Jet Ski Winterizing, Storing and Flushing

 Winterizing Personal Watercraft

 As the mercury starts falling and the water temperatures become unbearable for joy riding your PWC, it's time to maintenance your jet ski for the winter months.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLUSHING

• Flushing the cooling system with fresh water is essential to neutralize corroding effects of salt or other chemical products present in water. The flushing water will help to flush out any sand, salt, shells or other particles in water jackets
(engine, exhaust components, turbocharger) and/or hoses.
• Clean the watercraft thoroughly and flush the cooling system with only fresh water after each use, or before storage.
Also, use the flushing procedure to provide engine cooling when running the engine out of the water for service purposes.
• Most watercraft have a flush connector at the rear of the jet ski for connecting a water line. We have adapters available known as "flush kits" to make the connection between the watercraft and the garden hose.

Failure to properly flush the cooling system after riding will severely damage the engine and/or exhaust system

FLUSHING PROCEDURE

It is extremely important to perform the following procedure when flushing. If you do not follow this procedure, water will
flow into the exhaust and possibly enter the cylinder head and engine, resulting in damage, contamination, or hard starting. Flush for approximately 5 minutes.
1. Connect a garden hose to the flush connector fitting. DO NOT TURN ON THE WATER!
2. Start the engine.
3. Turn on the water to begin flushing.
4. Turn off the water to end flushing.
5. Stop the engine.


THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER STORAGE

• A watercraft that is not properly prepared prior to storage, may result in component damage or corrosion.
• During the winter, or whenever the watercraft will not be in use for an extended period, proper storage is essential.
Proper storage consists of checking the entire watercraft for damage or broken parts; lubricating parts to ensure that they do not become rusted; and, in general, preparing the watercraft so that when the time comes to use it again, it will be in top condition.
• If the watercraft will be stored outside, cover it with an appropriate cover.

Flushing The Cooling System

Secure the watercraft on a stand or trailer and check that the stern is not higher than the bow.
1. If your ski is equipped with reverse, pull the reverse lever up to lower the reverse
bucket.
Connect a garden hose to the water outlet joint (Do not turn on the water).
Always start the engine before turning on the water to prevent water entering the exhaust and engine where it could cause severe damage.
2. Start the engine and immediately (within 15 seconds) turn on the water.
Do not run the engine without cooling water supply for more than 15 seconds to prevent severe engine and exhaust damage.
3. Make sure the water flows out of the pilot water hole.
Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes while the water continues to flow. If water does not flow out of the pilot water hole, immediately turn off the water and then the engine. Then, troubleshoot for possible problems.
4. Turn off the water, leaving the engine idling. Allow about 15 seconds to rev the engine (below 4,000 rpm) to clear the water out of the exhaust system.
Stop the engine.
Disconnect the garden hose.

 PREPARING FOR STORAGE

      1. Once engine flush is complete, Remove the bilge drain plugs to drain any water.Raise the bow (front) of the watercraft about 1 foot to allow complete draining.
      2. When storing the watercraft in an area where the temperature drops below freezing, perform the following:
        • Prepare 1.5 Gallons(5 Liters) of anti-freeze solution(Be sure to check your owners manual for exact quantities.)
        • Connect a garden hose to the water outlet joint and attach a funnel into the hose end.
        • Hold the funnel approximately 130 cm (51 in) above the deck and pour 5 liters of the coolant into the funnel to fill the engine and exhaust system.>
        • The coolant should come out of the pilot water hole.
        • Remove the hose and funnel.
      3. To prevent rusting the inlet valves, proceed as follows after confirming the engine is cool.
        • Remove the seats
        • Gain access to the intake as we will be flodding the intake with a Fogging agent. On Honda, Remove the maintenance joint hose from the clip and disconnect the maintenance joint.

          Avoid running the engine without water flow for more than 15 seconds to prevent severe engine and exhaust system damage.

        • Start the engine at idle speed (without pulling the throttle lever) and spray a water-displacement corrosion-proof lubricant (without Teflon
          or molybdenum additives, such as Sta-Bil Fogging Oil or
          an equivalent) into the joint hole A for 5 seconds.
        • Then immediately stop the engine.
        • Perform the same procedure for joint hole B or the other side of the intake if applicable.
        • Reconnect the intake or maintenance joint and make sure
          it tightened securely. Install the joint hose into
          the clip
      4. To prevent the cylinders from rusting, perform the following:
        • Remove all the spark plugs
        • Disconnect all the injector connectors.
        • Pour a tablespoon (15 – 20 cc) of clean engine oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes and cover the spark plug holes with a shop towel.
        • Fit the safety lanyard clip to the base of the engine stop switch.
        • Push the starter switch several times to crank the engine and distribute the oil.
        • Remove the safety lanyard clip
        • Install the Spark Plugs
      5. Spray a water-displacement corrosion-proof lubricant (without Teflon or molybdenum additives, such as Bel-Ray 6-in-1 Penetrating Fluid or an equivalent) into the throttle body.
      6. Remove the battery. At the very least disconnect the battery if you are overwintering the watercraft. It will give the battery a longer life and take a few months a year off the life of your jet skis computer(ECM, PGM-FI, ECU)
      7. Remove the drain plugs, and clean the outside of the engine and bilge. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
      8. Use a shop towel to dry the engine and engine components. Then
        spray a water-displacement corrosion-proof
        lubricant (such as Bel-Ray 6-in-1 Penetrating Fluid) over the entire engine and it's component parts inside the hull.
      9. Wash the exterior of the watercraft and rinse thoroughly.
        Never clean the fiberglass and plastic parts with a strong detergent or degreasing agent. These products will damage the gel-coat finish.
      10. Apply a fiberglass marine wax to the hull and deck.
      11. Lubricate the control cables. You can use the same Bel_Ray 6-in-1 we used to protect the engine components.
      12. Try to store the watercraft in an unheated area with low humidity, away from sunlight, and with little temperature variation. If you have to leave the ski outside, please be sure to put a watercraft cover on it.

REMOVAL FROM STORAGE

  1. Before starting the engine, remove the seats and storage box to ventilate the engine compartment.
  2. Lubricate the control cables and check the following for smooth operation.
    – throttle lever
    – handlebar and steering nozzle
    – reverse lever and reverse bucket
  3. Lubricate the following engine components.
    – throttle body
    – turbocharger and waste gate link
  4. Check all the hoses for loose connections or damage
  5. Check and Install the battery
  6. Fill the fuel tank.
  7. Flush the cooling system and check the engine operation.
    Also check for water, oil and exhaust leakage.
  8. If the watercraft has been stored for more than 4 months, change the engine oil.
  9. Check the bilge drain plugs.
  10. Check the fire extinguisher is not beyond its expiration date and charge or replace, if necessary.
  11. Install the body panels and seats