2001 YAMAHA XL 800 ECU

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Pre-operation checks
Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the
accompanying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING
If any item in the pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected
and repaired before operating the watercraft, otherwise an accident could occur.
NOTE:
Pre-operation checks should be made thoroughly each time the watercraft is used. This pro-
cedure can be completed in a short time. It is worth the time spent to assure safety and reli-
ability.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Engine compartment Remove all seats and front storage compart-
ment to ventilate engine compartment. Check for
fuel vapors or loose electrical connections3-6
Bilge Check for water and fuel residue and remove if
necessary3-7
Throttle Check that the throttle lever springs back 3-10
Steering system Check for proper steering system operation 3-10
Shift lever and reverse gate Check for proper operation 3-11
Fuel and oil Check fuel and oil level and add if necessary
Check hoses and tanks for leakage3-6
Water separator Check for water and drain if necessary 3-7
Battery Check electrolyte level and battery condition 3-8
Front and rear seats Check that the seats are properly secured 2-5, 2-6
Hull/Deck Check the hull and deck for cracks or other dam-
age—
Jet unit Check for debris and remove if necessary 3-12
Fire extinguisher Check the condition and replace if necessary 3-9
Engine shut-off cord Check condition and replace is frayed or broken 3-12
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch and
engine shut-off switch for proper operation when
the watercraft is in the water3-13
Cooling water pilot outlet Check that water is discharged while the engine
is running and the watercraft is in the water3-13
Multifunction meter Check for warning indications and proper opera-
tion3-13
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Water separator
Check the water separator 1 for water.
Normally the water separator is empty. The
water separator retains any water entering
through the fuel tank breather hose if the
watercraft is capsized.
If water remains in the water separator,
drain it by removing the drain screw 2.
Install the drain screw again after draining
the water separator.
EJU00433a
Bilge
Check for moisture and fuel residue in the
bilge.
Excessive water in the bilge can splash
into the carburetor and engine which could
cause engine damage.
To remove water from the bilge:
1. Remove the stern drain plugs.
2. Raise the bow of the watercraft until the
water drains.
3. After the water has drained, wipe the
bilge with dry rags to make sure that the
bilge is thoroughly dry.
4. Install the drain plugs.
CAUTION:
●Make sure that the stern drain plugs
are tightened securely before launch-
ing the watercraft.
●Clean any foreign materials, such as
dirt or sand, from the drain plug
threads before installing the drain
plugs.
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Battery
Check the battery condition and the elec-
trolyte level.
Check that the battery leads are tightened
securely and there is no corrosion on the
battery terminals.
WARNING
The battery must always be fully charged
and in good condition. Loss of battery
power may leave you stranded. Never
operate the watercraft if the battery does
not have sufficient power to start the
engine or if it shows any other signs of
decreased power.
Make sure that the breather hose is prop-
erly connected and that it is not damaged or
obstructed.
Make sure that the battery is securely
held in place.
1Positive (+): Red lead
2Negative (–): Black lead
3Breather hose
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Fire extinguisher
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher
on board. The fire extinguisher container 1
is located in the front storage compartment.
To open the fire extinguisher container
cap2 turn it counterclockwise.
After inserting the fire extinguisher make
sure that the container cap is tightened
securely.
NOTE:
●See the instructions supplied by the fire
extinguisher manufacturer for checking
the fire extinguisher. Always keep the
extinguisher in the fire extinguisher con-
tainer.
●Always carry a fire extinguisher on board.
A fire extinguisher is not standard equip-
ment with this watercraft. If you do not
have one, contact a Yamaha dealer or a
fire extinguisher dealer to obtain one
meeting the proper specifications.
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Operation
WARNING
Before operating your watercraft,
become familiar with all controls. Con-
sult your Yamaha dealer about any con-
trol or function you do not fully
understand. Failure to understand how
controls work could cause an accident or
prevent you from avoiding an accident.
CAUTION:
Make sure that stern drain plugs are
securely tightened before launching the
watercraft.
EJU00459
Engine break-in
The engine break-in period is essential to
allow the various components of the engine
to wear and polish themselves to the correct
operating clearances. This ensures proper
performance and promotes longer compo-
nent life.
CAUTION:
●For the first tankful of operation, pre-
mix a 50:1 mixture of fuel and oil (in
addition to the oil in the oil tank).
●After break-in, use straight gasoline
for normal operation.
1. Launch the watercraft and start the
engine. (See pages 3-16 to 3-18 for
engine starting procedures.)
2. Run the engine at the lowest possible
speed for 5 minutes.
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Boarding with passengers
WARNING
Severe internal injuries can occur if
water is forced into body cavities as a
result of being near the jet thrust nozzle.
Do not apply throttle until each passen-
ger is seated with his or her feet on the
floor of the footwell and is holding on to
the person in front of him or her.
1. Climb on board as noted in the previous
section, and sit astride the seat. Attach
the engine shut-off cord to your wrist,
and then install the clip to the engine
shut-off switch.
2. Have the passenger move to the rear of
the watercraft.
3. Have the passenger get on board and sit
on the seat. If a second passenger is
getting on, have him or her follow the
same procedure.
NOTE:
When a passenger is getting on board, both
he and the operator should try to balance
the watercraft.
4. The operator should check to see that
the passengers have their feet on the
floor of the footwell and that they are
securely holding on to the person in front
of them.
5. Start the engine, look in all directions,
and then accelerate to planing speed.
WARNING
Before starting off, make sure that there
are no boats, obstructions, or swimmers
around you.
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Transporting
WARNING
Always place the fuel cock knob in the
“OFF” position when transporting the
watercraft, otherwise fuel could leak out
into the engine or engine compartment,
which would create a fire hazard.
When transporting the watercraft on a
trailer, secure the tie downs to the trailer
through the bow eye and stern rope hole.
CAUTION:
●Do not route ropes or tie downs over
the seat, as they may leave permanent
marks on the seat’s surface. Also,
wrap the ropes or tie downs with tow-
els or rags where they touch the body
of the watercraft to avoid scratching or
damage.
●Before putting the watercraft on the
trailer or transporting it, be sure to put
the shift lever in the forward position,
otherwise the reverse gate may hit an
obstruction, which may cause dam-
age.
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1. Put the watercraft on land in a horizontal
position.
2. Open the flushing hose connector cap 1,
and then inser t the garden hose adapter
2
into the flushing hose connector 3 and
turn it until it is securely connected.
3. Connect the garden hose adapter to a
water tap using a hose.
4. Start the engine, and then immediately
turn the water supply on until water flows
out continually from the cooling water
pilot outlet.
5. Run the engine at idling speed for about
3 minutes watching the engine condition.
If the engine stops while flushing, turn
the water supply off immediately and
repeat the above steps.
6. Turn the water supply off, and then force
the remaining water out from the cooling
passages by alternately squeezing, and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Remove the garden hose adapter and
secure the cap.
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