Jet Ski and the Perils of Oil                  

A splash, a sunset, and serenity – Your jet ski is a beautiful opportunity to escape boredom and live your life. However, as fun as a jet ski is, there are certain environmental bills that it comes with, and so, you need to read this blog.

A significant share of the operating costs for you will be from the motor oil, which allows your ski to move through the water. 

Motor oil in jet skis is notorious for getting dirty quickly. It also loses its effectiveness due to saltwater and becomes harmful to the engine. Dirty motor oil idling in your engine can damage internal surfaces and corrode them. In general, it is recommended that you change your engine oil after every 50 hours of use or at least once a year.

Additionally, if you don’t plan to ride your jet ski for more than a month, it is safer to drain out the oil. Draining the engine oil is also a vital part of winter-proofing your jet ski. 

An oil extractor, thus, becomes a handy tool that does the job without leading to dirty hands or harmful oil spills.

What Does an Oil Extractor Do

Oil extractors are attachable/ portable pumps that you can use to extract motor oil from engine parts. Jet skis invariably use motor oil to keep their parts cool and running. Taking it out, however, is not a simple matter of opening the bottom latch.

This is why you need to invest in a motor oil extractor. If you are still on the fence, the following might help convince you of an oil extractor’s potential:

  • Costs

Oil changes are a necessary and common expense for all jet ski owners. However, that does not mean it comes cheap. A trip to the mechanic for an oil change can cost you upwards of $200. You can easily save this recurring expense with an oil extractor and get it done for much less.

  • Reliable

Despite your best efforts, there is always the lingering possibility that some oil may remain with dust and unnecessary debris. This residual oil can settle down in the ski’s engine grooves and damage its internal system. Oil extractors remedy this situation. A long hose is well-suited to reaching the grooves and crevices that you may miss otherwise. Your engine will be emptied of all oil, extending the life of your ski by months and its value.

  • Safe to use and clean

Traditional means of oil extraction can leave you exhausted with permanent stains, black hands, and a lingering stench. Oil extractors can easily allow you to bypass all that trouble. The extractors come with a range of in-built safety features, which can help you handle engine oil safely. You will be able to direct and control the oil flow as needed.

  • Multi-purpose

Their use is not just limited to jet skis. An oil change is integral to the healthy functioning of several vehicles and utilities. Such vehicles include cars, bikes, and even, lawnmowers. In the case of jet skis, dirty oil impedes their functioning. An extractor will help you maintain them in proper shape and even extend their life.

Types of Oil Extractors for Jet Skis    

There are mainly three types of oil extractors:

  • Pneumatic Oil pumps

Pneumatic oil pumps offer a manual system to pump out the oil. Extraction using this system can take 10-20 mins. They are beneficial if you want to extract small quantities of oil with a few pumps. Their simple design makes them easy to use and intuitive even if you are a new user. These pumps also pull at a steady rate as you pump. Thus, by keeping an eye on the extracted oil, you can easily avoid spilling oil from overflow. Most pneumatic pumps are made of polyethylene and are sufficiently durable. However, their performance tends to decrease over time. 

  • Vacuum Oil pumps

Vacuum oil pumps work by creating a vacuum through subsequent pumps. They are more robust than pneumatic pumps, making the process faster. To extract the engine oil, insert the pipe through the dipstick hole. You need to ensure that the end of the line is under the oil. Usually, after around 15- 20 pumps, a sufficient vacuum is created. You can now release the valve connecting the oil pipe to a container and watch the oil flow neatly from the engine to the container. They can be powered manually or electrically. They are compact and easy to store. However, they can lose efficiency after a few months.

They are of two types:

  • Spherical: These are light-weight. These oil extractors get their name from an attached spherical oil reservoir that receives your oil. Some models also have screw-on caps on the side so that you can store your oil safely until you need them next. A measure on the side is an added utility that reads the exact amount of oil you extracted. 
  • Cylindrical: These are heavy-duty variants. Here, the attached reservoirs are cylindrical and have a larger capacity. Their base is supported, making them sturdier and safer. They also have an automatic shut-off switch, which helps control oil flow and prevent accidental leaks.
  •  Electrical Oil Extractors

These extractors are motor-operated. They are also, on the whole, faster than other types of extractors. Additionally, they don’t require manual supervision and efficiently remove every last ounce of oil. On the downside, they cost significantly more. Even then, you will find the price way lesser than the cost of changing oil at local service stations. The average oil flow rate offered is 3 liters/ min at 12 V. However, they get heated after some time and have small life spans.

Now that we understand the market’s offerings, let us look at the factors you need to consider before purchasing. While you are out there looking for oil extractors for your jet ski, keep an eye out for your specific needs, and do not compromise!

