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Just purchased used 2004 FX HO cruiser want to do a tune up

12K views 15 replies 5 participants last post by  yama04 
#1 ·
I just recently purchased a 2004 FX HO cruiser and wanted to start off fresh with new plugs and an oil change.

Does anyone recommend a good website to get the plugs (NGKCR8EB) and oil filter? I have checked my local autozone, pepboys etc and cant seem to find the plugs or the filter. I would like to put a K&N on it. I have found a fram at advance autoparts but would prefer the the KN.

Thanks in advance!!!

Mark
 
#2 · (Edited)
I always get mine from Amazon. You can't beat their prices, especially if you are a Prime member. You need the K&N 303. It is much better than the Yamaha filter, and has a lug on the end that makes getting it off much easier: Amazon.com: K&N KN-303 Motorcycle/Powersports High Performance Oil Filter: Automotive Avoid Fram filters!!!


They also have the plugs:
Amazon.com: NGK (7784) CR8EB Traditional Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive


Be sure not to overfill the oil............very common mistake on this engine. Oil level should only be checked when the engine is HOT, never cold. You need to run it on the hose at least 10-12 minutes, and even then the engine will not be hot enough to give an accurate reading, but close enough to do the change. Shoot for 1/2 between high and low marks on the stick, then when you have it on the water after riding for at least 15 minutes, check it immediately after you get off the ski while its in the water to get an accurate reading.

Carry some spare spark plugs with you on the ski. A fouled spark plug is the most common cause of any performance problems with this model. If something isn't running right, always change the plugs as a first step. Also be very careful not to over torque the plugs, they will snap off easily. Use a torque wrench (I think it is only around 9 ft lbs.).
 
#3 ·
Thanks Ernest! You probably get sick of answering the same questions. I ordered the plugs and the K&N. Next is oil. I run Amsoil in everything I got now, do you have any recommendations? Can I pick up PWC oil at West marine? or should I pay the big bucks for the amsoil?

Another question. After warming the engine and sucking the oil out how can I ensure the ski is level? Should I put a level on the trailer? or is there a better way to level it.

Thanks for the guidance. I think I got a good unit here. very little rust but the speedo wheel is completely gone, I ordered another, not sure how much work that will be to replace, its the whole assembly!

Mark
 
#4 · (Edited)
Yea get it good and warm on the hose and suck out the old oil. Just eyeball the level. The way this system works it doesn't have to be absolutely level, since you are just sucking oil out of the oil tank and not the rest of the engine. If you can get 2.5 quarts out you are doing good. I suspect (but have not tested it myself) that you may be able to get a little more out with the nose of the ski slightly down. Try to get your oil extraction hose down the holes in this photo, but be careful on the rectangular holes they have sharp edges that can cut the hose.


I also like Amsoil. I run their 4 stroke marine oil in mine. Be sure to run 10W-40 if you go with Amsoil. As you know Amsoil is more expensive. I've heard good things about Quicksilver marine oil. I'd say anything you find with an FC-W rating will be fine. Of course you cannot go wrong with Yamalube.

Replacing the whole speedo sender unit should not be too hard, except for the wiring. I've replaced the wheel, but never the entire unit. I don't know how the wire attaches to the unit, but hopefully an easy couple of screws. Should be a 5 minute job.
 
#11 ·
I also just purchased a 2004 fx ho, have you put it in the ater yet ? Reason for this ?, I ran mines today for the first time and it only gave me 41 to 45 mph, with a 8000 rpm....
First be sure its not in "limited" mode. How many beeps do you hear when you hit the unlock button on the remote (should be 2 beeps for normal mode. 3 beeps = limited mode which is 8000 rpms).

If its in normal mode and you are still getting only to 8000 rpms the next step is to change the spark plugs and try again. Sounds like you are running on 3 cylinders. You should be hitting 10000 rpms and around 58-59 mph. If the above do not work, report back.....you may have a clogged fuel injector.
 
#16 ·
I bought a used 04 FX Cruiser HO and had precisely the same experience. The previous owner had apparently overfilled the oil tank. There was oil spray under the air filter cover. The tank on these skis is supposed to be measured with a hot engine. If you do it with a cold engine the oil won't even hit the bottom of the dipstick and the tendency is to overfill it.

The ski ran 41 MPH and 8,000 RPM. It stalled during warm ups when decelerating and also the engine warning light and sounder went off occasionally on sudden decelerations especially if pulling a tube.

I suctioned out two + quarts of oil, changed the filter and put one quart back in. (Hot engine reflected oil level at the halfway point which lots of people tell me is right where you want it). I changed all four spark plugs which were fouled. I ordered a new air filter but it hadn't arrived when I went to the lake. I wouldn't normally recommend running without an air filter but I had to try it out. I was getting a full 10,000 RPMs and indicated 61 MPH. The speedo is driven by a sheel on the bottom of the boat that isn't all that accurate but the ski was REAL fast. Good luck with it.
 
#12 ·
Houston we have lift off !!!!

IT was exactly what u said... I open the engine cover, and one of the spark plug wires wasn't connected.. Cylinder 1.. Took it out today ,58 , rpm 10000.. Thanks Ernest T, the han solo of yamaha , lol !!!!!!, now I have one ?, how can I get 5 to 10 mph faster ????
 
#13 ·
how can I get 5 to 10 mph faster ????
Glad you got it fixed.

For around $1000 you can buy 4-5 more mph from either:
R & D Performance: R&D - Performance Kits - Yamaha - FX H/O - Stage 1 Kit

or Riva Motorsports: RIVA Racing `07~04 Yamaha FX-HO RPM Kit

Around 64 mph is pretty much the top limit on the older FX HOs. If you want to go faster, save your $$$ for a FZR/FZS. They are upgradable to 85+ mph if you have another $6000 in addition to the price of the ski.
 
#15 ·
The RIVA kit includes sponsons and a free flow exhaust pipe that do not come with the R&D kit. The sponsons don't contribute anything to speed, but may make it handle slightly better in the turns. It is debatable as to whether the free flow exhaust does anything other than make the ski louder.

Other items in the kit are essentially identical. Some guys claim the RIVA grate gives a little better top end speed, and the R&D grate gives better hook up in rough water.

I tend to favor the R&D kit, just because I like their intake grate better, but I doubt you would notice any significant mph difference between the 2.
 
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