Hose replacement / refilling the coolant

[frogman112]

I am going to replace the two coolant lines that run from the engine to the radiator mounted in the floor of the hull. Is there a trick to the trade to minimize the amount of coolant coming out of the hoses to avoid flooding the engine bay? I was going to use wood clamps to pinch the lines.

Also, after the hoses are replaced, what is the best way to refill the system while the ski is on the trailer and avoid large air pockets?

I've done the same repairs on automobiles for years but the jet skis are new to me.

 

[devonte007]

You can drain all the coolant by removing the small hex screw on the back of the heat exchanger. This is the normal method to drain/replace coolant.

Refilling is a 2 man process, one pours new coolant in the reservoir and the other stays out back by the coolant drain. Once you get a nice smooth stream out the back with no air bubbles, go ahead and put the screw back in while person #1 keeps the reservoir topped off. The only way to get all the air pockets out is to get the engine up to operating temp so that the thermostat opens, no tricks that I know of. Best to do this on the water, not on the trailer. It will burp some and when it does simply top off the reservoir and you are good to go.

Any other specific questions post back and I'll do what I can to help out.

 

[frogman112]

Thanks for the help. Sounds like I should be able to get away with just topping it off after a short run on the water.