
WILLIAMS 460 SportJet
(Rotax ACE 1630 Engine)
Technical guide, maintenance, and spare parts
The current Williams SportJet 460 is a jet-propelled sports tender equipped with the BRP Rotax ACE 1630 170 HP engine. This 1,630 cc four-stroke, three-cylinder engine is naturally aspirated, non-supercharged. With a length of 4.59 meters, a capacity of 6 people, and a 100-liter fuel tank, it combines cruising comfort, performance, and water sports capability. This configuration is designed for yachts of 25 meters and above. The reported top speed reaches 77 km/h (48 mph).
At Rotax Tender Parts, we offer maintenance and replacement parts for the SportJet 460 and Rotax engines: filters, spark plugs, sensors, relays, fuel system components, gaskets, and propulsion unit parts. Since this version of the 460 is not supercharged, it does not feature a supercharger.
Find parts for your WILLIAMS SportJet 460 – Rotax 1630
- Engine parts
- Fuel system
- Ignition
- Sensors
- Electrical parts
- Cooling
- Oil and filters
- Gaskets and seals
- Jet pump parts
- Other
Technical specifications of the Williams SportJet 460 – Rotax ACE 1630
- Length overall: 4.59 m.
- Beam: 2.01 m.
- Dry weight: 625 kg.
- Overall height: 1.42 m.
- Height with folded windshield: 1.13 m.
- Engine: BRP Rotax ACE 1630, three-cylinder, four-stroke.
- Displacement: 1,630 cc.
- Induction: Naturally aspirated, non-supercharged.
- Power: 170 HP.
- Propulsion: Jet drive.
- Capacity: 6 people.
- Fuel tank: 100 liters.
- Top speed: up to 77 km/h (48 mph).
- Recommended yacht size: 25 m and up.
- CE category: C.
- iDF (Intelligent Debris Free): System allowing the pilot to remotely clear debris from the propulsion unit intake.
Specifications may vary depending on the year of manufacture and equipment. To identify engine parts, check the serial number of your Rotax ACE 1630 and the 170 HP naturally aspirated configuration.
Maintenance schedule – Williams SportJet 460 / Rotax 1630
An initial "post-break-in" service must be performed between 10 and 25 hours: oil change and oil filter replacement, inspection of hoses, clamps, and general inspection.
Following this, the Williams maintenance program is mainly based on three intervals: 50 hours or 1 year, 100 hours or 1 year, and 200 hours or 2 years. For tasks directly related to the Rotax 1630 engine, please also refer to the corresponding engine manual. A dash indicates that no operation is listed in that specific table cell, not that maintenance is generally waived.
| Item | 50 hrs / 1 yr | 100 hrs / 1 yr | 200 hrs / 2 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | Replace | Replace | — |
| Engine rubber mounts | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Engine corrosion protection | Regular lubrication* | Regular lubrication* | — |
| PTO sleeve / seal | — | — | Replace** |
| Exhaust system | Inspect | Inspect / clean | — |
| Exhaust flushing | Regular cleaning*** | Regular cleaning*** | — |
| Cooling hoses and clamps | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Coolant | Inspect | Inspect | Replace |
| Throttle body | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Fuel system and lines | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Engine fault codes | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Air filter | Inspect / replace if necessary | — | — |
| Spark plugs | Inspect | Inspect | Replace |
| Ignition coils | Inspect | Inspect | Inspect |
| Electrical connections | Inspect | Inspect | Inspect |
| Engine stop switch | Inspect | Inspect | Inspect |
| Steering cable and connection | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Steering nozzle bushings | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Carbon ring / driveshaft bellows | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Propulsion control and cables | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Reverse bucket | Lubricate | Lubricate | — |
| Jet pump shaft / splines and PTO | Inspect / lubricate | — | — |
| Driveshaft seal, sleeve, and O-ring | Inspect | — | Replace |
| Impeller and wear ring clearance | Inspect | Inspect | — |
| Sacrificial anode | Regular check**** | Regular check**** | Regular check**** |
| Intake grate / plate | Inspect | — | — |
* In saltwater use, apply corrosion protection to metal components in the engine compartment every 10 hours of use.
** The PTO sleeve and seal must be replaced at 200 hours, regardless of age.
*** The exhaust system must be flushed daily after use in saltwater or polluted water.
**** The sacrificial anode must be checked monthly, and every two weeks in saltwater. It must be replaced when necessary.
