How To Do An Engine Alignment On A Sea Doo Personal Watercraft Jet Ski

[@Deighty181]

I’m a European auto mechanic. I had just recently bought a few Seadoo’s and really enjoy watching and learning from your videos. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for the kind words!

[@Deighty181]

@@3ftDeepChannel can you do a video on scan tool for a Seadoo and capabilities. I’ve seen the BRP Buds scan tool but not sure what level I need for the job.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Check out this video to see if it has more of what you are looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3KqgnRpgayXsKc

[@randymueller2349]

@@Deighty181 I personally have and use a "Candoo Pro" Scan Tool (PC Laptop required), It has all the usual abilities to read and clear Code, read sensor Data LIVE as well as Min/Max of some sensors. It also can Program Keys and Marry a replacement ECM or Instrument Cluster of my 2015 Sea Doo iS 260 Limited and many other years and models of Sea Doo's. I believe that with additional adaptors and Licensing it can be used with other makes of PWC's and even Mercruiser, Suzuki & Honda Marine? Randy AKA randog311

[@BondsGarage]

Excellent video. Just pulled apart my wife’s 2012 GTI and found the carbon seal ID significantly wore the drive shaft. Checked alignment and the engine is way off at about .125” low. Before breaking those shim bolts, my plan is to loosen the engine mount bolt, take weight off the engine and then try to loosen those shim cap screws. Will see how that works, after watching your video I figured it might be worth a shot...

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Great stuff! It may take a little muscle, some know-how and a few tools, but the money you save is worth it. Plus, getting to know your machine inside-out is such a great feeling, especially when you rely on it to take you miles away from land. Thanks for your comment, and good luck with your machine.

[@BondsGarage]

And... drum roll... no go...I broke a bolt! (Just like in your video) Ultimately only broke 1 of 6 shim bolts doing this with the engine side mounting bolts loose and weight off the engine ( one shim at a time) Tapping all threads and replacing all M8 x 40 capscrews. I can now see that this is why Seadoo machines the shaft down just behind the carbon seal rotor, that allows for some miss alignment without rubbing the carbon ID. (But NOT 1/8 inch misalignment)

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Nothing is worse than when you feel a bolt break. It shouldn't happen on a machine that's less than 10 years old ...salt water or not. The only thing that may make life more miserable is when you feel the threaded insert anchored in the fiberglass start to rotate round and round and round...

[@handsfreekvm]

This video is missing a lot of parts. Particularly yelling, cussing, smashing of fingers, breaking of taps, and losing of tools and hardware. Otherwise excellent video.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

I do try to keep as many clips of Chris dropping screws and tools as possible ;)

[@jordigrau3625]

Great video. Thank you very much.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You are welcome!

[@rodrigomeca]

Great video! Any reason why it looses the alignment? Is it because of motor mounts getting old? How many hours motor mount should be replaced? Have a good one!!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks for the kind words. Lots of rough riding, wave jumping, general abuse, etc. Some people say they sometimes come a bit misaligned from the factory, but we’re not sure about that. Failing motor mounts can also be the culprit. The motor mounts should be checked periodically, but there’s no recommended time for replacement. Good luck.

[@jordigrau3625]

@@3ftDeepChannel Here in Spain we replace it about every 200h

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Are you doing that as a preventative measure, or have you found broken motor mounts after that time? We just worked on a machine with 900 hours on it and the motor mounts were still in good shape.

[@jordigrau3625]

@@3ftDeepChannel as a preventive measure. Here, we always always ride on salt water so with corrosion and the jumps on rough waters they suffer an extra pain. And if they broke the pwc sinks, so they are cheap to change.

[@theblueboy20]

Thanks for the video I’m new to jet skis 👌

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Welcome to the club!

[@erichtefft9238]

I watched your video, as I have also been attempting this. I noticed when you got the alignment right, there was still a tiny bit of touch between the alignment rod and receiver. What is the allowance for that? I have been pulling my hair out trying to get it absolutely perfect. Any advice on a method of how to shim or which mount to adjust? Thanks

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The rule of thumb is, you will always feel a little bit of a tap, but there should be no resistance whatsoever to the rod moving in or out. Good luck!

