Sparks start in what they call "neutral". You must understand that when you start a spark in "neutral" the pump is still engaged to the engine and is pumping water out the back of the ski but that water thrust that would start moving you forward is redirected downward by the IBR plate(located behind the pump nozzle). This downward thrust will stir up debris(sand, rock, etc.) and suck it into the pump intake with the usually instantaneous destruction of the factory plastic wear ring.
So, if you have IBR, Seadoo's recommendation of starting in at least 3' of water is critically important!! Also, using the brake in shallow water is even move prone to stir up debris into your pump intake with the same results.
I'll bet wear ring issues are far more prominent with IBR equipped Sparks as opposed to those that do not have IBR......?
Lake guys should have no issues if you push off into deep water before starting but river guys will have an more of an issue with this.
As an example, I live on a river with a high current so it's wise to start a boat or ski to test it before pushing out into deeper water in case it does not start, in which case you would be swept down river quite a way before you could get back to shore in the event of a no start.
I have two possible routes to take at this point:
1) Figure out how to get the IBR to start in forward(which I don't think is
possible), or
2) Remove the IBR setup completely and sell it.
IBR was a $700 option and I love the braking action but can not have it starting in neutral due to potential pump damage. I've had no problems over the past 30 years with starting skis in reasonably shallow water at idle, just to check they start and never failed a wear ring due to this procedure.
I have stainless wear rings on order which should help a bit but it looks like if there is no way to start in forward, I'll have two complete, band new IBR takeoffs to sell.
So, if you have IBR, Seadoo's recommendation of starting in at least 3' of water is critically important!! Also, using the brake in shallow water is even move prone to stir up debris into your pump intake with the same results.
I'll bet wear ring issues are far more prominent with IBR equipped Sparks as opposed to those that do not have IBR......?
Lake guys should have no issues if you push off into deep water before starting but river guys will have an more of an issue with this.
As an example, I live on a river with a high current so it's wise to start a boat or ski to test it before pushing out into deeper water in case it does not start, in which case you would be swept down river quite a way before you could get back to shore in the event of a no start.
I have two possible routes to take at this point:
1) Figure out how to get the IBR to start in forward(which I don't think is
possible), or
2) Remove the IBR setup completely and sell it.
IBR was a $700 option and I love the braking action but can not have it starting in neutral due to potential pump damage. I've had no problems over the past 30 years with starting skis in reasonably shallow water at idle, just to check they start and never failed a wear ring due to this procedure.
I have stainless wear rings on order which should help a bit but it looks like if there is no way to start in forward, I'll have two complete, band new IBR takeoffs to sell.