Routine maintenance recommended by Williams
In addition to the periodic table, Williams recommends:
- regularly washing the tender with fresh water to remove salt deposits;
- checking the engine oil level;
- checking the coolant level;
- flushing the open-loop cooling system;
- greasing the control cables at the console and propulsion unit ends;
- checking for the presence of water, oil, or fuel in the bilge;
- regularly checking the condition of the anodes;
- regularly checking the tube pressure.
After use in saltwater
After sea use, flushing is particularly important. You should:
- rinse the tender with fresh water;
- perform the engine flushing procedure;
- flush the jet pump and propulsion area;
- check the intake grate;
- check the condition of the anodes;
- inspect the engine compartment;
- monitor electrical connections and any signs of corrosion.
Intensive use or use in tropical environments may require more frequent maintenance intervals. Follow your manual's procedure; also check our engine flushing guide for additional info.
Common parts for the WILLIAMS SportJet 460 – Rotax 1630
OEM part numbers identify the replaced parts; they do not automatically denote genuine parts.
Verify each part number against the engine catalog for your 1630 naturally aspirated engine, especially for gaskets, valves, stators, and internal components. Do not substitute a 1503 part for a 1630 part based solely on the tender model name. iNR components only apply to tenders equipped with that option; the engine overhaul parts in the second table require specific validation for the installed engine configuration.
| 1503 4-TEC head gasket | 420641110 / 420950770 | Engine block sealing. |
| Cylinder head cover gasket | 290950820 / 420950820 | Cylinder head cover sealing. |
| 4-TEC timing chain | 420898042 | Timing synchronization. |
| 1503 oil pump bellows | 420832648 | Shaft output (transmission) sealing. |
| 1503 connecting rod bearing kit | Not specified | Bottom end rebuild. |
| 1503 intake / exhaust valve | 420254682 ; 420254293 / 420254298 | Targeted replacement; compare intake or exhaust, dimensions, grooves, and cotters. |
| 1503 valve stem seals | 420630200 / 420630202 | Sealing around valves; pack of 6 or 12 depending on variant. |
| 1503 4-TEC magneto stator | 420889721 / 420889720 / 290889720 | Power generation. |
| 1503 complete engine gasket kit | Not specified | Gasket set for engine rebuild. |
| 4-TEC forged connecting rod | 420917516 | Piston force transmission. |
| Connecting rod and crankshaft bearings | 420933456 / 420933466 / 420933523 | Bottom end rebuild. |
| Intake air temperature sensor | 420222427 / 420222423 | Air temperature measurement. |
Common problems with the WILLIAMS SportJet 460 – Rotax 1630
The following symptoms can have multiple causes. These leads are intended to guide checks and do not replace professional diagnostics or automatically justify replacing a part. Work on fuel, electrical, and moving parts must comply with the manual and be entrusted to a professional when necessary. (FMT)
- Engine does not start: Issues could involve the battery, voltage during cranking, battery isolator switch, safety lanyard, fuses, relays, fuel supply, spark plugs, ignition coils, injectors, or sensors.
- Engine misfires: Systematically check ignition, fuel supply, sensors, wiring, and compression before replacing any parts.
- Lack of power: Could be caused by injection, ignition, air intake, cooling, electronic limitation, or the propulsion unit. This 170 HP version is naturally aspirated and does not feature a supercharger. A clogged water intake, damaged impeller, or excessive clearance can also reduce thrust.
- Fault code displayed: The code identifies a detected anomaly, but it does not in itself prove that a part needs to be replaced.
To guide your inspections, consult our list of Williams and Rotax fault codes and our Rotax fault code guide. Stop the engine and prevent any restarting before inspecting the water intake or the propulsion unit.
How to identify the right part for your SportJet 460?
Send us a clear photo, the visible OEM part number, model, year, HIN, and engine serial number. Please specify the naturally aspirated 170 HP Rotax ACE 1630 engine and the presence of the iNR option for relevant components. Do not rely solely on the SportJet 460 designation.
Identify my part from a photo.
WILLIAMS SportJet 460 Rotax 1630: Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
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Which engine powers the Williams SportJet 460?
The SportJet 460 of this generation is equipped with a BRP Rotax ACE 1630, a 1,630 cc three-cylinder four-stroke engine, naturally aspirated, developing 170 HP.
-
Does the SportJet 460 use the same Rotax 1630 as other Williams boats?
