New member with a question about a 2006 GTI SE

[TOMJ]

First let me say "hello" from Marietta, GA.
I do not personally OWN any PWC but my immediate family own 3, 2 Sea Doos and a Yahama.
I am a motorcycle rider and have always done my own maintenance and saved untold $$ over the years.
I had been lurking and reading after coming across this site after Googleing some questions.
As is with my motorcycle forum, there are some very knowledgeable folks here.
I have been trying to learn as much as possible about a 2006 GTI SE that my sister owns.
She bought it new in '06 and bought the extended warrenty and has had the dealer perform all of the maintenance.
MAN, I thought motorcycle maintenance cost too much at the dealer, but PWC maintenance is 2 to 3 times that.
Well, the warrenty has expired and I would REALLY like to try to save her some $$,
I mean $150 for an oil change is a bit much IMO.
Anyway, I will be changing the engine oil this fall and installing a battery tender.
My question (FINALLY) is about the exhaust system.
Is it really necessary to run RV anti freeze thru the system or will reving the engine after pulling it up on the Jet Dock be sufficient?
We are in middle Georgia and the Sea Doo will be left on the Jet dock all winter.
I have read the procedures concerning flushing the exhaust (and oil change) thanks to the downloadable manual.
Second question, in the manual, they referance a quick connector to connect a hose to the water inlet.
After searching on line, I see that the adaptor costs around $6.
Wouldn't any male quick connect work here?
Go ahead and call me "noob" if you must.
Also, I have read here where people have had problems removing and installing the cover for the oil filter and have damaged the o rings.
Any tips or tricks?
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[red2blue]

I live north of you by a few hundred miles....have never put antifreeze in my exhaust.

After every trip to the lake, I fire the motor up a coupla times on the trailer blow most of the water from the system...and then every coupla three weeks over the winter....no problem.

 

[TOMJ]

Thanks for the info.

 

[BMANN06]

Hello!

Re: Antifreeze in exhaust; I beleive the reason it is recommended to put antifreeze in exhaust is that water can sit in the rubber exhaust line and freeze causing the hose to crack which would lead to your hull filling up with water.

Re: O rings on oil filter, I keep a spare set as they (the two o rings) can easily be damaged when removing and/or installing the oil filter cover. When you are removing it try to pull it off evenly as this will help not destroy them. If you just pry up on side you'll likely ruin them.

Hope this helps!

 

[TOMJ]

Well, a hull full of water would definately ruin your day.
RV anti-freeze is only about $4 a gallon at Wal-Mart, so I think just for peace of mind I'll go for it.
As far as the quick connect referenced in the manual to attach a hose to the water inlet, wouldn't any male quick connect work?
I mean if you can just attach a garden hose to the engine, any quick connect would be ok, right?
I think it would be easier to just screw in the quick connect than to try to screw in a hose.

Thanks for the tip on removing the oil filter cap, I'll be sure to do this when removing and re-installing it.

Motorcycles and cars, I'm pretty good at maintenance, but still trying to learn about PWCs.
My sister had a BAD experience letting her "handy man" winterize her Bayliner runaout several years ago.
He said that he knew what he was doing and she ended up with a cracked block.
I definately don't want to screw up the Sea Doo.
Thanks.

 

[BMANN06]

Yah it's a pain to screw the hose in, I use the little adapaters when flushing. Moreso in my two strokes because the adapter has a built in valve so I can easily turn on water flow after engine is running and turn it off prior to shutting down engines.