When it comes to maintaining your Sea‑Doo, knowing the oil capacity is essential. The 4‑TEC Rotax engine family includes numerous variants, from the powerful triple‑cylinder 1503 and 1630 engines to the smaller 900 ACE. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of their oil capacities.
SeaDoo 4-TEC Engine Oil Capacity
| Model / Engine | Displacement (cc) | Oil Capacity (w/ Filter) | Total Oil Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotax 1503 4‑TEC (NA) | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) | Base engine from early 2000s |
| Rotax 1503 4‑TEC SCIC | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) | Supercharged version |
| Rotax 1500 HO ACE | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) | High output, newer variant |
| Rotax 1503 4‑TEC iS | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | Intelligent Suspension model |
| Rotax 1630 ACE NA | 1,630 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) | Found in GTI SE 170, etc. |
| Rotax 1630 ACE HO | 1,630 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | Found in GTR 230, GTX 230 |
| Rotax 1630 ACE Supercharged | 1,630 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | Used in RXT-X 300, GTX 300 |
| Rotax 900 ACE (Spark Base) | 899 cc | 2.1 qt (2.0 L) | 3.6 qt (3.4 L) | Spark and Spark Trixx |
| Rotax 900 HO ACE | 899 cc | 2.1 qt (2.0 L) | 3.6 qt (3.4 L) | More power than base Spark |
| Rotax 4‑TEC Wake Pro 215 | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) | Mid-2000s Wake edition |
| Rotax 4‑TEC GTX Limited 260 | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | Supercharged touring model |
| Rotax 4‑TEC RXP-X 255 / 260 | 1,494 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) | High-performance versions |
| Rotax 1630 ACE RXP-X 300 | 1,630 cc | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | Current race platform |
Oil Change Tip:
Only ~65% of the total oil is usually removed during standard service (dipstick tube extraction). If replacing the filter, expect to refill around 2.1 qt for 900 ACE, and 3.2 qt for 1503/1630 engines. Never overfill, run the engine, and recheck the dipstick after warm-up.
Best Engine Oil For SeaDoo 4-TEC Engines
1. XPS 4-Stroke Synthetic Blend Oil 5W-40
Recommended by BRP for Sea-Doo 4-TEC engines.
- Specifically formulated for Rotax marine engines
- Provides excellent wear and corrosion protection
- Performs reliably in high temperatures and extreme conditions
- Suitable for both naturally aspirated and supercharged models
2. Castrol POWER1 4T 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
A high-performance synthetic oil compatible with 4-stroke engines.
- Meets JASO MA and API SL standards
- Designed for high RPM and temperature performance
- Fast oil flow for quick engine protection
- Enhanced acceleration response
3. Valvoline 4-Stroke Marine SAE 10W-40 Engine Oil
Marine-grade oil tailored for powersports and PWC engines.
- Protects against rust and corrosion from saltwater exposure
- Contains anti-wear additives for prolonged engine life
- Stable viscosity for consistent lubrication under stress
- Ideal for wet clutch applications in marine engines
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Best Practices for Oil Changes
1. Warm Up & Pre‑Drain Procedure
Sea‑Doo recommends warming the engine, then briefly running it at high RPM (around 4,000 RPM for 10 seconds) to shift oil from storage areas to the sump, maximizing oil extraction.
2. Use of Extractors
Because Sea‑Doos lack a traditional drain plug, many owners use oil extractors to remove fluid via the dipstick tube. This method, repeated along with revving, helps remove as much oil as possible.
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FAQs
How much oil goes in a jetski?
The amount of oil a jetski takes depends on the engine type and model. Most Sea-Doo 4-TEC models require around 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) of oil during an oil change with filter. Total engine oil capacity may range from 3.6 to 5.3 quarts (3.4 to 5.0 liters), depending on the specific engine, such as the 900 ACE or 1630 ACE.
What is the engine specs of the Sea-Doo 4‑TEC?
The Sea-Doo 4‑TEC engines are Rotax 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, inline engines. Early versions had a 1,494 cc displacement, while newer models like the 1630 ACE series feature 1,630 cc displacement. These engines may be naturally aspirated or supercharged, producing between 130 HP and 300 HP, and feature closed-loop cooling systems, fuel injection, and overhead camshaft (OHC) technology.
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What size engine is the 2004 Sea‑Doo GTX 4‑TEC?
The 2004 Sea-Doo GTX 4‑TEC came equipped with a 1,494 cc Rotax 4‑TEC engine, a 3-cylinder 4-stroke motor. Depending on the trim, it could be naturally aspirated or supercharged (GTX 4-TEC SC), producing between 155 HP and 185 HP.
What oil to use in Sea-Doo 4‑TEC?
Sea‑Doo recommends using 4-stroke synthetic oil formulated for powersports, specifically the XPS 4T 5W-40 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic 5W-40 engine oil. Always avoid automotive oils with friction modifiers, as they may harm the wet clutch and marine components. The oil should meet or exceed API SM or higher and JASO MA specifications.
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How much oil does a jet engine take?
Jet engines on personal watercraft (PWCs) like Sea-Doos use internal combustion 4-stroke engines, not aviation-style jet turbines. These typically require between 2.1 to 3.2 quarts (2.0 to 3.0 liters) of oil during routine oil changes. However, their total oil system capacity may be up to 5.3 quarts, depending on engine size and configuration.
How many liters does a jet ski hold?
This can refer to either engine oil or fuel capacity:
- Engine oil capacity: Varies between 3.4 to 5.0 liters total for Sea-Doo 4‑TEC engines.
- Fuel tank capacity: Most modern jet skis hold between 15 to 20 gallons (57 to 76 liters) of fuel. For example, a Sea-Doo GTX Limited has a 70-liter (18.5-gallon) fuel tank.
