Impellers & Components

About Impellers & Components

The impeller is the spinning part inside the jet pump that pushes the water, and it is the part most affected by the sand, rocks and weeds a jet ski picks up. A bent or nicked impeller makes the engine rev without a matching gain in speed. This category lists impellers and the parts around them: wear rings, drive shafts, intake grates, water pump repair kits and impeller tools.

An impeller must match the pump it goes in. It is listed by make, model and year, and by its size and pitch figures, such as 15/20 or 12/17; pitch trades acceleration against top speed, so replace like for like unless you have a reason to change. Impellers are made in different metals and designs, including twin-fly styles, so read the listing details. When you replace one, check the wear ring and intake grate too, since a worn ring or a damaged grate cuts pump performance as well. Some jobs need an impeller tool.

Brands here include Vertex, Solas, WSM, Worx and Riva. This is a part of Engines, Impellers & Component. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page, and for fit checks see why parts do not fit.

FAQs on jet ski impellers

How do I know if my jet ski impeller is damaged?

Signs include a high engine speed with little forward speed, a loss of acceleration and vibration. Switch the engine off and inspect the blades through the intake for bends, nicks and chips. Clear any debris from the grate first, as a blockage can cause the same symptoms.

What does impeller pitch mean?

Pitch is the angle of the blades. A higher pitch moves more water per turn and can favor top speed, while a lower pitch usually favors acceleration. The right pitch depends on the machine and engine setup, so follow the maker's figure for your model.

What is a wear ring and when does it need attention?

The wear ring is the liner the impeller spins inside. Sand and debris wear it, and a larger gap lets water slip past the blades and costs performance. Check the clearance against your service manual whenever you replace the impeller.

Is a stainless steel impeller better than aluminum?

Stainless steel is harder and resists bending and nicks from debris better, while aluminum is softer. Neither is right for every machine, so check what your model is designed for and choose a listing that names your model.