Sea Doo Challenger 180 SE Oil Change Questions

[Fergusj60]

I have a 2011 or 2013 (cant remember right now) Sea Doo Challenger 180 SE. I used to have a Sugar Sand jet boat that injected oil into the engine. I’m not as familiar with how the oil works on the Sea Doo. I bought it used 3 summers ago and had a tune up done right away. But I got to thinking this summer about the oil. I never really checked it and I hadn’t had the oil changed since I bought the boat so I had it changed this fall when I had it winterized. So this has me thinking that I really dont understand how best to care for the oil in the boat. How often should I be checking it? How often should I change the oil? Is it a horrible thing if I have it changed in the fall when I have it winterized and then it sits all winter? I’d appreciate advise from the gift mechanics out there who have this wisdom so I can best take care of my boat. Thank you! Jefff

 

[Joe Starbuck]

Well, the first step is admitting you have a problem. It sounds like your Sugar Sand was a two-stroke engine, which is mechanically quite different than a 4-stroke engine like you have in your Challenger.

My personal opinion is check oil level monthly and change it annually. Regarding the time of year, I support changing it in the fall, so that the oil that sits in it all winter is less acidic and has less water in it.

 

[Fergusj60]

Thank you!