How to Change the Oil in a Yamaha Jet Ski 1800 CC

Some Yamaha Wave Runners (sometimes referred to as "Jet Ski"), have four-cycle engines which require periodic oil changes. Others have two-cycle engines that do not require oil changes. If a personal watercraft (PWC) requires mixing oil with the fuel, then it has a two-cycle engine (which burns the oil). Four-cycle engines do not burn the oil, but lubricate the engine much a car does using an oil reservoir, oil pump and oil filter. Yamaha recommends to have the oil changed by a dealer, but it can be done by the average "do-it-your-selfer."

Things You'll Need

  • Clean, empty plastic milk jug
  • Rags
  • Hand oil exchange pump
  • Motorcycle size oil filter wrench (small)
  • Small funnel
  • Appropriate oil filter
  • 2 or 3 quarts of engine oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the seat exposing the engine and mechanical components. Locate the oil tank (a small tank near the top of the engine). The tank will have a cap on it with the standard oil symbol (oil dripping).

    • 2

      Remove the cap and pump the old oil into milk jug using the hand oil pump.

    • 3

      Locate the oil filter which sits under some black hoses on the left side of the engine a short distance back from the front. Place a couple of rags under the filter to catch drips. Using the oil filter wrench, remove the oil filter by turning it counter-clockwise with the filter wrench. When it comes off, tilt the filter upright to avoid spilling oil in the hull. Lift the old filter out and discard.

    • 4

      Apply some clean oil to the rubber seal on the new filter and install it where the old filter was and hand tighten to the engine. Do not over-tighten the filter. Wipe up the inside of the hull as needed and look to verify that tools, rags, etc., get left behind in the engine compartment.

    • 5

      Pour in new oil using a funnel to help prevent spills. Fill the tank until oil level reads half way between the "low" and "full" markings on the oil dipstick. Replace the oil cap, then do a final check for oil drips, tools, rags, and anything else which may have been left behind.

    • 6

      Replace the seat and secure to the vehicle.