The Complete Jet Ski Maintenance Guide
Everything you need to know about maintaining your Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, or Kawasaki Jet Ski.
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Backed by Real Service Manuals
This guide is based on research from approximately 100 service manuals across major personal watercraft manufacturers, categorized by machine type and performance class (recreational, touring, and performance). While we recommend always checking your specific service manual for exact specifications, these schedules represent real-world best practices that work for everyday riders.
Pre-Ride Inspection
Five minutes before launch catches 90% of potential problems.
Never Forget Pre-Ride Checks
Set up a pre-ride checklist in LookOver and tick off each item before you launch.
Saltwater Flush: Non-Negotiable
The single most important maintenance item for saltwater riders. Skip this and face a seized engine or destroyed pump.
Fresh Water Flush
- Connect garden hose to flush port
- Sea-Doo/Yamaha: Engine off, water on
- Kawasaki: Start engine FIRST, then water
- Run 90 seconds to several minutes
Critical Warnings
- Kawasaki: Never run water before engine
- Water damage from reverse flow is catastrophic
- Flush within 2 hours of riding
- Do NOT skip after every saltwater ride
Corrosion Prevention
- Spray exposed metal with corrosion inhibitor
- Rinse exterior with fresh water
- Dry completely before covering
- Wax hull regularly in salt environments
Break-In Period
Those first hours determine how your engine will perform for the next decade. Resist the urge to go full throttle.
- •Let everything warm up gradually
- •Sea-Doo/Yamaha: 2,000 rpm max
- •Kawasaki: Idle speed only
- •Sea-Doo: 1/2 to 3/4 throttle max
- •Yamaha: Stay below 5,000 rpm
- •Kawasaki: Below 4,000 rpm
- •Vary your throttle position
- •Brief full-throttle bursts help seat rings
- •Sea-Doo: Electronic limiter for first 3 hours
- •Sea-Doo: Break-in complete at 5 hours
- •Kawasaki: Continue to 10 hours
- •First service after break-in (Kawasaki)
| Service Task | Pre-Ride Every ride | 10 Hours Break-in | 25 Hours First season | 50 Hours Regular service | 100 Hours Major service | Annual Or end of season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Check engine oil level | — | — | ||||
Inspect hull and water intake grate | — | — | — | — | — | |
Verify drain plugs are tight | — | — | — | — | — | |
Check fuel level and smell for vapor | — | — | — | — | — | |
Check coolant level (Yamaha) | — | — | — | |||
Flush cooling system with fresh water | — | — | — | — | — | |
Change engine oil and filter | — | — | — | |||
Inspect/clean fuel filter | — | — | — | — | ||
Clean fuel pump screen (Kawasaki) | — | — | — | — | ||
Inspect fuel vent check valve | — | — | — | — | ||
Inspect/clean air filter | — | — | — | |||
Clean air filter drain caps | — | — | — | — | ||
Inspect spark plugs | — | — | — | — | ||
Replace spark plugs | — | — | — | — | ||
Inspect jet pump impeller and wear ring | — | — | — | — | ||
Clear debris from pump intake | — | — | — | — | — | |
Inspect throttle control system | — | — | — | |||
Lubricate steering and throttle cables | — | — | — | |||
Check battery condition and charge | — | — | — | |||
Clean and protect battery terminals | — | — | — | — | — | |
Inspect supercharger oil level sport | — | — | — | — | ||
Service supercharger sport | — | — | — | — | — | |
Flush and replace coolant | — | — | — | — | — | |
Add fuel stabilizer for storage | — | — | — | — | — | |
Fog engine cylinders for storage | — | — | — | — | — | |
Complete winterization procedure | — | — | — | — | — |
Never Miss a Service
Track hours, set reminders for oil changes and annual service. LookOver works even without cell signal on the water.
Engine Oil: Your Engine's Lifeblood
Jet ski engines work harder than most. High RPM operation and water cooling make proper oil maintenance critical.
Jet Pump: Your Propulsion System
The jet pump is what makes your PWC move. Impeller condition directly affects performance and fuel efficiency.
Seasonal Storage
Proper winterization prevents costly repairs and ensures your PWC starts strong next season.
Fuel System
- Fill tank to 90% (prevents condensation)
- Add fuel stabilizer
- Run engine to circulate stabilizer
- Consider draining for long storage
Engine Protection
- Change oil before storage
- Fog cylinders with fogging oil
- Remove spark plugs to spray
- Rotate engine by hand
Cooling System
- Flush with fresh water
- Drain all water from system
- Use RV antifreeze if temps drop below freezing
- Run engine briefly to circulate
Battery Care
- Remove battery from PWC
- Clean terminals
- Store in cool, dry place
- Use battery maintainer all winter
Physical Protection
- Wash and wax hull
- Lubricate all fittings
- Cover with breathable cover
- Store on trailer or lift
Spring Recommission
- Install charged battery
- Check all fluid levels
- Inspect belts and hoses
- Test all systems before launch
Log Your Winterization
Document exactly what you did for storage. Next spring, you'll know exactly where you left off.
Supercharger Maintenance (Performance Models)
If your PWC has a supercharger, it requires additional maintenance beyond standard service.
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