How To Flush a Jet Ski With Salt Water

If you own a jet ski, you know how much fun it is to ride it on the open water, especially in the ocean. It is vital to properly maintain your jet ski, especially when it is used in salt water, a fact that you are undoubtedly aware of.

Saltwater can cause corrosion, rust, and damage to the engine and other parts of your jet ski if you do not flush it properly after each use.

Routine maintenance of flushing your jet ski with fresh Water is a fundamental and effortless task that significantly prolongs the life and boosts the performance of your personal watercraft. We will be learning how to flush a jet ski with salt water, step by step, and explain why it is necessary and beneficial.

Why You Need to Flush Your Jet Ski With Salt Water

Saltwater is very corrosive and can harm your jet ski in many ways. Some of the problems that salt water can cause are:

1. Engine damage: The ingress of saltwater into the engine can result in the occurrence of rust, corrosion, and clogging of internal components, which can take place through any of the engine’s cooling, exhaust, or intake systems. This can reduce the power, efficiency, and reliability of your engine and eventually lead to engine failure.

2. Hull damage: The hull of your jet ski is also susceptible to corrosion from saltwater exposure. Saltwater can cause cracks, chips, and peeling of the paint and gel coat and expose the fibreglass or metal to further corrosion. The structure and integrity of your hull may be compromised and make it more prone to leaks and water intrusion.

3. Electrical damage: Salt water can also damage the electrical components of your jet ski, such as the battery, the wiring, the switches, and the sensors. Saltwater can cause short circuits, corrosion, and malfunction of the electrical system and affect the performance and safety of your jet ski.

In order to avoid encountering such difficulties, it is imperative to rinse your jet ski thoroughly with clean Water subsequent to each utilization in salt water.

Flushing your jet ski with fresh Water will remove the salt, sand, dirt, and debris from the engine, the hull, and the electrical system and prevent them from causing damage. By flushing your jet ski with fresh Water, you can maintain its cleanliness and keep it shiny and appealing.

How To Flush a Jet Ski With Salt Water

Flushing your jet ski with fresh Water is not a difficult or time-consuming task. You can do it yourself with some basic tools and equipment. :

Step 1: Prepare Your Jet Ski and Equipment

Sufficient preparation of your jet ski and essential equipment is necessary before proceeding with the task of flushing it with fresh Water.

• A garden hose with a nozzle
• A flush kit or a flush adapter for your jet ski model
• A screwdriver or a wrench to attach the flush kit or adapter
• A bucket or a container to collect the Water
• A towel or a rag to wipe the Water

You also need to make sure that your jet ski is in a suitable location for flushing. You can flush your jet ski either on a trailer, on a stand, or on the Water.

However, you should avoid flushing your jet ski on the sand, as the sand can get into the jet pump and damage it. You should also make sure that your jet ski is level and stable and that the Water can drain easily from the jet ski.

Step 2: Attach the Flush Kit or Adapter

The next step is to attach the flush kit or the flush adapter to your jet ski. The flush kit or the flush adapter is a device that connects the garden hose to the cooling system of your jet ski and allows you to flush the engine with fresh Water.

Both the flush kit and flush adapter are versatile attachments, as they can be used either temporarily or permanently, depending on your jet ski model. You can find the flush kit or the flush adapter in the rear or the front of your jet ski, near the jet pump or the engine compartment.

You can also check the manual belonging to the owner provides precise guidance on how to attach the flush kit or the flush adapter.

• Locate the flush kit or the flush adapter on your jet ski
• Remove the cap or the plug from the flush kit or the flush adapter if there are any
• Attach the garden hose to the flush kit or the flush adapter, and tighten it with a screwdriver or a wrench
• Make sure that the connection is secure and leak-proof

Step 3: Gently Start the Engine and then Turn on the Water

The next step is to start the engine of your jet ski and turn on the Water. You need to do this in the right order to avoid damaging your engine.

You should always start the engine first and then turn on the Water. Starting the engine with the Water already running can result in excessive water intake, leading to hydro-locking and water ingestion. You should also avoid running the engine without Water, as this may overheat the engine and cause damage.

• Put the key or the lanyard in the ignition and turn it on
• Press the start button, and let the engine idle for a few seconds
• Turn on the Water from the faucet and adjust the water pressure to a moderate level
• Check the water flow from the exhaust and the jet pump, and make sure that it is clear and steady

Step 4: Flush the Engine for 5 to 10 Minutes

The next step is to flush the engine of your jet ski with fresh Water for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the fresh Water to circulate through the cooling system, the exhaust system, and the intake system and remove the salt, sand, dirt, and debris from the engine.

You should flush the engine for at least 5 minutes or longer if you have used your jet ski in very salty or dirty Water. You should also rev the engine occasionally to increase the water flow and flush the engine more thoroughly.

In order to adequately flush the engine, it is recommended to run it for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes, and you need to:

• In order to uphold peak performance, it is advisable to keep the engine operating at idle or low speeds and do not exceed 3000 RPM
• Rev the engine every minute or so for a few seconds, and then return to idle or low-speed
• Watch the water flow from the exhaust and the jet pump, and look for any signs of salt, sand, dirt, or debris
• Stop the engine and turn off the Water after 5 to 10 minutes or when the water flow is clear and clean

Step 5: Disconnect the Hose and Drain the Water

The final step is to disconnect the hose from the flush kit or the flush adapter and drain the Water from the jet ski. You need to do this in the reverse order of step 3 to avoid damaging your engine. You should always turn off the Water first and then stop the engine.

If you stop the engine first, you may leave some water in the engine, and cause corrosion or rust. You should also drain the Water completely from the jet ski to prevent mould, mildew, or bacteria growth.

• Turn off the Water from the faucet and wait for a few seconds
• Halt the engine and extract the key or the lanyard from the ignition
• Disconnect the hose from the flush kit or the flush adapter, and loosen it with a screwdriver or a wrench
• Replace the cap or the plug on the flush kit or the flush adapter if there are any
• Tilt the jet ski slightly, and let the water drain from the exhaust and the jet pump
• Collect the Water in a bucket or a container and dispose of it properly
• Wipe the Water from the jet ski with a towel or a rag and dry it thoroughly

Conclusion

Ensuring your jet ski’s longevity and top-notch performance is as straightforward as rinsing it with fresh water, an uncomplicated yet crucial maintenance ritual.

By following these steps, you can flush your jet ski with salt water easily and effectively and prevent corrosion, rust, and damage to your engine, hull, and electrical system.

Flushing your jet ski with fresh Water is essential for maintaining its cleanliness, shine, and overall appeal. For a long-lasting jet ski, it is highly advised to flush it with fresh Water after every usage in saltwater. This simple practice can help you derive maximum pleasure from your jet ski for years to come.