When you take your jet ski out for a spin and notice that it’s not performing as well as it used to, the first thing you might think is that there’s something wrong with the engine. However, check the compression before you start tearing your jet ski apart. All you need is some simple maintenance to get it back up to speed if it’s low. This blog post will show you how to fix low compression on jet ski. So, read on to learn more!
What Is Low Compression on Jet Ski?
Low compression on a jet ski is usually caused by one of two things: a dirty engine or low oil levels. If your jet ski isn’t performing up to par, the first thing you should do is look at the engine and make sure it’s clean. If it’s not, give it a good cleaning. You can use a brush or a garden hose to clean off all the dirt and debris.
If the engine is clean but the compression is still low, the next step is to check the oil levels. Again, add some more oil until they’re at the correct level if they’re low. Startup the jet ski once you’ve done that and see how it performs. If it’s still not performing how it used to, you might have a more severe issue on your hands.
If the compression is fine but the jet ski still isn’t performing as it should, check the throttle cable and fuel line for any damage or debris. In addition, make sure that spark plugs are firing correctly and that there’s no water in the gas tank. If you find any damage, get it fixed before taking the jet ski out again.
Required Materials
- Socket wrench set
- Ratchet
- Breaker bar
- Penetrating oil
- New rings and gaskets (if needed)
How to Fix Low Compression on Jet Ski Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Check the Oil
The first step in how to fix low compression on jet ski is to check the oil. If you’ve never done this before or if you’re unsure how it works, put down an oil-catching tray under the engine of your jet ski and take off the drain plug. The next thing you need to do is take off the oil cap and look inside the engine to see how dirty it is. If it’s really dirty, add some more oil, and then check how dirty it is again after you’ve driven around for a bit.
Step 2: Check the Exhaust
One of the most common problems with engines in general, whether on jet skis or cars, is that the exhaust gets clogged up. The easiest way to check how clogged up your exhaust is is to look at how much smoke comes out of it when you rev the engine. If there’s a lot of smoke, the exhaust probably needs to be cleaned out. To do this, lean over your jet ski (while it’s off), place the palm of your hand over the exhaust, and then rev the engine. If there’s any soot coming up through your hands, you’ll need to clean out the pipes.
Step 3: Check the Spark Plugs
If the exhaust is clean but your jet ski still isn’t running how it should be, then the next thing to check is the spark plugs. If they’re not sparking correctly, this is causing low compression on a jet ski. You’ll need a socket wrench set and a ratchet to replace a spark plug. There are four spark plugs in all (2 on the front and two on the back), so make sure you get each one of them.
Step 4: Check for Debris in Carburetor
If the exhaust is clean, the oil levels check out, and there’s still low compression on a jet ski, it might be time to check the carburetor. To do this, lean over the jet ski again and look into the engine to see how much debris is in there. If you notice a lot of dirt or sand, then it’s time to take out the jets (pretty straightforward how to fix low compression on jet ski).
Step 5: Check for Water in Gas Tank
One of the most common causes of low compression on a jet ski is water in the gas tank. If you notice that it’s tough to start your jet ski, and there’s a puddle of liquid near where you park it, then this might be why. To check how much liquid is at the bottom of your gas tank, remove the fuel line and see how much liquid drips out.
Step 6: Replace the Rings and Gaskets (If Needed)
One of the more complicated fixes of low compression on jet ski problems is rings or gaskets that are worn down or not working how they should be. If your piston rings or cylinder gaskets are bad, then your engine won’t be able to compress how it should. If you notice that your jet ski isn’t starting how it used to and/or there’s a knocking sound coming from the engine, this is probably how to fix low compression on jet ski.
You Can Check It Out to Transport a Jet Ski without A Trailer
Step 7: Clean or Replace Fuel Filter (If Needed)
After the carburetor is serviced, check and clean the fuel filter if it has not been replaced recently. If you don’t want to buy a kit, then you can usually just use gasoline (or white gas) and let it soak in for about an hour. Replace the fuel filter after cleaning with a new one if needed.
Step 8: Check for Cracks in the Engine’s Case
Whatever the cause of the low compression is, you might have a damaged engine case that needs to be repaired or replaced. The easiest way to tell if there is a crack in your engine’s case is to drain the oil, pull the spark plugs and look down into the cylinders without any oil. If you see cracks in your engine’s case, you need to fix them as soon as possible. Even the smallest cracks can spread and damage your entire engine.
To repair or replace an engine’s case is a difficult procedure that requires professional help. It’s easier and cheaper to spend $300 on a new, used engine than it is to replace or repair an engine’s case. Before you do anything, please find out how much it will cost for a shop to fix your engine’s case.
If there are no cracks in the engine’s case, there is one last thing you need to check before you can determine how to fix your low compression problem; this is how the valves and pistons got damaged.
You Can Check It Out to Mount a GoPro to A Ski Helmet
Will Low Jet Ski Engine Compression Reduce the Top Speed?
Low compression in a jet ski engine will reduce the craft’s top speed. When the engine cannot produce as much power, it will move more slowly through the water. This is due to the lack of available energy to push the craft forward. There are a number of ways to increase the compression in a jet ski engine, but most of them are outside of the scope of this article. If you are unable to fix the low compression issue on your own, you will need to take it to a professional.
What Are The Symptoms Of Low Compression?
The symptoms of low compression can be difficult to diagnose if you’re not familiar with how a jet ski engine works. One common symptom is that the engine will have a harder time starting than it normally does. You might also hear a popping noise when the engine is running. If a damaged valve or piston causes the low compression, you might also see oil leaking from the engine.
You Can Chack It Out to Ride a Jet Ski in Waves
Frequently Asked Question
Do I Need New Jets for My Jet Ski?
No, you don’t need to replace the jets on your jet ski. Instead, you can fix low compression by following these simple steps:
- Remove the spark plug and squirt a small amount of oil into the cylinder.
- Replace the spark plug and start the engine.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the oil.
- Check the compression, and if it is still low, repeat the steps.
How Can I Tell if My Jet Ski Has Low Compression?
If you are unsure if your jet ski has low compression, you can check by following these steps:
- Remove the spark plug and squirt a small amount of oil into the cylinder.
- Replace the spark plug and start the engine.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the oil.
- Check the compression, and if it is still low, repeat the steps.
Is There Any Other Way to Fix Low Compression on A Jet Ski?
There is another way to fix low compression on a jet ski. First, you can try replacing the head gasket. If this does not work, you may need to replace the engine.
What Is the Best Way to Fix Low Compression on A Jet Ski?
There are several ways to fix low compression on a jet ski. The most common methods are:
- Remove the spark plug and squirt a small amount of oil into the cylinder.
- Replace the spark plug and start the engine.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the oil.
- Check the compression, and if it is still low, repeat the steps.
- Try replacing the head gasket.
- If this does not work, replace the engine.
If So, How Do I Get Them Installed, and How Much Does It Cost?
If your jet ski has low compression, you can try replacing the head gasket. If this does not work, you may need to replace the engine. Replacing the head gasket is a more complicated process and may cost more than replacing the engine.
You Can Check It Out to Start a Jet Ski With Water Hose
Conclusion
Low compression on jet ski is an issue that can be fixed relatively easily. By following the steps in this article, you should be able to get your jet ski running smoothly again. Have you tried these steps? Let us know how they worked for you in the comments below! Thanks for reading our post about how to fix low compression on jet ski.
You may also read: How to Skate Ski Uphill
