Question about the carbon seal??

[suck my wake]

Can someone please tell me what happens when the carbon seal goes bad and what are the symptoms.

[SeanCucf]

you'll probably cavitate and leak water into the hull

edit: these probably aren't the only symptoms...just the ones I'm aware of.

[Franko]

You will cavitate and get water in the hull.

[Franko]

Damn I hate it when mine is the second of two simultaneous posts

[SeanCucf]

HA!! I'm smarter and faster

[Franko]

No argument here. SMW, if you replace your carbon ring, my advice is to also replace the rubber boot and the c-clip as well. The rubber boot loses its rigidity over time and the c-clip gets worn down. If it wears enough, it will become exposed and fly off and sink your boat.

[The Bandit]

I think the first symptoms typically, are cavitation and water getting into the hull. I have no idea what these other guys are talking about.

[RXP-REX]

How much water are we talking about here? Enough to open the drain plugs after a ride and have a little water come out or a descent amount of water flow out?

I always have a little bit of water in my hull from riding, and when I open the drain plugs they let a small amount of water come out for about 1 second when the ski is sitting level.

Also, will you notice water comming in around the driveshaft while the ski is running or what? Just a little more specific on the water intrusion would be nice. Thanks guys!

[Franko]

You can take your seat off and ride while looking down at the drive shaft. If you have a problem, you will usually see water spritzing out around the carbon ring. Obviously, the more damaged the carbon ring is, the more water you will see. If it is just the carbon ring and not the c-clip, the water intrusion will not be that bad. But the cavitation will be.

[RXP-REX]

Thanks Franko. I think that eliminated the carbon seal as a possible problem of mine. Back to the drawing board.