Jacuzzi 12wj to Berkely 12jc or jg swap

[Jpowell9696]

Hi I’m building a 1977 Tahiti super cruiser and it has a 460 mild built ford married to a jacuzzi 12wj with possibly a B or A impeller and I found a clean Berkely 12jc/g (haven’t purchased yet) The dude wants 480$ for the whole pump and suction housing not bad I think but I was wondering how much work and what’s the process consist of roughly I’m not new to building with my hands just first pump swap I’ve tried to tackle thank you in advance- Johnny

 

[n2otoofast4u]

The WJ isn't a bad pump, and that Berkely isn't a hotrod pump. You'll see little to no difference between those two, and your're going to have an assload of time invested to graft that JC. Refresh the WJ (its super easy) and run it. @jetboatperformance

 

[Jpowell9696]

The WJ isn't a bad pump, and that Berkely isn't a hotrod pump. You'll see little to no difference between those two, and your're going to have an assload of time invested to graft that JC. Refresh the WJ (its super easy) and run it. @jetboatperformance

I think the pumps making loud raffling noise so idk if it’s good the boats been in the family since new and it sat for 12 plus years and it’s finally in the water this last weekend but the pumps making a rancid noise like a clatter the u joints have a little play but idk if it’s the culprit

 

[Jpowell9696]

I’ve heard the wj is expensive to work on and has little after market products out their but thank you for the info I’ve heard the jacuzzi wj can handle up to 100mph built right

 

[mash on it]

WJ bearings and seals are easy to get.
The wear ring, some type of plastic, is easy to replace.
The bearing can be shimmed to tighten up the pump, unlike a berk.
The impeller, if not thrashed, can be cleaned up.
I believe JBP has new ones.
The shaft is "the good one" (the better stainless) which is an upgrade in a berk.
An 'A' Jacuzzi is roughly the same cut as a "2A" berk.
"B" Jacuzzi = "A" berk,
at least from the impeller charts.
For a mild boat, 500 hp or less, WJ's are fine.
Place diverter makes one for the WJ.
Loaders can be built if needed.
A shoe and ride plate is a custom deal as well.
Stainless PJX impellers are out there, but are like hens teeth.
Jack McClure had the first jet over 100 mph, 1970.
"Hurry 'round Hondo" had a WJ. Competed with the 'K' boats, (unlimited blown flat bottoms) back in the day, and was winning.
(Things 'K' boat guys won't talk about)

Dan'l

 

[Jpowell9696]

WJ bearings and seals are easy to get.
The wear ring, some type of plastic, is easy to replace.
The bearing can be shimmed to tighten up the pump, unlike a berk.
The impeller, if not thrashed, can be cleaned up.
I believe JBP has new ones.
The shaft is "the good one" (the better stainless) which is an upgrade in a berk.
An 'A' Jacuzzi is roughly the same cut as a "2A" berk.
"B" Jacuzzi = "A" berk,
at least from the impeller charts.
For a mild boat, 500 hp or less, WJ's are fine.
Place diverter makes one for the WJ.
Loaders can be built if needed.
A shoe and ride plate is a custom deal as well.
Stainless PJX impellers are out there, but are like hens teeth.
Jack McClure had the first jet over 100 mph, 1970.
"Hurry 'round Hondo" had a WJ. Competed with the 'K' boats, (unlimited blown flat bottoms) back in the day, and was winning.
(Things 'K' boat guys won't talk about)

Dan'l

Thank you so much Imma check inside the inspection hole to see how much play the impeller has tonight and thank you I think I might do what your saying and fix it and see what I can get outta the wj and yeah I think it’s a Teflon bushing if I’m not mistaken?

 

[mash on it]

From my service manual for Jacuzzi jet model 12WJ. Typewritten in January of 1976.

Bowl bearing diameter should not exceed 1.385"

It doesn't say what material it's made of.
Looks like bronze or possibly brass.

Dan'l

 

[Jpowell9696]

View attachment 912265

From my service manual for Jacuzzi jet model 12WJ. Typewritten in January of 1976.

Bowl bearing diameter should not exceed 1.385"

It doesn't say what material it's made of.
Looks like bronze or possibly brass.

Dan'l

Thank you gonna have to check the pump out this evening thank your for the picture that’ll make it so much easier to know what to look for will inspecting it

 

[mash on it]

I found more...

Using 1” deep socket, remove bowl bearing.

!!! Bowl bearing is installed with left hand threads !!!

Dan'l

 

[Jpowell9696]

View attachment 912265

From my service manual for Jacuzzi jet model 12WJ. Typewritten in January of 1976.

Bowl bearing diameter should not exceed 1.385"

It doesn't say what material it's made of.
Looks like bronze or possibly brass.

Dan'l

Thank you gonna have to check the pump out this evening thank your for the picture that’ll make it so much easier to know what to look for will inspect in

I found more...

Using 1” deep socket, remove bowl bearing.

!!! Bowl bearing is installed with left hand threads !!!

View attachment 912274

Dan'l

so I checked the pump and also called my local boat shop (Sundance marine) and they said to check my throw out bearing bolts and which they were a lil lose but I took the inspection/clean out cap off and the pump actually feels really good no back and forth play at all and a little if you grab the shaft and turn it but it looks like the u joints are starting to be the culprit but the impeller looks like it could use a dial up with a file. dull blades and sand blast marks but so far so good thank you all for the info I’m only 19 so I’m still getting the hang of the jet boat life (and the boat life in general lol) the Tahiti’s my dads, my personal boats a 80’s vdrive with a built 350

 

[Jpowell9696]

This is the v drive I’m hopefully gonna start building the seats in after I get my dads tahiti going good

 

[farmo83]

I would hit up JetBoatPerformance.