Comprehensive Exhaust Filter Maintenance DIY - ⚠️NEEDED EVERY 25-50 HRS - Kawasaki Ultra 310 Jet Ski

[@JDsWaterWorld]

*Make sure to check out the video description for details on the typical cost of this service as well as a breakdown of the parts needed and their individual cost!*

[@jerplane400]

So, I just finished my exhaust filter replacement. Much like yours, the welds were broken but the honeycomb part was still in place. I did however have to deal with a stripped bolt and threads.! The 14mm at the back of the manifold was stripped when they assembled the engine!!! I have good pictures and micrometer measurements that I will be sending to Kawasaki. It was very frustrating to have to cut new threads and repair it. Thankfully it holds the proper torque so it won't be a problem for future 50 hours maintenance. I want to thank you again for the videos you put out! Even though I have the factory service manual, watching you do it first really helps when I go to do it myself! Your channel is awesome JD!

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Wow that’s not good at all! Good thing you are mechanically inclined and could fix it yourself. I really appreciate that you always take the time to comment, and am glad you are finding my videos useful! I would have been PISSED if that scenario had happened on my ski; worst case scenario you are still under warranty and can get them to replace the manifold. I didn’t mention this in the video (because I didn’t realize it at the time until someone commented about it) but the new pipes on our ski actually have an Allen pin after the exhaust filter that prevents the element from going down the water-box if (when) it fails!

[@jerplane400]

@@JDsWaterWorld Thanks JD. I'm just doing my part to try and grow your channel. I find your videos very useful and entertaining. You'll get me through this winter watching you ride and show me sunny Florida! Thinking about dragging my ski there after the first of the year and get an early taste of summer!! Thank you for taking the time to reply!

[@bobletkiewicz8818]

Followed your procedure. All good! After 50hrs, my exhaust filter showed a little carbon but perfectly intact and clean. I'm saving the filter to reuse. I sprayed it with WD40 and wraped ir up. I did put the new one in. I tried to get the filter out without taking off the exhaust but couldn't. Thankyou for this video it gave me the confidence to do it my self.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! So you ride in fresh water? Glad you were able to get it done! Yes I know of you remove the catch can, intercooler, all the ducts, and the starboard waterbox you can remove the lower exhaust pipe without having to unbolt the riser, but this takes more time than it’s worth to save money on a $40 gasket lol

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Appreciate you taking the time to show everyone how to change their exhaust filter. Great content JD. Oh and good catch, looks like just in time for sure. Billy D

[@PTUBE2023]

Awesome video thanks for sharing dear friend👍

[@oooEvilMonkeyooo]

Great vid as always JD!! This one was even funny too!!! Hope that rattling washer in the bilge doesn’t drive you crazy 😝

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Haha I actually got it- luckily it landed right on the intercooler bracket!

[@pauloecilaagm]

My ski got just 20 hrs, but I will be pending for this change in 50 hrs, although mi ski just ride in a lake(fresh water) thanks a lot dude

[@scott1111]

Keep up the videos and the good work ,thank you!! Just took the new ski home.

[@Gmtail]

Thanks for the video. I hope more people see it and realize the importance of maintaining these JetSkis. Just to add.. You can change the exhaust filter without taking off the exhaust pipe coming from the manifold. It’s an odd twist you have to do but I’ve done a bunch and gotten used to it. Saves on a gasket.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Thanks for the comment! Yes, well you can also remove the intercooler and then take the band off the water box and slide the lower pipe back without having to unbolt the riser…that stupid gasket was expensive too! I wanted to follow the factory procedure just as a demonstration- even though the factory procedures are sometimes more complicated!

[@LtCptAmerica]

How do you do it?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

@@LtCptAmerica I have done it both ways; to remove the exhaust filter without removing the pipe that interfaces with the manifold you need to unstrap the rubber band around the waterbox so that it can be moved backwards and the filter can me removed. To get to the band, I had to unbolt the intercooler. I prefer removing the entire assembly so that I can clean and inspect the manifold surface and clean everything out really well. The gasket is $28 I believe so yes, it can be done without removing the main exhaust pipe assembly..I found both methods take the same time.

