Originally Posted by Ernest T

Winterization:

1. Fill the gas tank and add fuel stabilizer (Stabil Marine, and Startron are the 2 products that have proved the best in independent testing). Look at the bottle for how much to add. You want to use the "storage" amount listed. For Stabil Marine its 1 oz. per 5 gal. I'd add 4 oz. to your FX HO, which has an 18+ gal. tank (a little extra won't hurt anything). Personally, I recommend adding a fuel injector cleaner also. Yamaha Ring Free Plus is the best, Seafoam is another choice as is Techron. Run this mix through the engine for 15 minutes on the hose. Disconnect the hose and run the engine dry for 15 seconds, blipping the throttle to blow excess water out of the exhaust system.

2. Change the oil right after doing the above while the engine is still hot. Combustion contaminates in oil are acidic and can damage metal engine parts if left sitting in the engine during long storage. Therefore, putting in fresh oil as part of the winterization is a good idea.

3. Now wait a couple of hours or the next day (when the engine is completely cool), and run the engine again for 15 seconds dry, blipping the throttle to force out excess water from the system (it helps if the bow is up and the stern is down during this step). Repeat this process until no water comes out (usually 2-3 times). Now there is no need for antifreeze.

4 On the last dry run (step 3), fog the engine, but don't hit the throttle during this step.........just let the engine idle for 15 sec. while you apply the fogging oil. Yamaha recommends fogging the engine for any storage period, and this step will keep valves and piston rings from damage. On the older FX HOs you just spray fogging oil into the air intakes after you remove the air filter. On the newer FX HOs you remove the hose from the oil separator to the engine and spray the fogging oil in that hose for 5 seconds while the engine is running at idle.

5. Wash and wax and completely dry the ski inside and out.

6. Spray a coat of anti-corrosive spray on the engine and metal parts exposed around the pump. Fluid Film is the #1 choice, followed by CRC 656 or Corrosion X.

7. Remove the battery and place on a tender. Note the original Yamaha battery is flooded type and you will need to check the water level. Add distilled water to each cell to get it to the full line. You will probably need to add water at least once over the winter. If you have an AGM type of battery, be sure you use a compatible type of battery tender, or you may ruin your battery.

8. Put the cover on the ski, and add an additional cover (tarp) if it will be stored outside (the OEM cover is not waterproof). Therefore add a tarp etc. If you do add an additional cover I recommend putting a Damp Rid in the ski to help prevent mold, since an additional cover will reduce the venting and lead to moisture build up from condensation. Its also a good idea to get the trailer tires off the ground if you are storing outside. Some bricks under the axles, etc. will do the trick. This will prevent flats from developing on the tires over the winter. Not a bad idea to spray the trailer springs, hubs, etc. with some anti-corrosive spray before storage (Fluid Film, CRC 656, or Corrosion X).