How To: Remove Spark pump to change wear ring and impeller

[Green Hulk]

I just installed the new Skat-Trak stainless steel wear ring in my Spark along with a Skat-Trak 3 blade impeller and figured I would do a nice write up for you guys showing how easily this is done.

I highly recommend upgrading your wear ring to the aftermarket stainless steel wear ring. The stock wear ring is plastic and it wears quickly. As it wears the performance of the ski will diminish.

The stainless steel wear ring is now available for immediate shipping and can be ordered in the forums online store on this page

http://www.4-tecperformance.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=18_214_227

Tools needed:
13mm socket, long extension, ratchet
10mm socket
10mm wrench
5mm allen wrench (if you are changing the impeller)
Spark impeller tool (if you are changing the impeller)
The Spark impeller tool is available here in the forums store

http://www.4-tecperformance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_214_227&products_id=2481

Okay let's get started. Note that my Spark doesn't have IBR which makes pump removal a whole lot easier.




First you will need to pull out the bailer tube. No need to take off the hose clamp. The plastic fitting in the venturi nozzle pulls out



Next use your 10mm socket and 10mm wrench and remove the bolt that holds the steering cable to the steering nozzle.

Next use your 13mm socket and long extension and remove the three bolts holding the pump to the ski.
Pull rearward on pump to remove it



The factory wear ring can be removed by pulling rearward on it. It takes some effort as the rubber seal on the front of the wear ring makes for a tight fit.

Here you see the OEM plastic wear ring along side the Skat-Trak stainless steel wear ring


The seal will need to be transferred from the OEM wear ring onto the Skat-Trak wear ring




The wear ring can now be pushed back into place.

To change the impeller you will need to remove the venturi nozzle from the pump. Use your 13mm socket and extension.


Remove the impeller nose cone. It has reverse threads.



Remove the pump tail cone with the 5mm allen wrench



Insert the impeller tool into the impeller


I then hold the impeller tool in a vice and then use a big crescent wrench to unscrew the impeller from the pump shaft




Once the OEM impeller is removed replace it with the after market impeller. Tighten securely. Reinstall nose cone and pump tail cone.





Reattach the venturi nozzle to the pump and reinstall into the ski. Push bailer tube back into the nozzle and reattach the steering linkage.


Hope you guys found this useful!

Jerry

[wotxxxsd]

Great write up!!!

Now put Hulk Jr on the spark and let him get his worlds fastest title back!!!!!

[Green Hulk]

Great write up!!!

Now put Hulk Jr on the spark and let him get his worlds fastest title back!!!!!

Once we get this impeller dialed in right he will easily take down the record
He ran 55.2 mph at only 7500 RPM yesterday. Previous record is 55.7 mph at 8400 RPM with the stock impeller.

The impeller is going back to Skat for a repitch

[CrazyA]

Where do u want the RPM's with the aftermarket impeller Jerry? Same as stock ?

[CrazyA]

Once we get this impeller dialed in right he will easily take down the record
He ran 55.2 mph at only 7500 RPM yesterday. Previous record is 55.7 mph at 8400 RPM with the stock impeller.

The impeller is going back to Skat for a repitch

Also, if he was able to ride the Spark yesterday, (weather wise) you should be able to ride your '14 FZR and report back. J/K of course !!!

[xdrian]

great info thanks for sharing

[Green Hulk]

Where do u want the RPM's with the aftermarket impeller Jerry? Same as stock ?

I want them at 8300-8400 rpm

[GasResearch-VT.SE]

Twin cam = let it rev.



That hose clamp got me the first time

[steach]

That wear ring is an intricate piece...as compared to all other "rings".

It's nice to see how simply the spark is designed. It seems like the designers had a mechanic in the room?

How would the manual reverse affect the install?

[Green Hulk]

How would the manual reverse affect the install?

It would only add an extra step and that would be to disconnect the reverse cable from the reverse bucket.

[JohnSWE]

What's the status with the Skat-Trak impeller? Any progress? I'm interested to see how it's performing with the 109 HP-setup.

[KeithKman]

No loctite on the impeller threads when installing the new prop?

It might be a smart idea to put some grease on the wear ring seal before reinstalling. It's possible to have the lip not seat right when pushing the pump back on, which would lead to cavitation. The grease acts as a lube to make sure it slides into place perfectly.

[Ramps]

Flush Line?

Hey GreenHulk,

I do not see a flush line but your ski is a 2014? Mine has a flush port on the left looking at the ski from behind. Did you remove it or is that something new on the 2015? TY!!!!!!! Hey nice right up on the impeller once you do it a couple time it's fairly easy and enjoyable!!!!

[RXP-SWE]

Hey GreenHulk,

I do not see a flush line but your ski is a 2014? Mine has a flush port on the left looking at the ski from behind. Did you remove it or is that something new on the 2015? TY!!!!!!! Hey nice right up on the impeller once you do it a couple time it's fairly easy and enjoyable!!!!

Option on 2014, standard on 2015.