[@andor8635]

Great video but how did the engine get out of alinement?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

There are lots of ways, but primarily from jumping waves, etc. It can also come from the factory slightly out of alignment, although it shouldn't.

[@andor8635]

Thank you keep the video’s coming enjoy your vide’s you do a great job on them.

[@2fast4you25]

@@3ftDeepChannel seems this days it happening out of dealer and thats why there are so many SINKADOOS OUT THERE. No bueno.

[@randymueller2349]

Thanks for all the informative Videos. Q: What has been your experience with with 4 Tec Engine Mount Life expectancy of NA or Supercharged Ski's? Is Salt water a Factor? Riding in Choppy conditions? FYI: My PWC is a 2015 GTX iS 260 Limited with 197 Hours. BTW: Recently at 191 Hours my iS system had a mechanical failure, the M10 x 110 Stainless Steel Bolt that secures the Starboard Footrest to the Front Suspension Arm Pivot Tube which had Sheared from Metal Fatuige and the effects of Galvanic Corrosion, after having removed the upper body assembly I was surprised to find both of the Lateral Bellows Cracking and Torn and the Center Bellows had a Crack, I replaced Lateral Bellows with New and Central Bellows with Used {NLA} as well as a Used pair of Footrests complete with used Bolts {New Bolts kept being Delayed / I never did get them}. I also performed some Maintenance while I had it apart such as I rebuilt the Supercharger for the second time, I replaced the Steering Column Bushings, Coolant Flush, Changed the Oil and Cleaned my K&P Engineering Stainless Steel Mesh Oil Filter and replaced the Spark Plugs (NGK 4339). My Engine Mounts appeared to be okay from what I could see with the Supercharger removed. Randy AKA randog311 (Retired Professional Wrench / BTW: I've found my Suspension Ski easier to work on than the European Cars I Specialize in, I don't understand why people bad mouth the Suspension Ski's?)

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Hey Randy, Good questions. The engine mounts will last quite a few years. Many conditions will affect the life of the engine mounts, but under “normal” use you should get at least 10 to 15 years out of them. If you ride in choppy/wavy waters or do lots of jumping (like we do), then you’ll shorten the life considerably. Still, we haven’t experienced any issues with our machines, even after 5-10 years. That may be because they’re improving the rubber mounts and mount system over the years. You’re more likely to shift your engine when riding in rough waters and throw your alignment off and an adjustment may become necessary. Pay attention to any increase in vibration over use. That’s great you’re keeping on top of your supercharger. That’s a critical maintenance component. There were some issues with the iS design that resulted in water intrusion into the hull. They’re also a bit more difficult to work on than regular skis. That’s why they got a bad reputation. The dampening of the ride bumps, however, is a great thing. Thanks for your comment and safe riding!

[@benschroeder1161]

Do the motor mounts ever go bad? Like if you had it out would it be better to replace it entirely for a new one?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yes. Just like automobile motor mounts they will eventually wear. It’s not normally something you’d think of replacing when doing engine work, but if your machine was ridden hard (lots of wave jumping, etc.), it’s over 7 years old and the mounts are looking a bit rough around the edges, I’d consider replacing them. But bear in mind, changing 3 mounts can be a bit pricey (about $300 CDN). Thanks for your comment.

[@benschroeder1161]

@@3ftDeepChannel ya mines a 2006 GTX but they look brand new. But my carbon ring is vibrating when I turn the ski on out of the water. Think it’s just misaligned but might replace them. Would the engine be vibrating more and that’s how you really tell if you need new motor mounts?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yes, there could be more vibration from worn motor mounts. The alignment could also be the issue and needs to be checked. If the carbon ring is undergoing too much movement and hasn’t been replaced in a while, you’ll definitely want to check it out and replace it if it’s worn (and it likely is). Check out your pump thoroughly as well, as worn or broken parts in that system can also create vibration. Good luck.

