Owning a jet ski entails understanding the sheer enjoyment of riding it on the water. But you also know your jet ski needs regular maintenance to run smoothly and safely. One of the most important tasks you need to do is change the oil in your jet ski engine.
The lubrication of the engine’s moving parts and the prevention of overheating are critical functions oil performs. Without oil, your engine can suffer from wear and tear, reduced performance, and severe damage. That’s why you should change the oil in your jet ski at least once a year or more if you use it frequently.
But how do you change the oil on a jet ski? Is it hard to do? Do you need any special tools or skills? How much oil do you need? How often should you change it? What kind of oil should you use?
I will give you all the answers to your questions and more. I will show you how to change the oil in a jet ski step by step, with clear instructions and pictures. Additionally, I shall impart valuable insights and techniques to expedite and streamline the procedure. By the end of this post, you can change the oil in your jet ski like a pro and save money and time by doing it yourself.
What You Need to Change the Oil in a Jet Ski
Before changing the oil in your jet ski, you must gather some tools and materials. This set of tools is very important in helping determine the best approach to use.
1. Five quarts of the recommended oil for your jet ski model. To obtain information on your vehicle’s optimal oil type and viscosity, peruse the owner’s manual or consult your dealership for guidance. You can also check out this guide on the best jet ski oils on the market.
2. A new oil filter for your jet ski model. You should always replace the oil filter when you change the oil, as it can get clogged with dirt and debris over time. You can find the right oil filter for your jet ski in your owner’s manual or ask your dealer for advice. You can also check out this guide on the market’s best jet ski oil filters.
3. A suction pump to extract the old oil from the engine. Utilizing a manual or electric pump equipped with a lengthy and pliable hose capable of descending to the depths of the oil pan is an option. You can buy a suction pump online or at your local auto parts store. You can also check out this guide on the market’s best jet ski oil change pumps.
4. A jug or oil reservoir to collect the old oil. It would be best to have a container with at least 5 quarts of oil and a tight lid to prevent spills. You can use an old oil jug or buy a new one online or at your local auto parts store. You can also check out this guide on the market’s best jet ski oil change containers.
5. An oil filter wrench to remove and install the oil filter. It would be best to have a twist that fits the size and shape of your oil filter and has an excellent grip to avoid slipping. You can buy an oil filter wrench online or at your local auto parts store. You can also check out this guide on the market’s best jet ski oil filter wrenches.
6. A funnel for transferring fresh oil into the motor. It would be best to have a horn with a wide mouth and a long neck that fits the oil-filled hole of your jet ski. You can buy a funnel online or at your local auto parts store. You can also check out this guide on the market’s best jet ski oil change funnels.
7. A very clean rag to wipe off any oil spills or drips. It would be best to have a clean and absorbent rag to dispose of after use. You can use an old item of clothing or buy a new one online or at your local auto parts store. You can also check out this guide on the best jet ski oil change rags on the market.
8. A pair of gloves to protect your hands from oil and dirt. It would be best to have comfortable and durable gloves that can be washed or thrown away after use. You can use any gloves at home or buy a new pair online or at your local auto parts store. You can also check out this guide on the market’s best jet ski oil change gloves.
How to Change the Oil in a Jet Ski Step-by-Step
Now that you have everything you need, you are ready to change the oil in your jet ski. The steps you must follow are the practical ones you must have followed to change the oil of your other automobile.
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
The first step to changing your jet ski oil is to warm up the engine. This will make the oil thinner and more accessible to drain and help Gently dislodge any accumulated dirt or debris that might impede the smooth operation of the apparatus.
To warm up the engine, attach a garden hose to the flush port of your jet ski and run the engine for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to start the engine before turning on the water, and turn off the water before stopping the engine. You can also take your jet ski for a short ride on the water if you can access a nearby lake or river.
After warming up the engine, you must wait 5 minutes to let the oil settle in the pan. This will ensure you can extract as much oil as possible from the engine.
Step 2: Remove the Engine Oil
The next step to change the oil in your jet ski is to remove the old oil from the engine. Using the suction pump and the jug or oil reservoir would be best.
First, you need to move the hull of your jet ski until it is level. This will prevent the oil from spilling or pooling on one side of the engine. You can use a jack or a stand to lift and support the hull or place it on a flat surface.
Next, you must remove the seat, the oil fill cap, and the dipstick from your jet ski. Depending on your jet ski model, With the simple act of pulling a latch or lever, the heart can be extracted. The oil fill cap, and the dipstick are usually located on the top or the side of the engine and can be unscrewed by hand.
Then, you need to insert the hose of the suction pump into the dipstick tube and push it until it reaches the bottom of the oil pan. You can use a flashlight to see the hose inside the box and ensure it is not kinked or twisted.
Finally, you need to turn on the suction pump and extract the old oil from the engine. You can see the oil flowing through the hose and into the jug or oil reservoir. Keep pumping until no more oil comes from the engine. Depending on your jet ski model, you can expect to remove around 4-5 quarts of oil.
