4 Essential Tasks for Jet Ski Maintenance in Summer

Change the 2 stroke boat oil for Jet Ski

To find out how often you should change the oil in a jet ski, read the manufacturer’s manual. The manual provides precise information about your exact model. Most manufacturers typically recommend changing the oil after one year. But it is better to use the hours of usage as a measurement and service the lubricating system after every 50 engine hours because the oil in a jet ski can become contaminated with moisture and carbon during operation, reducing its effectiveness. Accordingly, the oil in a jet ski will need to be changed more frequently if it is used recurrently.

It is important to know that not all jet skis need oil changes. 4-stroke engine jet skis, in particular, have a separate oil system that necessitates regular oil changes. 2-stroke engine jet skis, on the other hand, use a mixture of oil and 2-stroke boat motor oil and thus do not require the same type of oil changes.

The oil you use for your jet ski should be specially formulated for outboard and jet skis, not regular automotive oil. Driving the jet ski in the sea means exposure to more humidity and salt. Therefore, the motor oil must contain unique additives that provide additional care for engine components.

It is usually advised to use 10W-30 2 stroke marine engine oil, as this oil provides exceptional protection to the engine and withstands summer’s high temperatures.

As for two-stroke ones, make sure you choose 2 cycle engine oil because this lubricant oil is designed to be mixed with oil and burned with it while protecting and lubricating the engine.

Replace Spark Plugs for Jet ski

Replacing the spark plug is a small investment with a huge outcome for your jet ski. It does not usually cost more than 2 – 3 dollars to replace, but the increase in performance that occurs then is totally worth it.

It is recommended to change the spark once every year. It is easy to replace by yourself if have the needed tools, but if you do not, just take it to the mechanic and get it replaced in a few minutes.

Change the Battery

While the lifespan of jet ski batteries is commonly stated to be 3 to 5 years, it is only true to batteries that have proper maintenance and care. How often you need to replace the battery is determined by several factors:

• The type of battery
• Operating temperatures
• If it is regularly maintained.

Proper care and maintenance can extend the jet ski battery’s lifespan from 1 -2 years to 3 to 5 years. Proper maintenance includes charging the battery if the jet ski is not regularly used and ensuring the jet ski works at suitable temperatures.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and inspect and test the battery on a regular basis, and never start the engine with an empty battery.

Flush all the fluids

After the end of the riding season, it is imperative to drain and replace all fluids from the engine, including fuel and motor oil. Taking all fluids from the engine is important as it reduces the chances of residue formation. Therefore, the engine will be more protected from corrosion, increasing its lifespan.

The same applies to both 4 stroke and 2 stoke marine engine oil. The only difference is the type of fluids that are used them.