Tips for Winterizing Your 2-Stroke Jet Ski

When it comes to winterizing your 2-Stroke jet ski think in terms of getting it ready for the following summer. It’s not as simple as checking the fuel, oil and engine at the end of the season. Here are some tips for winterizing your jet ski to make getting back on the water easier and faster next season.

Once you’ve taken your jet ski out of the water for the final time of the season it’s best to drain the water. Jet skis are typically tilted back when they are mounted on a trailer. This is a good time to run the engine for no more than 30 seconds at a time and drain the water from the engine. Tilting the handle back and forth while it’s runs will help the process.

This is also the ideal opportunity to give your jet ski a thorough cleaning. Scrub the exterior with a mild soap and water to wash away any algae, grime and water stains from seat, sides and back. Be sure there’s no water remaining in the hull when you’re through washing your jet ski. Dry the exterior with soft dry towels and you’re ready to give your jet ski added protection and shine with normal wax.

Before storing for winter be sure to fill your jet ski with a full tank of gas. Similar to your lawn mower or any other machinery that’s powered with gas fuel, jet ski’s require stabilizer to keep the gas clean for the next season. Mix stabilizer through the fuel by running the engine in 30-second intervals several times before storing for winter. Lube your cables, driveline and steering system

You’ll also want to spray fogging oil to the carburetor and spark plug cylinders. In order to access the carburetor you’ll need to remove the air filter first. While the engine is idling spray the oil and continue spraying until the engine stalls. Then replace the air filter.

Make sure the wires are grounded before taking out the spark plugs. Once you’ve sprayed fogging oil into each spark plug hole, cover each hole with an old rag and then push the jet ski’s start button to disperse the oil. Your engine won’t start because there aren’t any spark plugs in place. This is the time to replace the spark plugs and clean up any spilled or excess oil.

You should disconnect the jet ski’s battery as well. Remove the negative connection first and then the positive connection. Keep your jet ski’s battery stored in a warm and clean area during winter months. Do not store the battery inside your home since it emits noxious fumes.

If your jet ski is stored in a area where the temperature drops below freezing, you will want to add a mix of RV antifreeze and water (50/50) into the cooling system. Disconnect the hose attached to the water in-let on the head. Use a funnel that fits in the hose and slowly poor the mix of antifreeze and water into the cooling system until you can see it exit from the exhaust system. Remember to only use RV antifreeze.

You can prevent animals from getting in your jet ski’s engine by placing a piece of steel wool in the exhaust. Keep your jet ski covered and store in a garage, shed or out building that protects it from any precipitation.

These general tips for winterizing your jet ski will make getting back on the water a much easier process come next summer. Be sure to refer to your jet ski’s manual for any additional winterizing tips specific to your model.