How to Maintain your PWC
There’s really no better way to spend a day at the lake than getting an adrenaline rush, powering through the water on your PWC. But, you’re not going to be able to do that for very long if you don't watch the battery, gas type, or take overall good care of your personal watercraft.
Break It in
PWC need to be broken in before operating at full speed. Sure, you might want to hit the water at full throttle when you first get it, but doing so can damage your engine. Repress your inner thrill-seeker and keep it at about a quarter of the throttle for the first few minutes. Then, spend about half an hour riding at various speeds, but never exceeding half throttle. For the next hour, go ahead and ride at ¾ throttle, then after that, you’re ready to hit full speed and get that adrenaline rush you’ve been waiting for!
Flush the Engine
If you plan on riding your PWC in the ocean, make sure you flush the engine with fresh water afterwards. Personal watercraft might be pretty resilient, but the consistent exposure to something corrosive like salt can do damage to the engine. To flush the engine, connect your flush fitting to a freshwater source, start the engine, then turn the water on. After it’s flushed, stop the water and just barely turn the throttle then push out the leftover water. After this, you’re all done, and you just need to shut the engine off and put the cap back on the flush.
Right Kind of Gas
If you want the best performance and longevity out of your PWC, don’t skimp on gas. Gas that’s high in ethanol might be cheaper, but it’s terrible for a watercraft’s engine. When you leave your PWC for a long period of time, fill up the tank and give it the right amount of fuel stabilizer. No matter what, avoid E85 gasoline in your personal watercraft at all costs. Marine engines can’t handle the 15% mix of ethanol, so it’ll hurt your engine immensely.
Take Care of the Battery
Remember to check your battery before and after you use your PWC, and also flush your engine regularly with fresh water. Pay attention to your owner’s manual, and use proper gasoline, and you’ll enjoy smooth riding for many years to come. If a serious problem does arrive though, it’s always better to fix it sooner rather than later.
If your PWC is in need of repair, be sure to visit the experts here at Virgil Naff's. Our amazing service staff here in Lynchburg, Virginia will be happy to assist you with all of your important PWC maintenance needs, and we look forward to serving those nearby in Roanoke and Charlottesville, Virginia.