How often should I change the oil? 2008 15f

Polaris · 06-12-2009, 03:53 AM

I have.... about 15-20 hrs on it (I didn't look last time at the lake), and I have never changed the oil. Should I? Is it okay to go to about 40 hrs with no change? It would be a PAIN to take that ski out of the lake.

Let me know. And what's the maximum you can go without a change?

puckoach · 06-12-2009, 01:00 PM

A first oil change is very important, getting all the particles from manufacture out of the system. Suggested at 10 hours.

Many of us have then done another by 25, as secondary "insurance"

Usually, 50 hours is a good interval. Some say at the end of the every season no matter the hours.

Polaris · 06-12-2009, 01:04 PM

Thanks man. Looks like I have to pull the ski, great.

Wait maybe not, can I do this on one of those jet-ports? And what tools do I need, and how do I get the oil out, and where is the filter?

08stx15f · 06-14-2009, 09:55 PM

The oil change interval is every 50 hrs or every year depending. The manula says change the filter at 100 hrs but that is rediculous in my book so do them together just like you do with your car. You will need a vacuum pump to get the oil out, and a filter wrench if you can't get it off by hand. The filter is down under the intake right by the dip stick tube. You will suck the oil out of the dipstick tube as well. If I left anything else out someone can add or it is in the manual.

Polaris · 06-16-2009, 08:07 PM

Wow what a pain in the ***, dang 4-strokes!

Thanks for the info.

08stx15f · 06-17-2009, 06:44 PM

your welcome.

Miceleb · 06-19-2009, 06:42 PM

When using the vacuum pump I would suggest getting the oil warm first. It takes a long time to suck cold thick oil out. Take a trip around the lake first or hook up the hose and run it for 5-10 mins.

RedSki · 06-23-2009, 09:37 PM

Read the manual.

50 Hrs between oil changes.

100 Hrs between filter changes.

No need to change early, in fact, it actually hurts to change too often. Modern oils actually have wear-reducing additives that work better after use (due to heat activation). Meaning you will get the most wear in the first five hours or so after changing to new oil. Then the protection goes up rapidly then decreases gradually over time as the oil breaks down.

Filters clog up over time as small particles plug the filter media, leaving smaller holes. So filters actually filter out MORE particles over time. The key is to replace them when they need it - before the back pressure gets too high.

Remember Kawasaki sells five year warranties with these things. Their dealers also sell oil changes, oil and filters. If they needed more frequent changes than 50/100 hrs, the manual would say so.

I have been thru this with other vehicles I own. My 2006 Mercedes recommends an oil change every 13,000 miles or one year. That discussion forum is full of oil threads by folks who just refuse to believe that oil technology has improved from "every 3 months or 3000 miles..."

puckoach · 06-24-2009, 11:10 AM

There's more that a few threads on this subject under the Kawasaki heading. Do a seach using oil change 15F, and they should pop up.

Key points; nose down, pump out oil, right knee in left footwell, diaper under filter, SuperTech filter cost $2.80, Marine Oil, only put in the volume you took out..

thead · 06-30-2009, 10:23 PM

try to keep the top of the motor (valve cover) level. so u can get all oil out and later accurate dipstick readings. u might have to raise the back or lower the front of the ski to get the motor level. i changed mine after 10 hours because all of the assembly lube they put in new motors and all debris from new motor break in.