[@pauloecilaagm]

Thanks JD excellent video as usual, you are the best rider and should be kawa employee

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Thanks Paulo you have some great Kawi content too with your LX! Haha Kawi should send me some gas money 😂😂😂

[@the14thcreed]

Thank you, this will come in handy

[@floridadreamrides]

Thanks JD for Sharing a DYI video to educate ppl how to do it properly, and Save alot of money, Again it's very important to Ck and replace at 50hrs, Kspeed is who I use for any performance parts as they exceed Riva, just installed the Atmospheric Trumpet per there recommendations to get fresher air into the intercooler, please consider, Really appreciate all of your maintenance video's, it's so important to maintain these Ski's, and keep them Clean, I have always used a Silicone base lubricate in the Engine Compartment , not to get Oil near the Supercharger belt, just my opinion, Thanks for sharing the info on the thumb nuts for the Engine Cover, Hope we can get together soon and Ride

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Thanks for the comment Terry, yes hope we get to ride together some day soon! I actually just reached to out Kspeed to see how many degrees the trumpet reduces intake temps. What are your intake temps? I run an average of around 114 degrees in this heat! Riva is only good for SeaDoo and Yamaha stuff..Kspeed are the true Kawi guys! So the Lear Corrosion Block actually is completely safe for the belt and pulleys! In fact, I spray down the pulley face. Something like wd-40, however, I’d keep far far away from the belt!

[@floridadreamrides]

@@JDsWaterWorld Thanks, Am trying to ride next weekend and will monitor intake temps and compare to yours and let you know, I was afraid to use Lear Corrosion block on these Super charge Ski's for fear of the oil getting on the Belt, perhaps''s I will use it everywhere else except the Belt area. Use CRC 656 on alot of Area's as well, Alot of good products to Help fight the Salt

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yeah anything is better than nothing. The salt is brutal! I flush with salt away and spare no time washing down and cleaning my ski and as you saw- the exhaust filter literally implodes at exactly 50 hours!

[@jerplane400]

JD, Thank you so much for posting the maintenance videos for the Ultra 310 ski's! I totally agree with owner maintenance. I think you really help by posting the "how to" videos! Also, thanks for taking the time to post part numbers and cost. Your channel is awesome! Do you get your parts online or local? Have you completed the handlebar pivot lube? Thanks again for taking the time to create these awesome videos!!!

[@JDsWaterWorld]

No problem at all, Im thrilled that you and others are enjoying the channel and share my passion for these Kawasaki Jet Skis! I have not done the handlebar pivot, but it’s on my list! Nobody local had the parts I needed, and Riva was trying to price gouge me, so I ordered them from www.4-tecperformance.com they are part of Greenhulk.

[@christiancaban2603]

Thanks for making all of your videos I watch every one of them

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Haha thanks man! Hope they help…I saw a major gap in rider- generated content and info and that’s why I made this channel

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

Wow. Excellent video. You are an amazing instructor. I really believe now that I can do some of my own maintenance. BTW, how much would a service / dealer charge to replace exhaust filter/?/??

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Thanks for the comment as always! I believe this service would be about $500 at a dealer and they are very slow..they’d have your ski for a few days, but it can be done at home in about 2 hrs or less

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

@@JDsWaterWorld I just saw a video called KAWASKI exhaust delete. Seems like something that gets around changing exhaust filter. What is your opinion?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

The Kawasaki Ultra 310 Jet Ski Exhaust Filter Debate - Will removing the filter cause damage? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmawg2ajfq-Ji9E

[@bobletkiewicz8818]

Thank you!

[@JDsWaterWorld]

You are welcome!

[@kkutube1972]

Thank you.

[@flyboymd68]

Great Video.. Thanks for all the great service videos.. Question - Where did you get the thumb screws for the engine cover? I don't see the video you reference on that mod. Thanks!

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Here is a link on Amazon to the thumb nuts: Knurled Thumb Nut 304 Stainless... www.amazon.com/dp/B09NQDTHLZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Thanks for watching! 😎✌🏻

[@mauidivah]

Great videos. These are a big help as I like to do my own maintenance. Are you gonna make a “Lubricate Handlebar Pivot (disassemble)” video? I notice it is apart of 25 hr recommend maintenance.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

You actually are like the 5th person who has asked about that so I definitely will! Stay tuned I will try to out a video together in the next month or so. I actually really need to do this maintenance on my ski!

[@ellgeee1871]

thank you bruh

[@JDsWaterWorld]

No problem man! Thanks for watching my channel!

[@alluccioni7408]

thank you

[@JDsWaterWorld]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@Bignardo18]

Just did this on mine but with a riva filter spacer theres no need to remove the upper pipe when replacing the exhaust filter😂

[@JDsWaterWorld]

When replacing the filter you need to either remove the whole pipe or remove the band around the waterbox and slide it backwards so that you can fit the new filter in. Bending that blue coupler will stretch it out and cause it to start leaking…

[@imx3001]

Thanks for your video. Awesome. Btw did you really make a video how you clean inside? By saltaway? A link would be much appreciated. My store didnt mentioned every 50hours replacement. But good you helped me out bro.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

So you can’t really clean the exhaust filter- you must replace it with a new filter and new gaskets each time. Salt Away does extend the maintenance, but not by much.

