Owners of jet skis and personal watercraft (PWC) have waited patiently for this time of year. No need to wait any more. Summer is upon us and the time to break them out of winter hibernation is now here. Here are the steps you need to take to get them up and running.
General Stuff
The first thing you need to do (after taking your cover off) is check the fuel line and cooling lines. You want to make sure no cracks or leaks have developed over the winter. A busted fuel line is a quick way to strand you out on the water. While you’re at it, check all the wires and belts to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. Replace as needed.
Next, wash off all the dust and clear out the exhaust pipe. Give the exterior a good coat of wax while you’re at it.
Non-General Stuff
Now you want to address some specific areas.
Drain any fuel and oil that was left in the machine during storage and refill with fresh oil and gas. Preferably, you’ll want to treat the gas with a marine fuel treatment or stabilizer. The detergents in the fuel treatment will help clean the system free of any deposits that may have developed over the winter.
Check the spark plug for signs of rust or moisture. If you had it covered during the winter, the moisture may not be a problem, but rust could be.
Grease and seal all bearings. This ensures that dirt and contaminants don’t make their way into the engine where they’re not supposed to be.
Last, don’t neglect your battery. Make sure it’s fully charged. Now you’re ready to go!
If you are interested in getting a jet ski ready for summer, then you might want to check out these other posts:
- Marine fuel treatment: Things to consider
- Winterizing a jet ski so it is ready for you in the spring
- Fuel stabilizer for boats: Why do I need one?
This post was published on May 27, 2015 and was updated on June 16, 2015.
