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Step 1
Attach the safety lanyard. The lanyard is designed to shut off the engine if the rider falls. It must be in place for the jet ski to start.
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Step 2
Use the choke. Most jet skis are equipped with a button or lever that will reduce the amount of air in the fuel during ignition. Once the engine is running smoothly, release the choke.
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Step 3
Give it a little throttle. Simply getting more fuel to the engine can aid ignition.
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Step 4
Fill the main and reserve fuel tanks with fresh gasoline. Jet skis often lack a fuel gauge, and an empty gas tank is often the problem.
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Step 5
Add a bottle of Drygas or some denatured alcohol to the tank. This aids gasoline combustion after a long period of storage.
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Step 6
Siphon the fuel tank. Water is heavier than gasoline, and will settle to the bottom of the tank. Remove all liquid from the tank and refill it with fresh gasoline.
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Step 7
Check the oil. If it is low, fill it up with the proper type of motor oil. Also, some jet skis may require a mixture of gasoline and oil for fuel.
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Step 8
Recharge the battery. A battery may lose its charge after a long period of storage. If the battery continues to fail, it needs to be replaced.
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Step 1
Check the jet intake for obstructions. Weeds, sand and fish can clog the intake. Many jet-propelled watercraft are built to easily slide the impeller housing open without using tools or removing the craft from the water.
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Step 2
Check the impeller. Obstructions or simple wear-and-tear can cause the fins of the impeller to break. You may still have enough thrust to travel slowly to shore.
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Step 3
Replace the impeller if it appears to be broken, cracked, or bent.