[@giljunior7494]

Great video !!! Is this the same procedure for the 2017 Ultra LX ?? And if so, do you happen to have the part number for the exhaust filter ?? Thank you.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Dude…read the video description- I give you the part numbers for the filter and all gaskets as well as the cost. Yea it’s the same for 2017 just the engine cover is different and you don’t have the dummy peg that prevents the filter from going into the waterbox

[@giljunior7494]

Got it. Thanks.

[@alluccioni7408]

Thank you so much for this informative Video. Just spent over $2,000.00.foe pump impeller, vane. I am looking to purchase a 2019 Ultra 310X Repair manual. so I can do many of the repairs my self. Any Idea when I can purchase the repair or service manuals. Thank you

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Al, thanks for watching! You can buy the manual for you ski directly from the Kawasaki website- those direct from the factory are the best ones I’ve seen!

[@jaxcamino9356]

but can you just unscrew thoose 4 while is still in the ski..and just pull one side or it really has to go out

[@JDsWaterWorld]

You can, you must remove band on the water box to slide it backwards. Some people will have difficulty removing this band

[@jaxcamino9356]

@@JDsWaterWorld Thank you

[@christiancaban2603]

Although I’m curious to know why you didn’t install the exhaust filter bypass? What are the pros and cons to run the Ultra without the exhaust filter?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

This filter is absolutely critical and should not be removed or bypassed for any reason. The filter is instrumental in preventing condensation from reaching the exhaust valves the manifold, and ultimately the cylinder head. The filter is very effective at preventing corrosion buildup. The filter is designed to sacrifice itself, while protecting the engines critical internal components. The engineers a Kawasaki designed this component, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t trust them to deliver the most reliable and efficient design.

[@christiancaban2603]

@@JDsWaterWorld thanks for the info I was reading exactly what you’re saying at the green hulk forum. VERY IMPORTANT PART 👍🏻

[@Ultra310x]

JD can the filter be changed without removing the manifold? Couldn't you just loosen both clamps that go into the water box and wiggle it out or it just easier doing it the way you show. Have the gaskets for the filter but not for the manifold yet and wanted to see if it could be done. As always great video

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yes, you must loosen the band around the waterbox, and then you can slide the waterbox back and loosen the coupler, and then you can replace the filter the way you have described.

[@Ultra310x]

@JDsWaterWorld thank you sir

[@davidhips8754]

What is the purpose of this Filter ? What if it is not installed. Is this just an EPA Required products that would make this ski run better and cleaner without this filter ?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

I have done a few videos on it- I removed my filter: The Kawasaki Ultra 310 Jet Ski Exhaust Filter Debate - Will removing the filter cause damage? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmawg2ajfq-Ji9E

[@LtCptAmerica]

Having a hard time removing the blue rubber piece from the water box seems to be stuck on there any recommendations?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Is it an older ski? Is the exhaust pipe still attached? You don’t need to remove the coupler from the waterbox, just loosen the top clamp and pull upwards on the exhaust pipe and it should come off. You could always cut it off with a box cutter and replace the coupler but not sure how much it costs

[@andrewmoleski6171]

What are the symptoms for a bad exhaust filter?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Usually Loss of performance, and or higher than normal engine temp

[@mikewest8450]

So The Naturally Aspirated 1500 Ultra Lx's, this service does not apply right?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Correct Mike, this only applies to the 310! The Ultra LX 160 pretty much only requires regular oil changes and is extremely easy to maintain.

[@mikewest8450]

@@JDsWaterWorld yes thanks! Those 310 are beasts. I've already lost many hats and sunglasses pinned at 58 mph 🤣😂🤣

[@alainbrouillette7740]

I wonder as what if you remove it completely and run without it ?? What could happen ?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

It’s a critical component and should not be removed..the filter prevents condensation from building up inside the combustion chamber and on the exhaust valves. Removing the filter will severely reduce engine life- especially if the ski is stored for long periods of time.

[@alainbrouillette7740]

@@JDsWaterWorld Thanks .

[@nathanshears5980]

If the problem is the weld on the filter and not the honeycomb itself degrading, why can’t you just get your first replacement filter and get a pro welder to run a small as possible tig weld fully around it instead of that insufficient stitch weld???

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Some have done that, I don’t want to mess with the filter at all. The filter is really for those who are too lazy to take the time to blow out at the waterboxes after riding..As long as you clear water out and fog the ski adequately before storage it will be fine

[@nathanshears5980]

@@JDsWaterWorld yeah I get ya…. Hey you wouldn’t happen to know the range of your na ultra would you??? I saw your vid on the 310lxs getting about 80miles…. A mate and I are chatting and wondering what the difference would be….

[@davidjordan5925]

Does the 2012 300x have this?????