[@benschroeder1161]

Ya I replaced the carbon ring 5 months ago and re built the jet pump in December so I’m thinking alignment/motor mounts as well

[@larihelgren2796]

awesome job man !!

[@Hunt904]

How are you checking the end play of the drive shaft ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Are you referring to a specific segment of the video? The only play that can be adjusted is to ensure the groove on the driveshaft is at the proper position at the engine. You can find this information at 3:00 on the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH3KiamIqreLsKc

[@billjenkins1535]

How does the spacers adjust along the horizontal. My rod clicks at the 9 o'clock and engine needs to move slightly across horizontal.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

That is essentially fixed. You shouldn’t have to move in that plane.

[@billjenkins1535]

@@3ftDeepChannel With a little push, after the click, it does slide into the pto gauge block. I think I am going to leave good enough alone, as I have 117 hrs on the boat and the performance seems good. I was just replacing a carbon seal, and since things were disassembled, figured I would check it. Again, for now ,I will leave well enough alone. Thanks for your feedback on this.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You are welcome. Good luck to you.

[@SteveFrame_devonuto]

I have a 2012 GTX S 155 which I need to remove the motor from to find an oil leak. I assume this engine alignment will need to be done after? Where do you get the alignment tool from? Do you need to remove all the drive shaft etc to take the motor out?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yes, once you pull the engine it’s very advisable to do an alignment check. If you can borrow one from a friend or acquaintance, that is always preferred as it’s not a very regular job to pull your engine. If you absolutely need one though, you can find one at our website: 3ftdeepsports.com/store-tools-specialty/. Unfortunately, you do need to pull the driveshaft to remove the engine, and that can be a big pain in the neck with machines over six or seven years old. Rust tends to make removal of the C-clip difficult. In fact, we suggest getting the tool for removal of the driveshaft as well. Oil leaks, however, are very rare in those machines. Before removing your engine, I would do a thorough investigation to see if I could confirm the oil leak location. You may not need to remove the whole engine to address the issue. Good luck!

[@SteveFrame_devonuto]

@@3ftDeepChannel thanks. I bought it with pretty low hours just recently (89), and it had only just had the engine replaced, so hopefully it isn't as painful as it sounds. I'm getting oil in the bilge and haven't been able to locate the leak. I suspect that it is leaking from an oil drain plug underneath that wasn't tightened correctly, but need to remove the engine to find it. I plan on using some flourescent additive.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Okay, good luck. No oil drain plug underneath, though. Oil is removed from the dipstick tube.

[@SteveFrame_devonuto]

@@3ftDeepChannel I see. I got directed to this post. Is from an older machine, but wondered if it could be the same/similar issue. What are these plugs for?: greenhulk.net/forums/showthread.php?t=282140

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The middle one is the piston valve assembly. They are not oil drains but they could leak oil.

[@mdean1288]

I keep blowing carbon seals. I'm about to be on my fourth one with 190 hours. 2015 GTR. Do you think this should be the first thing I look at? What else can cause carbon ring issues other than the obvious things like running it out of the water? I've got three hours on the one I just blew. Literally haven't done anything but put around the islands.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Whenever we pull the driveshaft on our machines, we check the engine alignment. Normally a slightly misaligned engine won’t cause too much damage to the carbon ring, however, if it is too far off, you will see uneven wear on the carbon ring. I.e., you will see a groove worn on the ring. If that’s the case, you should check the alignment and also make sure that the new carbon ring kit that you get comes with a larger steel ring that mates with the carbon ring. Good luck.

[@mdean1288]

@@3ftDeepChannel yep every time I've replaced it, there has been a fairly deep notch worn into the ring.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

OK, sounds like you need an engine alignment. See if you can borrow an engine alignment tool. Good luck!

