on a cylinder, and causing your vibration. Pulling the pump and impeller shaft (not hard, half hour or so), and starting the engine will tell you which it is. But here again, I’m still guessing it’s something hiding in there, caught in the impeller or shaft.

 

[WREKS]

@MLo3 If you have access to hose bib, try back flushing pump with nozzle inserted below reverse gate.

 

[Scottintexas]

You Could also have loose/missing silicone in the pump
My cavitation issues were severe shaking/minimal acceleration

 

[MLo3]

My first check will be to pull the boat out of the water and see if I can feel anything in the impellers and intake pump. If I can’t find anything I may need to pull the pump and inspect the impeller and impeller housing.

 

[MLo3]

I’m hoping it’s just debris and I suspect it is since I was previously able to solve the problem playing around with the throttle.

 

[MLo3]

Update: Used a screwdriver to pop this woodchip out of the impeller blades.

 

[buckbuck]

That will cause an issue. Glad you found it