Volvo Penta PJX jet drive

[PEIBob]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and my son bought a Larson flyer last week with a 4.3 Volvo Penta PJX jet drive. I was wondering if anybody has experience with this type of boat and if anyone would have info on jet drive removal and rebuild. My son is 18 and bought the boat with his own money. It's in great condition for the year, I want to make sure all is good before we head out on the water. I'm an experienced mechanic and boat owner but have never owned a jet drive.

Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Bob

 

[kenny nunez]

The pump is basically a Berkeley . Parts are easy to locate, I just googled PJX pumps and there is a full pars catalog. The pumps are trouble free as long as the main input bearing never gets water in it. There is an adjustable packing gland that has to have a very slight drip to keep the packing cool. Be careful in shallow water not to injest small rocks or sand as that will wear out the wear ring and impeller. Be very careful not to suck ski rope in the pump, be sure to keep a sharp knife on board in case that happens. That is what the inspection cover is for. You will know when something is caught in the pump as the pump will just cavitate and the boat will hardly move.
good luck

 

[PEIBob]

It's near identical to a legend J120E pump. I'm going to try my local Volvo Penta dealer tomorrow. I'm wondering if anyone has found aftermarket maintenance/rebuild kits.

 

[kenny nunez]

If you get parts from Volvo $$$$$$$$$

 

[PEIBob]

The Volvo dealer is what I'm trying to avoid!

 

[ESGWheel]

Fun little boat! Some other things for your son to consider if I may.

Do not use Automotive replacement parts on the engine. It will be the less expensive way to go but for things like starters, alternators and other electrical they will not be SAE J1171 compliant. In fact, this may be a good topic for him to read up on and help indoc him into the world of boating and DIY repairs.

Aftermarket parts (AM) like Sierra are a good brand.

I have listed my 3 Go To places for VP OEM parts that have the best discounts I have found. And they are OEM parts not a pirated item pretending to be OEM. And below that is a great site for diagrams and part nos. as well as parts.

When Laron went out of biz some years ago, their inventory of Larson spare parts was bought by 2 companies, one of which was Doug Russel Marine. The story they told me was there was about $5m of parts and they and the other guy (forgot who) split it. So, if you need something Larson specific check with them.

And perhaps already done but strongly urge him taking the Coast Guard Aux boating safety course and having all the right safety equipment on board.

Have fun!

Doug Russel Marine link
Leaders RPM link
Cecil Marine link
Marine Parts Express link