WARNING: Watch this before installing a Pump Wedge or Ride Plate ⚠️ 2022-2023 Kawaski Ultra Jet Skis

#jdswaterworld #jetski #kawasaki
2022 and 2023 models, the 2024 models have a new revised KSRD actuator and self-calibrate
I have been contacted by multiple viewers regarding the prevalence of an issue on 2022+ Kawasaki Ultra 310 Jet Skis where the ski is abruptly thrown into reverse, and the rider is ejected.
After much research and discussion I believe that the issue relates to the installation of aftermarket pump wedges and failure of the end user to properly adjust and calibrate the reverse bucket assembly.
I could be wrong, but this is my observation and option. As always, please consult the manufacturer for specific maintenance information and adjustment specifications. This video is provided for informational purposes only.

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

Wow. FANTASTIC VIDEO. I won’t be having any modifications to my ski but you are an AMAZING instructor. You make truely educational video. The 310 stock will more than enough of a beast for me. Also the sinking sea Doo videos are funny AND educational.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Keeping it stock, with a few exceptions, is the way to have the most reliable ski! And I’d happily post videos of other skis but seems like SeaDoo riders flopping around make up a majority of the fail videos floating around the corners of the internet

[@floridadreamrides]

Just installed the 2 degree wedge, Have not been able to Test Ride yet, I will definitely recheck my Clearances, Thanks

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yes, please check carefully at full trim..I know of 4 people who have been ejected from the ski after installing various aftermarket pump wedges and ride plates..they also totaled their reverse/trim actuator assemblies which as you can imagine are very expensive

[@jerplane400]

Hope those that were affected are ok. Thanks for the great video JD!

[@edwardbowles8613]

I had an issue with the wedge on my 2023 Ultra 160. My issue was it would give an error when trying to trim fully down. Had to adjust cable out a tad more to eliminate error. Fortunately no dramatic issues like you described. I put an Ultra 250 R&D plate on my Ultra 160. Had to make new bucket arms. Yesterday was first use. So far so good. I removed the pump wedge. Didn't feel like I had enough cable threads into the attachment fitting after adjusting it out. Thanks for posting.

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Great illustration JD! I’m sure this video will save several some grief and from having to spend a lot of money to replace broken and damage components. Thanks for sharing

[@Podchynok]

Thank you JD for putting out this important info.

[@DustyakaDD]

Why would you install a pump wedge and ride plate? Are these performance upgrades for the pwc ?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yes, actually with the ride plate the pump wedge is not really necessary…but some people install both. They create more lift for the bow, which helps the ski plane easier getting more of the hull out of the water

[@DustyakaDD]

@JDsWaterWorld o okay, thanks for the information. Want to learn as much as possible so when I get one, I will know more about what or what not to do to these. Thanks again.

[@robertcook5974]

My 2023 STX160LX when underway just idling my bow is under water sometimes almost to the bottom of the front hatch door. I can't stand when it does that. I sit all the way at the rear and use a 4 foot bungee rope looped around left and right handles of the handle bar. I noticed other STX's do the same exact thing with bow riding under water. I just don't understand why Kawasaki designed it like this. Don't want to do any modification because it's still under warranty. Do you have any suggestions?

[@robertcook5974]

I forgot to mention I use bungee rope so I can steer while sitting all the way on the back seat.

[@edwardbowles8613]

Is this just idle or in NO WAKE mode which should be faster than idle. I have 2 of these and while water can ride up I dont experience as bad as you describe. Is this in waves or smooth water?

[@bisaiah9797]

Hey JD, the 2014 Ultra 310 LX, has a manual reverse handle. Would there be any problem adding a pump wedge? . THanks

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Not at all for the pre-2022 models although you still may need to adjust the reverse cable

[@bisaiah9797]

@@JDsWaterWorld ... Thanks JD. Will do the adjustment. Peace.

[@fzr1000981]

Unrelated question: does the 310 catch can still drain blowby back to the sump? I modified mine to avoid this

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yes it does….

[@fzr1000981]

@@JDsWaterWorld your oil will stay much cleaner if you only drain back in an overflow condition. I've seen a significant change in terms of decreased gas dilution/thinning (I'm running a custom/modified can)

[@Ultra310x]

As always JD another great video 👍 i dont own 22 or newer Ultra i have a 16 310x my question is what does or is the true purpose of the lip ?? To help force the down when you hit reverse ? Why not grind the lip down more or off all the way? Just curious i know theres a logic behind it. Again thanks for all your free advice and input on Kawi Ultra's

[@JDsWaterWorld]

I think the lip just improves the efficiency of the reverse function. The reverse on the new skis is very very good

[@Ultra310x]

@JDsWaterWorld thanks JD I'm just hoping Kawi does something impressive next or year after like a 330 or maybe a turbo 😅 if not then I will jump to new body style just hate to make move before I see kawi does and the hate myself because I didn't wait 😉 enjoy your wknd

[@kkutube1972]

I watched your video for the calibration so I should be OK. I installed in at 90 hours and I am 163 hours, so I should be OK.

[@Joshua-dw8wu]

I think kspeed/ Brisbane Kawasaki has a video showing to move the bucket adjuster all the way in and to check the nozzle alignment top and bottom and adjust if necessary.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yes, that video came out after this one and is based on the official Procedures from the updated Kawasaki service manual

[@whotube357]

If a mod doesn't offer at least a 5 mph gain it's not worth it to me. Waste of time and money

[@politicsandtrains]

The machine has a manufacturer stock wedge, do you add the Kawi Kit (2 Wedges) with the stock wedge?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

For the pre-2023 Ultra LX? For the older n/a Ultra this video does not apply and minimal adjustment is needed to accommodate the wedge because there is no trim

[@politicsandtrains]

@@JDsWaterWorld 2014 Kawa Ultra LX

[@nicklouallen4784]

Will not let me select maintenance mode

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Did you follow my steps exactly?