An oil change on a Sea-Doo is a multiple step procedure. It is necessary to do an oil change every 25-50 hours depending on the model. Failing to do the correct maintenance will significantly decrease engine life and cause performance issues.
Buying a jet ski is not cheap. It is a goos idea to perform regular maintenance to preserve performance, safety and value. Sea-Doo has a broad range of PWC’s. The maintenance of a Sea-Doo PWC isn’t difficult if you follow the manufacturer’s guide. We change our oil at the intervals recommended or once per year if the skis don’t get more than 50 hours per season.
There are different types of jet ski engines. Sea-Doo engines are very reliable. Many reviews rank the Sea-Doo Spark as one of the most reliable skis in its niche. Sea Doo has carved out a 60% market share in PWC sales, which is a testimony to the quality and durability. Regular oil changes help preserve this.
How Often Should I Do An Oil Chance On A Sea-Doo?
When you buy a Sea-Doo, manufacturers recommend that you do the first oil change after a break in period for the engine. That means that the engine has ran for a manufacturer specified number of hours. On the Sea-Doo Spark, this is required at 5 hours. For all other Sea-Doo models, it is set at 10 hours.
After this initial oil change, recommended interval after that is at every 25-50 hours or 12 months for most models. The newer Sea-Doo models can run longer between maintenance intervals due to more advanced engines, better lubricants, and parts.
In every owner’s manual, you will receive an inspection checklist you need to follow to keep the warranty. Some maintenance inspection points need to be checked by the owner regularly. Some of the checks need to be done at an authorized dealer. Essential issues that you will need to check are
- The 5 or 10-hour Inspection – Dealer responsibility
- Pre-Use Inspection – Owner
- Seasonal Inspection – Dealer and Owner
Ask your Sea-Doo dealer if you are unsure of technical terms.
Step By Step Oil Change Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to assist you in doing it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. You can buy all your spares from your local marine hardware or the manufacturer. Due to variations in design and layout of the engine compartment, some of these steps may not apply to your model.
DIY Sea Doo Oil and Filter Change
- Prepping all tools – You will need
- Oil Filter
- Oil Filer O-rings
- Oil extractor or siphon pump
- Number 10 torx socket
- Flathead screwdriver
- Take off the seat.
- Remove the engine cover.
- Remove the coolant bottle (on some models).
- Remove the top cover and then the bottom cover.
- Now you can start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds so that the oil heats up, fills all the oil passages, gets an accurate reading, and enables the maximum oil to be siphoned out.
- Open up the oil cap.
- Take out the oil dipstick as well, and this is where the oil will get sucked out from the engine.
- Take the oil extractor and feed the pipe down the dipstick tube, putting it down as far as it will go.
- Start sucking out the oil with the pump, and this can take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- You will start to hear a gurgling noise, which means the oil is out of the engine.
- Remove the siphon tube and wipe it clean as you remove it.
- Remove the oil filter canister using the #10 torx socket.
- Carefully pry the oil filter cover off with a screwdriver.
- Remove the oil filter.
- Replace with the new filter and ensure you seat the new filter properly.
- Replace the oil filter O rings on the outside of the oil filter cap. Remove the O ring from the bolt as well and replace it all with new.
- Replace oil filter cap using the #10 torx socket.
- Keep the oil dipstick out while filling up since it can cause an air bubble while filling up the engine. You can now proceed to pour in new oil.
- Now use the dipstick to check the oil level.
- Replace the bottom and top cover
- Place the cooling bottle back in its spot.
- Replace the seat.
Once you have followed all the 23 steps listed, you will need to discard the used oil in an environmentally friendly manner. You can pour the used oil back into the now empty oil bottle and take it to your nearest auto shop or the shop where you bought the oil. They will dispose of it for you. Considering 1 liter of oil can contaminate 1 million liters of water, it is essential to be responsible.
How Much Does An Oil Change On A Sea-Doo Cost?
If you do the oil change in your own garage, it should cost you around $80.00. Always buy the manufacturer’s recommended spare parts to keep your warranty intact. If you end up taking your Sea-Doo to a service center, they can charge you anything from $200 to $550 for spare parts and labor.
What Type Of Oil Does A Sea-Doo Use?
The recommended oil for your Sea-Doo jet ski will depend on a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke engine.
- 2 Stroke Sea-Doo engines – SPX 2 Stroke oil – synthetic
- 4 Stroke Sea-Doo engines – SPX 4 Stroke Synthetic blend oil.
These oils are specially formulated to protect your jet ski and prevent sludging. It also greatly assists your engine against overheating in summer. If the oil is not available in your area, find the best marine oil substitute.
How Many Hours Does A Sea-Doo Engine Last?
Sea-Doo 4-stroke engines last around 300 to 400 hours and should get a full service every 100 hours. Supercharged models require a rebuild either at 100 or 200 hours depending on model and year. The earliest supercharged Sea Doos are known to be less reliable and more expensive to maintain. Newer models have been improved considerably. At the time I’m writing this, we have RXP-X and RXT 260’s that are 6 years old.
The RXP-X has been ridden hard, has around 240 hours on it, had a supercharger rebuild at 190 hours, and is still going strong. I’m confident we can get 400 hours before any more expensive repairs. The RXT is used less often, and has 140 hours in 6 years.
Based on the average usage of around 30 hours per year, owners should be able to get 7-10 years of good performance from their Sea Doo before anything major needs repair or rebuild. You can make your engine last by making sure you do maintenance when needed. Remember to follow a winterization oil change as part of the seasonal maintenance.
Conclusions
Many factors may cause owners to consider doing more frequent oil changes than is recommended. Since your jet ski is in the water often, there is always a chance of oil getting into the system. This will cause the engine’s performance to become substandard, and if not seen to, it can damage your jet ski.
Sea-Doo jet skis that are used in seawater conditions are more prone to corrosion issues arising. Always wash your jet ski after use and dry it properly before storing it away. In colder regions, you should never keep your jest ski without doing an oil change before-hand.
