Aligning sn sj pump
- Thread starter big al
- Start date
- Location
- Red Bluff CA
The cold fusion tool is OK. But I wouldn't use it for serious high hp or high sustained rpm runs. There is too much play in the holes. It can be off al oat 1/8 of an inch vs when you install the actual midshaft. I feel like it's a tool that was introduced to the market. That actually causes more damage than good. But for the basic guy who couldn't align it any other way. They make midhafts and shafts last long enough for people not to care. A seasoned rider can feel a mis aligned pump in 2 seconds tho.
Ok, I’ll bite:what way is better?
Ps, i have not experienced 1/8” play in the mounting holes of either the alignment tool or actual midshafts, nor the combined worst case play.
- Location
- Red Bluff CA
Taking a actual mid-shaft. Pulling the shaft. Using that instead of a cf alignment tool. Getting it set. Then marking the outside edge with a pen. So you can get it back in the exact spot.
The cold fusion holes are absolutely larger than the actual midshaft holes.
WFO Speedracer
A lifetime ban is like a lifetime warranty !
- Location
- Alabama
I have the Weeks Brothers tool, I do know on that tool there is the same amount of clearance on the bolt holes as a stock midshaft, as for the cold fusion tool , I can't say I
have never had my hands on one.
have never had my hands on one.
- Location
- Red Bluff CA
Moving the shaft 1/16 of an inch in the wrong direction. Would throw alignment off enough to feel a vibration. There is no way to use a tool to align. And then use a midshaft. And get then in the exact same position. Unless they are the exact same shape and size AND you make a mark before you remove the tool used to align.
I'm not saying the tolls don't get skis on the water. I'm saying using a midhsaft and taking the time to do it right. Yields better results.
I'm not saying the tolls don't get skis on the water. I'm saying using a midhsaft and taking the time to do it right. Yields better results.
Big Kahuna
Administrator
- Location
- Tuscaloosa, AL
engine/pump shimming questions
The one thing I dont fully understand. When shimming the motor I remove the coupler rubber pad and put the motor in and grab a straight-edge and check to see if the surfaces of each coupler are aligned to each other right? Any better way of doing this? How do I shim the pump? I have a...
www.x-h2o.com
Big Kahuna
Administrator
- Location
- Tuscaloosa, AL
It just one of many tools we can use....... It does nothing for aligning your motor. You till have to align your motor to the midshaft and pump. It is just a tool that helps with getting your pump aligned with Midshaft. You still have to check everything even after you use the tool.......
- Location
- Red Bluff CA
The shaft and pump alignment are dependent on each other. The motor is independent of the 2. Relying on the cut hole in the hull, to be exactly center. Is a recipe for failure. Even on a sj hull. Look at how the bulkhead is glued in. You think they got them all in the exact same spot? The cf tool just gets the alignment set to the tool and the hole in the bulkhead. Using an actual empty midshaft let's you see where the shaft should actually sit.
If the pump and shaft are aligned properly. Aligning the motor is cake and it makes a noticeable difference at wot and revving up vibration vs a ski that didn't take as much time.
I've always suspected that applying a few hundred pounds of force at the centerline of the pump, as the pump does in the water, would flex the hull enough that the lovingly aligned mid shaft is way further off than people think it is. Don't have a good way to prove it. Also suspect this is why big couches moved to pumps mounted flat on a bulkhead that will flex more in line with the shaft rather than bolted on the way a superjet and most aftermarket hulls do it.
WFO Speedracer
A lifetime ban is like a lifetime warranty !
- Location
- Alabama
In a perfect the shafts would all be aligned perfect and happily spin away into Jetski bliss , but this ain't no perfect world , I would rather people buy the alignment tools and get it close than not check it at all which is what usually happens.
Sooooo, back to the OP question...
If you have a cold fusion pump alignment tool for the "big" midshafts, it doesn't work on a square nose. I think someone makes a 3D printed tool for aligning a SN, but I don't own one. If you have a different tool that's designed for a SN, then great!
In general, you attach the alignment tool in place of the midshaft, and then adjust the pump by shimming and such until the driveshaft is centered nicely based on the installation guide/tool. Once done, remove the installation guide/tool, and install the midshaft. Threadlock the mounting bolts (the no-heat-needed kind of threadlocker), IMO.
If you have a cold fusion pump alignment tool for the "big" midshafts, it doesn't work on a square nose. I think someone makes a 3D printed tool for aligning a SN, but I don't own one. If you have a different tool that's designed for a SN, then great!
In general, you attach the alignment tool in place of the midshaft, and then adjust the pump by shimming and such until the driveshaft is centered nicely based on the installation guide/tool. Once done, remove the installation guide/tool, and install the midshaft. Threadlock the mounting bolts (the no-heat-needed kind of threadlocker), IMO.
WFO Speedracer
A lifetime ban is like a lifetime warranty !
- Location
- Alabama
Weeks brothers on here makes that tool for the SN, it is the one I have.
Harrison township. On lake st Clair
Weeks brothers one. They 3D print them
The one I got yes
Then, yeah, it's approximately as simple as I said above. Shimming the pump gets you vertical alignment, but side-to-side alignment requires just moving the pump within the slop allowed by the pump mounting bolts, the pump seal, etc. I think I'd remove the midshaft and pump install guide/tool and install the pump+seal completely with no shims, just to see how far off you are at the start. If it's close enough that you can install the guide/tool without damaging it, then do so, and then shim the rear pump mounting bolts to get vertical alignment. Once happy with that, partially loosen all but one of the forward two bolts and twist the pump to get side/side alignment. The bolts need to be loose enough to allow adjustment, but not so loose that they won't hold your adjustment. Retighten and double check. Repeat til you're happy. There are decent videos on this, but I couldn't find them quick, sorry.