Step 3: Carefully Locate the Oil Drain Plug and the Oil Filter Cap
The next step is to locate the oil drain plug and the oil filter cap on your jet ski engine. A bolt known as the oil drain plug effectively seals the oil pan, the container that holds the oil in your machine. The oil filter cap is a cover that protects the oil filter, a device that filters the fat and removes any dirt and debris from it.
The placement of the oil drain plug and oil filter cap is contingent upon the particular model and engine type present in your jet ski, but they are usually found on the bottom or the side of the engine. You can refer to your owner’s manual or look online for the exact location of these parts on your jet ski.
To identify the locations of the oil drain plug and oil filter cap, one must thoroughly search following these steps as I have bullet pointed them below.
- Lift the seat of your jet ski and remove any panels or covers that may obstruct your access to the engine.
- Use a flashlight or a lamp to inspect the machine and find the oil drain plug and filter cap. They should be marked with symbols or labels that indicate their function.
- If you see them, locate them with a dipstick or an oil level indicator. The dipstick is a metal rod that measures the oil level in your engine, and the oil level indicator is a digital display that shows the oil level on your dashboard. The dipstick and oil indicator are connected to the oil pan and filter cap by tubes or wire. You can follow these tubes or wires to find the oil drain plug and filter cap.
Step 4: Drain the Old Oil
The third step is to drain the old oil from your jet ski engine. To do this, you must use the suction pump to extract the oil from the oil pan through the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube is a small opening on the oil pan that allows you to insert the dipstick or the suction pump hose. The suction pump will create a vacuum and suck the oil out of the engine and into the oil reservoir.
To make make sure that you drained the oil, I have listed the steps you must follow for you to be able to do that.
- Place the oil reservoir under the jet ski or on a stable surface nearby.
- Remove the dipstick from the dipstick tube and thoroughly clean and wipe it using a rag or a paper towel until it is spotless.
- Insert the suction pump hose into the dipstick tube as far as possible.
- Please turn on the suction pump and let it run until all the oil is drained from the engine. To determine when the oil requires replenishment, utilize the dipstick or oil level indicator to inspect the current oil level.
- Turn off the suction pump and remove the hose from the dipstick tube.
- Replace the dipstick into the dipstick tube and secure it.
Step 5: Replace the Oil Filter
The third step to changing the oil in your jet ski is to replace the oil filter. The oil filter is a cylindrical device that filters out any dirt or debris in the oil, preventing them from entering the engine. The oil filter is usually located on the machine’s side or bottom and can be removed and installed with the oil filter wrench.
To replace the oil filter, you need to follow certain steps to avoid mistakes; these steps below are all you need to do that.
- Locate the oil filter on your jet ski engine and place a rag under it to catch any oil drips.
- Utilize the oil filter wrench to loosen and extract the antiquated oil filter. You may need to apply some force to break the seal, but be careful not to damage the filter or the engine.
- Dispose of the old.
Step 5: Refill the New Oil
The fifth and final step is to refill the new oil into your jet ski engine. The new oil will lubricate the moving parts of your machine and prevent overheating. As we explained earlier, you need to use the right amount and type of oil for your jet ski model and engine type.
To refill the new oil, you must remember that doing it incorrectly will cause problems, so you should follow these steps, as I have listed below.
- Locate the oil filler cap on your jet ski engine and remove any panels or covers that may obstruct access.
- Use a wrench or a socket to loosen and remove the oil filler cap. Exercise caution to avoid harming the cap or the o-ring that secures it.
- Slowly and carefully, to efficiently pour the fresh oil into the oil filler hole, it is advisable to use a funnel. You can use the dipstick or the oil level indicator to check the oil level as you run. Refrain from filling or underfilling the oil, as this can cause problems for your engine. It is recommended that the oil level on the dipstick or oil level indicator be within the range of the minimum and maximum marks.
- Use a rag or a paper towel to remove excess oil from the oil filler hole and the cap.
- Use a wrench or a socket to tighten the oil filler cap. Do not over-tighten the lid, which can damage the cap or the o-ring.
- Replace any panels or covers that you removed earlier.
Conclusion
You have just completed changing the oil on your jet ski. You have drained the old oil, replaced the oil filter, and refilled the new oil. You have also used the proper tools and materials and followed the best practices and tips for changing the oil on your jet ski.
By doing so, you have improved the performance and efficiency of your engine, extended the lifespan and durability of your machine, reduced the risk of engine damage and breakdown, prevented corrosion and rust, kept your engine clean and free of dirt and debris, saved money on repairs and replacements, and protected the environment by reducing emissions and oil leaks.
You should be proud of yourself for accomplishing this task and enjoy the benefits of changing the oil on your jet ski. You can now ride your jet ski with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your engine is in good shape and well-maintained.
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