Yamaha Waverunner problem

[drfeelgood]

Took my 2008 Waverunner FX HO for a ride yesterday. Started and idles fine, but vibrates and minimal forward motion when give it gas. I checked the intake grate and its clear by feel.
Seems like it would be a drive issue. ?impeller? Could I limp it to the nearest boat ramp to bring it to dealer?

Thanks!

 

[oldoak2000]

Does the engine rev up high when you give it gas? (= clogged impeller)

Or are the rev's limited? (=overheating-cooling water intake choked)

 

[Bluestream]

You need to look up at the wear ring and the impeller to see if you have something stuck between impeller and wear ring. I had a plastic margarine lid get sucked into mine and had the same symptoms.

 

[drfeelgood]

The motor seems to rev up nicely, just vibration and minimal forward motion.

 

[Bluestream]

Yes, that is a sign you have something stuck on the impeller. Do not try and remove this by reving the engine or you can bend the drive shaft.

 

[oldoak2000]

rope or vine wrapped around impeller

 

[Arctic388]

does this model have a driveline coupler ? you may check behind engine in hull to see if drive shaft is not disconnected.

 

[drfeelgood]

Follow-up on the problem:
Brought it to dealer, who found a chunk of wood in the impeller/intake. They said it was just large enough to get stuck between blade and housing. Cleared it and ski is back to normal!