What to Look for When Choosing Oil Extractors

Oil extractors have, over time, diversified into a massive market of endless possibilities and options. To simplify this choice for you, check this list to see what features make the most sense for you specifically.

·         Portability

If you are looking for portable containers, a personal use pump will work well for you. Consider the shape, dimensions, and weight when looking for a pump. However, take care that the reservoir capacity is large enough to meet your engine’s requirements.

Oil extractors come in two varieties in this regard. They can either be mounted on your PWC or they can be separate. The mounted extractor will save you the hassle of carrying it separately. However, it is more suitable for larger jet skis and PWCs. 

  • Safety

A good oil extractor will come with built-in safety measures to ensure that you don’t end up making a mess. These safety features include a flow control valve and an automatic shut-off switch to prevent oil overflow. Further, look out for a suction pipe. They will let you direct the oil to another disposal container, preventing accidental spills.

  • Convenience

Check if the oil extractor is easy to use. Size here is a significant factor. Commercially sold oil extractors can have industrial range capacity as well. While these may come with add-on features, you might not need them all, and their gigantic structure may be overwhelming. The extractor must be able to pump directly into a disposal container.

You can also look out for additional features like multiple pipes, making the process even quicker and easier.

  • Capacity

Oil extractors come in a range of reservoir sizes, ranging around 1.5 to 19.5 liters. A lower capacity is usually enough for personal use. If you want a higher capacity, understand that you will find yourself compromising on portability. Here, you can look out for wheels that will help you carry it around.

  • Durability

Oil extractors are meant to be used for a long time. Further, its build and features should last you for a long time as well and shouldn’t need a frequent reparation. Before you buy an oil extractor, it is a good practice to check user reviews and the brand’s quality.

  • Material and Sturdiness

Oil extractors can be made of either plastic or metal. Plastic makes the extractors lighter and less expensive. On the other hand, while pricey, metal extractors are more durable. 

  • Extraction and dispersal

Many oil extractors don’t come with a dispersal facility. Often, skiers end up compromising on the latter and end up manually pouring the oil through a small dipstick hole. To make sure you don’t end up making a mess, get an oil extractor that will also help you refill the engine.

  • Speed 

Other perks to look out for are those that can help you extract oil faster. While not necessary, having large diameter nylon tubes and strong action in the pump can significantly speed up the task. However, it is essential to note that the tube’s diameter should be small enough to be easily inserted into the dipstick hole.

  • Compatibility

To make the best use of certain features, you might need to check if they are compatible with your jet ski. For example, auto motor extractors often rely on your jet ski’s battery for power. If you want to opt for them, make sure they are compatible with the ski’s battery. Similarly, if you prefer a mounted extractor, check to see if your ski has the space required for it.

  • Oil Extraction Kits

Often, you might need to account for additional purchases with your oil extractor. This is where oil extraction kits come in. They contain all the essentials a beginner may need for their first ski-oil job. Standard kits include an oil extractor, funnel, 4-5 quarts of engine oil, inlet and outlet pipes, as well as spare hose. Some also offer oil filters, additional o-rings, and a washer. These are efficient one-stop solutions for those who want to save time and money.

Managing Budgets- A Guide to Prices    

With this wide range of conveniences and options, the final decision needs to balance price and utility. These are the four major price categories you will need to choose from.

At the lower end, extractors can cost you around $15-$40. These are mostly manual, hand-held pumps. They will not have any safety or convenience features. If there is a reservoir, it will be very small. 

Around $40-$75 is the Goldilocks range for oil extractor prices. You will find the necessary safety features here. These oil extractors will also come with a reservoir with the minimum required capacity. These are more or less always portable. Some even come with multiple hoses to help you extract oil faster.

If you are in the market for more commercial options, most oil extractors above $75 are just right for you. The pumps here are much larger and have a considerable capacity. Here you can find the most features and convenience options. Further, to support their large capacity, some parts are made of metal, making them more resistant to damage and long-lasting.

For those interested in even cheaper DIY solutions, a regular hand pump/drill attached to a hose can work to extract oil too. You can buy these parts separately at your local hardware store. The combination can go for as cheap as $10- $20. However, note that they do not come with an attached container.

Final Thoughts 

Buying oil extractors is a long-term investment. However, we could say the same about buying a jet ski. A well-chosen extractor will last you some good years and will continue to serve with the same rigor and cleanliness. At the same time, a poorly made oil extractor can quickly slump under the pressure of handling oil. Here, it is essential to prioritize the factors that contribute to durability, like your oil extractor’s build, material, and brand. Next, aim for the basic safety features that will make the maintenance job easier for you. Lastly, we recommend talking with your friends and family who own oil extractors to help you make a decisive and satisfactory purchase.