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yes

[@Podchynok]

Do 160lx have the same?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

No, the 160 naturally aspirated skis do not have an exhaust filter

[@the14thcreed]

Not even 30 hours on mine and the welds are completely failed

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Yeah that’s par for the course…mine last about that long as well

[@JDsWaterWorld]

@mattwebs14 go comment on @lucamtire he investigated the welds breaking further and his machinist believes there may be an issue with the welding robot. I suggest you contact Kawasaki and inform them that your exhaust filter failed due to bad welds..maybe if enough people report an issue something can be done. I go though a filter every 30/35 hrs or so with my riding style. You have to learn how to do it yourself or just put a bypass plate (will prob void your warranty if you have one)

[@tcyr14]

@@JDsWaterWorld Hey JD, why not ditch the exhaust filter completely and you the exhaust filter bypass kit from Kawi Performance? I have it installed on my ski now and the only direction from KP was that you blow out as much water as you can once you turn the hose off from flushing the ski. However, Im curious to know if there is a down side to using this bypass kit and if it would have any effect on water circulation through the exhaust manifold and leaks from the exhaust pipe manifold gasket. I'm on my 3rd exhaust pipe gasket and can't seem to get it to seal correctly bc it leaks out at WOT only. Should I go back to using the OEM exhaust filter? Correction : I guess I should have read further through your comments on other related videos bc I see that many people have asked you the same question about the bypass kit and your answer is to avoid corrosion on the valves, head, and manifold. However, I did notice that in your video you mentioned the exhaust pipe gasket sits on the manifold a specific way(flat side down)and I always thought they were the same on both sides. So maybe, just maybe that might be the issue why it leaks still at WOT only.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

So your leak is at the clover gasket? Try using a fine scotch brite pad to clean the mating surfaces very well. Then use Permatex Cooper gasket spray and follow the instructions to coat each side of the gasket. Toque all bolts to spec and follow the factory sequence to torque properly ( bolt groups A, B, C) and avoid warping the pipe. The orientation of the clover gasket doesn’t matter but sounds like either your mating surfaces are warped/pitted or you’re not torquing in the right sequence or the right torque. Using an oem gasket? Don’t forget they are one time use- but I think you know that. And yes, my opinion is that the filter (while annoying to change) is necessary with the updraft style exhaust. I trust KP and think they are some of the most knowledgeable guys around on the Kawis, but I personally don’t want to delete the filter on my personal ski.

[@tcyr14]

@@JDsWaterWorld The clover gasket being the 4 whole gasket part # 11061-3762 then yes that gasket.I did clean the surface with a P320 grit paper bc KP recommended it when they have the same problem though I saw you use P500 so I hope 320 isn't too tough on it. I will try using the permatex copper gasket spray as directed and torque in the proper sequence to see if that all helps. You did mention in another video that the gasket goes flat side down, but there isn't much of a lip/raise on the other side of the gasket so maybe it doesn't matter but ill still put the flatter side down on the manifold. If the surfaces is warped/ pitted with the gasket spray help with that or can that only be fixed by replacing the manifold? BTW thanx for your prompt response and truly appreciate your maintenace videos!!

[@IHadToMakeThisAccount]

This is a flawed desgin from Kawasaki, the non superhcarged and early 250/260's didn't have this exhaust filter nor do any of the Yamahas or Sea-Doos

[@JDsWaterWorld]

It’s not flawed, it’s intentional. The 250s and 260s suffered from rust on the heads, valves, and plugs due to excessive condensation. The updraft design of the manifold necessitates the use of this filter to reduce condensation. The Yamahas crack heads and the seadoos eat superchargers and sink ( go read the public forum posts ) I’ll take changing a filter every 50 hours…that being said, Kawasaki should release a salt-water version of the filter made from stainless steel.

[@IHadToMakeThisAccount]

@@JDsWaterWorld but that what im saying the manifold and water distribution is flawed, and they dont want to redesign it so instead theyintenionally started using this filter on the 300's , the non supercharged Kawis dont have the same wet spark plug issues and they dont have an exahaust filter. All watercraft get rust on the valves and all watercarft have their issues im no fan boy of any, but i just think the filter is a poor band aid to the flawed manifold, i have mine tuned and i picked up 1.6mph by just removing the filter and better accelration.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

I get what you’re saying- yeah there is definitely room for improvement. I’m going to go broke from replacing those filters lol. And you’re right my 2021 160 LX has no issues like that.

[@davidhips8754]

This sounds like a pain in the butt item to fix and a moneymaker for the dealership. But, I am still betting on this being an EPA product that the ski could do without. Prove me wrong ?

[@JDsWaterWorld]

It has nothing to do with EPA and is actually designed to prevent condensation build-up inside the engine when the ski is stored.