The Rotax 1630 has been used in various configurations and power outputs across multiple Williams Jet Tenders. Power differences between vessels result from ECU/ECM programming, the addition of a supercharger, and/or different propulsion units.
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What is the top speed of the Williams SportJet 460?
Williams advertises approximately 77 km/h (48 mph). Actual speed may vary depending on load, hull condition, navigational conditions, and the state of the propulsion system.
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What is the weight of the SportJet 460?
Williams states a dry weight of 625 kg.
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How many people can the SportJet 460 carry?
The SportJet 460 is designed for 6 people.
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What is the fuel tank capacity?
The SportJet 460 has a tank of approximately 100 liters.
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Which fuel should I use?
The SportJet 460 runs on 98 octane unleaded or 95 / 95-E10 unleaded gasoline.
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Why won't my Williams SportJet 460 start?
The first elements to check include:
- battery and voltage during cranking;
- battery isolator switch;
- safety lanyard;
- fuses and relays;
- fuel pump;
- fuel pressure;
- spark plugs;
- ignition coils;
- injectors;
- engine sensors;
- fault codes recorded by the ECU.
Electronic diagnostics can prevent the unnecessary replacement of multiple components. (FMT)
-
Why does my WILLIAMS 460 start but lack power?
Power loss can be related to the engine or propulsion. Key areas to check are:
- spark plugs or coils;
- fuel supply;
- injectors;
- engine sensors;
- cooling issues;
- electronic limitation due to a fault;
- clogged water intake;
- damaged turbine;
- excessive clearance in the propulsion system.
It is important to inspect the propulsion unit before concluding there is an engine problem. Stop the engine and prevent any restarting before performing this inspection.
-
Why is my SportJet 460 overheating?
Overheating can be caused by:
- obstruction in the water circuit;
- clogged water intake;
- improper flushing;
- damaged or blocked hose;
- cooling system issues;
- faulty temperature sensor.
If a temperature alarm appears, avoid using the engine until the cause has been identified. Consult our article on engine overheating.
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Should I flush the SportJet 460 after every sea outing?
Yes. Freshwater flushing is especially important after use in saltwater. Williams particularly recommends flushing the open cooling circuit and regular cleaning of the tender to remove salt deposits. Follow the procedure in the applicable manual; our engine flushing guide complements it without replacing it.
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What is the carbon seal on the SportJet 460?
The carbon seal (or carbon ring) is part of the drive shaft sealing system. Its condition and that of the rubber bellows must be monitored. Williams requires a check by a professional every 100 hours or before the season. A fault in this system can cause water to enter the engine compartment.
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Why is there water in the bilge of my SportJet 460?
A small amount of water can have different origins, but abnormal accumulation must be investigated. In particular, you should check:
- the drive shaft sealing system (carbon ring, bellows...);
- the seawater/coolant heat exchanger (ride plate);
- the hoses;
- the fittings;
- the exhaust system;
- the bilge pump;
- a hole or crack in the hull.
The presence of water should be diagnosed quickly if it reappears after each use.
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Why does my SportJet 460 cavitate upon acceleration?
A sensation of cavitation or loss of thrust during acceleration can be linked to:
- debris in the intake grate;
- damaged propeller;
- damaged propulsion unit;
- incorrect clearance between the turbine and its housing;
- deterioration of propulsion unit components (see our article on wear rings);
- air ingress or water flow disruption.
The propulsion system must be inspected before investigating engine failure. Stop the engine and prevent any restarting before inspecting the grate and the turbine housing.
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Which oil should be used in the Rotax 1630 of the SportJet 460?
As with most Rotax engines, use an oil that meets the specifications recommended by BRP for this engine: XPS 4T 5W-40 .
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Which spark plugs should be used on the SportJet 460?
The recommended spark plugs are NGK DCPR8E. Our adaptable spark plugs DCPR8E compatible spark plug are perfectly suited for the Williams 460 Sport with a 1503 or 1630 engine.
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How do I identify the correct fuel pump, relay, or sensor?
Do not rely solely on the "SportJet 460" name. To correctly identify a part, use the following if possible:
- the tender's year;
- the HIN number;
- the engine serial number;
- the part number inscribed on the original part;
- a photo of the part.
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Where can I find parts for a Williams SportJet 460 Rotax 1630?
Rotax Tender Parts offers engine parts and components for Rotax 1630 engines, notably used on Williams Jet Tenders. Find our selection in the tables within this article and consult our Rotax parts catalog. .
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