How to Winterize a Two-Stroke Jet Ski

Freezing temperatures bring a challenge to owners of Jet Skis or other personal watercraft: how to store your craft while protecting the engine from the frigid weather. Winterization keeps your engine safe from condensation, prevents engine liquids from freezing over and helps prolong engine life. Winterizing a two-stroke Jet Ski takes more work than its four-stroke counterpart but is well worth the work. Not only will your engine thank you, but your watercraft will be ready for immediate use when the weather warms up again.

Things You'll Need

  • Fogging oil
  • Two-stroke engine oil
  • Gasoline
  • Stabilizing oil
  • Car soap
  • Water
  • Car wax
  • Cover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the engine on while the Jet Ski is out of the water. This forces water out of the engine. Run the engine at 30 second intervals until the Jet Ski stops expelling water.

    • 2

      Spray fogging oil or two-stroke engine oil into the carburetor and the spark plugs. This keeps the engine parts lubricated during storage. Remove the air filter if necessary to get easy access to the carburetor and spark plugs. Run the engine for 30 seconds to filter the fogging oil through the engine and carburetor.

    • 3

      Fill the gas tank up all the way to the top to prevent condensation from forming inside the tank. Trapped condensation can cause rust and corrosion inside the gas tank. Add one application of stabilizing oil to the gas tank as well to keep the gas clean and safe for use after months of storage. Read your owners manual and the oil's instructions for the proper amount for your make and model of personal watercraft.

    • 4

      Remove the battery from the Jet Ski. Detach the negative connection, then the positive. Keep the battery in a dry location.

    • 5

      Wash the Jet Ski with car soap and water. Remove all excess dirt and debris. Dry off and add a coat of wax to protect the paint during storage.

    • 6

      Take your Jet Ski to the storage area and cover with a properly fitting cover. This minimizes exposure to harmful moisture, frost and condensation.