[ALSpark]

I've seen several posts on doing your own winterization, however, this is our first PWC and neither of us is very "handy", so we will most likely be taking our Spark to the dealer ship for winterization. BUT, I don't want them to run up a crazy bill, doing unnecessary work. So, my question is... what will be necessary for the dealership to do? And what might they try and "con" us into that we can do without? We only have about 13 hours on our Spark. My son ended up having surgery so we didn't get out as much as we had planned. So, I want to make sure it's ready to go for next year! Thanks for the input!

 

[Sarge707]

Do Not know where you live but if I had just 13 hours I would try to get out once more with Stabil in the gas for at least 10 minutes so it goes through the engine and then just attach the battery maintainer alligator clips every couple weeks for a few hours, spray Sea Doo Lube in through the left side opening and oil change opening on right side and be done with it.
If you rode in Salt water you have to flush it per the Owners Manual.
If you can,t ride it add Stabil and during the flush -No More than 2 minutes it might circulate.
There is No Big need to change the oil or filter with 13 hours.
They will probably try to charge you $200 and Not do half what they say they do?

 

[RedDuck]

Unless you're Spark is stored somewhere you're very sure its not going to get to freezing point, it would be a good idea to run an air hose and get the water out of the exhaust etc. There are posts on here of how to do it and, whilst I haven't done it on a Spark yet (next weekend for me), it's not a big hassle.

 

[seaking]

Do Not know where you live but if I had just 13 hours I would try to get out once more with Stabil in the gas for at least 10 minutes so it goes through the engine and then just attach the battery maintainer alligator clips every couple weeks for a few hours, spray Sea Doo Lube in through the left side opening and oil change opening on right side and be done with it.
If you rode in Salt water you have to flush it per the Owners Manual.
If you can,t ride it add Stabil and during the flush -No More than 2 minutes it might circulate.
There is No Big need to change the oil or filter with 13 hours.
They will probably try to charge you $200 and Not do half what they say they do?

That's why it's important to find a good dealer, to at least better you chances of not getting screwed over. But if you're not very handy, either way it could be still be worth it.

 

[DickB]

what will be necessary for the dealership to do? And what might they try and "con" us into that we can do without?

Your best bet is to read the Storage and Preseason Preparation section of your Operator's Guide. It tells exactly what needs to be done. If the dealer suggests something else, say no thanks.

 

[winter]

I have a retired TS650 for 22 years. It never froze here in Maryland.

Just store it in a heated place, like my garage with a hot water heater.

Done.

If you have a 3up spark I will store it for free. Leave the key with me.

 

[seaking]

Your best bet is to read the Storage and Preseason Preparation section of your Operator's Guide. It tells exactly what needs to be done. If the dealer suggests something else, say no thanks.

Yup, have to watch out for those money hungry dealers that will try to upsell you or even those with lazy folks that just want you to F*** off, it happens!

 

[kurlin]

called the dealship about cost

I just called the dealer inquiring about cost of winterizing my 2up. $235.00 Always did my old Yamaha myself, but of course I could get to everything. Not sure about the Spark...whole different ballgame.

 

[seaking]

I just called the dealer inquiring about cost of winterizing my 2up. $235.00 Always did my old Yamaha myself, but of course I could get to everything. Not sure about the Spark...whole different ballgame.

That sure is a lot that the dealer is charging, how much do you think you'd be able to save if you were to do it yourself?

 

[Sarge707]

I just called the dealer inquiring about cost of winterizing my 2up. $235.00 Always did my old Yamaha myself, but of course I could get to everything. Not sure about the Spark...whole different ballgame.

If you can take the top off it will cost you a Oil Filter ($15) and 2 quarts of oil and some antifreeze.

 

[seaking]

That shouldn't be too much at all, and if you're up for it, depending on the options, it might be worth it to look into higher quality oil.