[@mdean1288]

@@3ftDeepChannel Awesome, thanks! Another good lesson from the 3ftDeep academy. Y'all have saved me so much time and money with your videos over the last 5 years.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Great to hear! Thanks for your comment! 😀

[@TheVinceB123]

How your motor get out of alignment? Is that something we have to check regulary?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

I'm not sure. It has had a lot of vibration since I got it, so it could have come that way from the factory. Of course, jumping the ski like we do doesn't help. I don't recommend checking it regularly, as you have to remove the drive shaft, which can be a challenge. If it vibrates a lot, you should check it. Or, when you replace the carbon ring or rubber bellow you should do it then.

[@TheVinceB123]

Thanks for the reply!

[@wp4246]

Why is a carbon ring replaced? I have not read into it purpose as of yet.

[@leandrodefreitas4877]

Hi. I have a 1999 seadoo sportster 1800 and I have to replace the motor support on both. But after I aligned both motors, when I started installing the Jet Pump I noticed that the shaft was ahead of the other. so I started to tighten the screws and checking if I was able to turn the motors by rand . One I could but the other when it was getting really tight I stop the installation. So , could you tell me what is the distance from the engine to the jet pump ? So I can install the right spacer on it? Thanks for your time.

[@oneeyedrone4293]

Do you loosen all engine mounts ? Looks like you just went after one mount. I’m aiming to do this on a 787 motor in a smaller ski, it has a lot of shims under the stock engine mounts from the factory.

[@WS6Randy]

I have a 2012 GTR-215 and im needing a alignment tool for it ,but cant fined the right one . Do you know the part number of the tool that fits the GTR's ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

This is the one we used. There's actually a link to products we use in the description below the videos on KZbin. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KI360R6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KI360R6&linkCode=as2&tag=3ftdeepsports-20&linkId=b18356541657a9bff67eae1e4c9e4f4a

[@keshakerim]

Do you know if this tool will fit on 2018 rxtx300? Thank you

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We used ours on three or four different machines without any issues. But I suggest you check with the manufacturer with the model you ultimately buy to make sure it fits. it will be clearly stated by the manufacturer. Good luck.

[@valdirgoncalves374]

gostei muito da ferramenta para alinhar motor. onde comprar essas ferramenta?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Amazon.com Nós compramos um como este: www.amazon.com/Alignment-Explorer-Speedster-Challenger-1991-2009/dp/B00KI360R6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513612915&sr=8-1&keywords=engine+alignment+tool+Sea-Doo

[@chirris187]

some peoples work is like fucking art

[@3ftDeepChannel]

I think this is a positive comment

[@chirris187]

@@3ftDeepChannel yes it is sir

[@tomblack4061]

The only thing I would add is to replace all C-Clamps with T-Bolt clamps where applicable. Otherwise, awesome video!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You're absolutely right about the clamps, Tom. Chris has already done his RXT-X 260, and I've done some of mine but not all. Because if an exhaust clamp fails ... p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica; color: #333333; -webkit-text-stroke: #333333; background-color: #ffffff} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}

[@FredCprod]

Hi 3ftDeep , it's again me 😅 .. On my Seadoo GTI130 (2014) I dont have black support on the motor supports. The motor supports are screwed directly on the hull. I have only 2 screws to screwed on the hull my question is : I must also put a little of loctite and screwed to 18lbf.ft ? Thanks again 😉 🙏

[@3ftDeepChannel]

If you’re not the original owner, you should verify that the engine is mounted properly. If you go to the Sea-Doo website you can find a parts diagram for your machine and ensure it’s mounted properly. Unfortunately, we don’t have the torques for your machine, so you should purchase a service manual. You can find them relatively easily with a Google search. The manual will show where to apply Loctite and the correct torques. Good luck.

[@FredCprod]

Thanks ;) @@3ftDeepChannel I will try to find it ;)

[@AldyMartinBorges]

Good morning, I need alignment on my 2020 gti 130 engine, can you help me do it, I need to contact you

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Where are you located?

[@biagiogiardina7480]

Sei il numero. 1

[@Pilot545]

Oh…is THAT all? 😳

[@3ftDeepChannel]

That’s it!