Back

How to Flush and Clean Your Yamaha Personal Watercraft After Every Ride

May. 8 2025 Watercraft By RIVA Motorsports

Share

Proper maintenance is key to getting the most out of your Yamaha personal watercraft (PWC). At RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, FL, we know that routine care can mean the difference between years of riding fun and unexpected repairs—or diminished resale value.

In this RIVA How-To video, we walk you through the quick and easy steps to flush and clean your Yamaha Waverunner after a day on the water, especially after riding in saltwater. Below is a detailed breakdown so you can follow along and protect your investment.



🧰 What You’ll Need:

  • Freshwater hose with a manual shut-off valve

  • Bucket with fresh water

  • Mild detergent or PWC-safe cleaner

  • Salt-Away engine flush and dispenser

  • Soft sponge or wash mitt

  • Marine-grade lubricant (silicone-based)

  • Clean, dry towel

  • Hand siphon pump (for water removal)

🚿 Step 1: Flushing the Engine

Flushing the engine is one of the most important steps in PWC maintenance—especially if you’ve been riding in saltwater. You’ll find a designated flush port on your Yamaha PWC that connects to a standard garden hose.

Important:

  • Locate the flush port on your Yamaha Waverunner.
  • Screw on the Yamaha flush port adaptor to your garden hose (with the hose off)
  • Connect the flush adaptor to the flush port on your Yamaha Waverunner (water is still off)
  • Start the engine and then turn on the water.
  • Run at idle for approximately 3 minutes.
  • Turn off the water (leave the engine running).
  • Discharge the remaining water out of the cooling water passage by alternately squeezing and releasing the throttle lever quickly for 10 to 15 seconds. Once completed, turn off the water.
  • Yamaha PWCs don’t have a conventional water pump, so this sequence is crucial to avoid damage.

Note: The engine must always be running when the water is on and connected to the Waverunner.

🧼 Step 2: Washing the PWC Exterior

Once flushed, thoroughly rinse the hull, jet pump, engine bay, and trailer—especially all metal components that may have been exposed to saltwater.

✅ Keep the drain plugs open so water doesn’t collect in the hull.
✅ Tilt the trailer upward slightly to assist gravity drainage.
✅ Rinse downward to avoid forcing water into electrical components.

💧 Step 3: Remove Standing Water

Use a hand siphon pump to remove any water remaining in the hull or hard-to-reach compartments. Even small amounts of residual water can lead to corrosion over time.

🔧 Step 4: Dry & Protect

After rinsing, dry all surfaces with a soft towel. Then apply a light coat of silicone-based lubricant to metal parts in the engine bay and around the pump to protect from corrosion.

🛑 Optional: Storage Tips

If your PWC will be stored for an extended period:

  • Use a battery tender to maintain battery charge.

  • Add fuel stabilizer to keep gas fresh.

  • Store your craft in a covered or shaded area when possible.

📘 Don’t Forget Your Owner’s Manual

For model-specific instructions or maintenance intervals, always refer to your Yamaha Owner’s Manual.

At RIVA Motorsports, we’re more than just your go-to source for new and used personal watercraft—we’re your riding partner for life. Stay tuned for more RIVA How-To videos and tips to keep your ride performing like new.