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Kawasaki has come up with the ultimate jetpump bearing setup that could theoretically last twice longer than the previous design of 15F/12F. This new setup can be applied to all 15 previous model years (2004-2011) and all 12F as well (& possibly older 2-stroke 3-seater skis with 148 mm pump).
Notice 2 bearings at the front of the impeller shaft.
There are 2 main improvements on 2012 15F jetpump bearing setup as following:
> 2 Front Bearings, doubling the load capacity of the previous single bearing setup resulting in longer lasting jetpump bearing life and less frequent maintenance. Also, there would be less vibration from the jet pump area since the impeller shaft is held tighter by the 2 front bearings (less radial movement).
> Rear bearing is in the rear cone instead of the pump itself. This relocation has two benefits.
1. Easy to check bearing condition and possible water intrusion just by removing the 3 screws from the rear of the ski.
2. Since the distance between the front bearing and rear bearing is longer, the impeller shaft is held more stable resulting in longer life for the oil seals which job is to prevent water intrusion into the bearing area. This was implemented in 2011 model year (but 1 front bearing).
What are the consequential damage(s) when jet pump bearing fails?
> Impeller damage
> Pump housing damage
> Complete engine damage if you continue to ride with failed jet pump bearing (because ski will continue to run..). because the front pump bearing receives the complet axial thrust force (1550+ lbs) exerted by the impeller. If the bearing fails (disintegrates), the impeller/shaft would be pushing forwad on the drive shaft which in turn purshes on the crank PTO end. Crankshaft can't take such axial force and the crankshaft web would be grinding against the crankcase at the journal, shaving the metal away.
What parts do you need in order to upgrade to 2012 setup?
It depends what model year 15F/12F you have since there are several varieties.
However, no matter what year you may have, you will need following parts:
1. Jet Pump Housing P/N 59496-0074 (completely new part for 2012)
2. Impeller Shaft P/N 13107-0739 (completely new part for 2012)
3. Front Bearings P/N 92045-3744 x 2 (same as before, just need 1 more but replace your existing one anyway since it will be taken out)
4. Rear Bearing P/N 92045-0112 (same as before on 2003-2006)
5. Seals P/N 92049-3739 x 3 (same as before, but will be destroyed when taken out from your old pump)
The new pump housing costs about $300. So, this upgrade is a good idea especially if your current pump is damaged by rock or worn out needing a replacement. If you just did your pump bearing job, wait till your next maintenance...
There are some miscellaneous small rubber parts that can get easily damaged/deformed/lost. It would be wise to order and have them ready just in case since they are inexpensive. And they are:
P/N 92055-025 O-ring (small)
P/N 92055-3744 O-ring (med)
P/N 92055-3741 O-ring (large)
P/N 92093-3749 (seal)
Notice 2 bearings at the front of the impeller shaft.
There are 2 main improvements on 2012 15F jetpump bearing setup as following:
> 2 Front Bearings, doubling the load capacity of the previous single bearing setup resulting in longer lasting jetpump bearing life and less frequent maintenance. Also, there would be less vibration from the jet pump area since the impeller shaft is held tighter by the 2 front bearings (less radial movement).
> Rear bearing is in the rear cone instead of the pump itself. This relocation has two benefits.
1. Easy to check bearing condition and possible water intrusion just by removing the 3 screws from the rear of the ski.
2. Since the distance between the front bearing and rear bearing is longer, the impeller shaft is held more stable resulting in longer life for the oil seals which job is to prevent water intrusion into the bearing area. This was implemented in 2011 model year (but 1 front bearing).
What are the consequential damage(s) when jet pump bearing fails?
> Impeller damage
> Pump housing damage
> Complete engine damage if you continue to ride with failed jet pump bearing (because ski will continue to run..). because the front pump bearing receives the complet axial thrust force (1550+ lbs) exerted by the impeller. If the bearing fails (disintegrates), the impeller/shaft would be pushing forwad on the drive shaft which in turn purshes on the crank PTO end. Crankshaft can't take such axial force and the crankshaft web would be grinding against the crankcase at the journal, shaving the metal away.
What parts do you need in order to upgrade to 2012 setup?
It depends what model year 15F/12F you have since there are several varieties.
However, no matter what year you may have, you will need following parts:
1. Jet Pump Housing P/N 59496-0074 (completely new part for 2012)
2. Impeller Shaft P/N 13107-0739 (completely new part for 2012)
3. Front Bearings P/N 92045-3744 x 2 (same as before, just need 1 more but replace your existing one anyway since it will be taken out)
4. Rear Bearing P/N 92045-0112 (same as before on 2003-2006)
5. Seals P/N 92049-3739 x 3 (same as before, but will be destroyed when taken out from your old pump)
The new pump housing costs about $300. So, this upgrade is a good idea especially if your current pump is damaged by rock or worn out needing a replacement. If you just did your pump bearing job, wait till your next maintenance...
There are some miscellaneous small rubber parts that can get easily damaged/deformed/lost. It would be wise to order and have them ready just in case since they are inexpensive. And they are:
P/N 92055-025 O-ring (small)
P/N 92055-3744 O-ring (med)
P/N 92055-3741 O-ring (large)
P/N 92093-3749 (seal)
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