I just bought a the STX-12F with 30 hours. I don't have the owners manual. Need some pointers on service, especially oil change. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!! It is a great ride.

 

Here are some suggestions:
1. Get a genuine service manual, the greatest investment for your jetski.
2. Oil change - get a vacuum/sucktion type oil changer from boat parts place like west marine or boat us stores.
3. Get any water out of engine compartment after riding. Corrosion is the worst enemy to your engine.

 

I really appreciate your response. I have already ordered the shop manual and an oil extraction pump. Any other pointers on the care of the 4 stroke would be appreciated. I am very familiar with the 2 stroke 750, but this is my first of the four strokes. What oil would you recommend for the 4 stroke?

 

Oil is the life-blood of any 4-stroke engines.... don't cheap out on oil.
Get a sythetic 10W-30 or 40, like Mobil-1 or Amsoil. And use Kawi's genuine oil filter. It's bit more $$, but conside how much you spent on your 1200STX-4...

Use highest octane avail to avoid piston detonation.
Don't let #1 & #2 spark plug wires come near.
Don't let #3 & #4 spark plug wires come near.
They will cause electromagnetic interference and spark over-advance may occur.
If you look at 2 igintion coils, you would know why.

When storing jetski, place a 2x4 under the seat so that engine compartment can breathe and avoid humidity built up.

Spray generous amount of WD-40 on metal surface of engine and throttle body area.

 

My two cents on the oil change.

First, you should probably register with pwctoday.com as it is a much more active site, and has a ton of detail on this, and other 12F subjects.

Items covered over there include:

alternative oil filters
types of wrench
types of oil
handy hints
body position to reach the filter

Use only a Marine based oil.

If you want to use synthetic, wait till after the second oil change at around 50 hours. I'm not 100% sure. But, the only oil that meets the spec's for this is Amsoil

To get your hand on the filter, kneel with your right knee in the left side foot well.

IMHO, use the regular gas that the spec's call for. Also, be certain that the recall on the vent hose was done.

Make sure you snug up the water line clamps. Check them frequently.

I use CRC Heavy Duty Anti Corrosion, rather than WD 40 to coat surfaces with.

If you are an aggressive rider, keep a bunge cord wrapped around the seat, attached to the rear eyelets. I use the same color as the hand strap. Be sure to change it out, if you have riders often.

Have Fun !

 

Getting off the old engine oil from the right side of the engine might be little difficult because there is not much room between the engine and the side of the hull. But it is do-able. As for the filter wrench, you may want to get a P/N 57001-1249 from a Kawi dealer (but very pricey). It's a slim design and gives a perfect fit on the genuine Kawi oil filter.