2003 YAMAHA FX engine

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EJU19960
Turning the watercraft
Steering control depends on the combi-
nation of handlebar position and the amount
of throttle.
Water sucked in through the intake grate
is pressurized by the impeller in the jet
pump. As the pressurized water is expelled
from the pump through the jet thrust nozzle,
it creates thrust to move and steer the
watercraft. The higher the engine speed, the
more thrust produced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the
position of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.
B. Less throttle produces lower thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more gradually.
C. Releasing the throttle lever completely
produces only minimum thrust. If you are
traveling at speeds above trolling, you
will have rapidly decreasing ability to
steer without throttle. You may still have
some turning ability immediately after
releasing the throttle lever, but once the
engine slows down, the watercraft will no
longer respond to handlebar input until
you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
D. If the engine is stopped while riding,
there is no thrust. The watercraft will go
straight even though the handlebars are
turned.
You need throttle to steer.
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WARNING@
Do not release the throttle lever when
trying to steer away from objects—you
need throttle to steer. A collision could
result in severe injury or death.

When operating at higher speeds,
make gradual turns or slow down
before turning. Sharp high-speed turns
may cause the watercraft to slide side-
ways or spin, throwing the operator
and passengers overboard which
could cause an injury.
@
This model has the Yamaha Engine Man-
agement System (YEMS) that includes an
Off-Throttle Steering (OTS) system. It will
activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releas-
ing the throttle lever (see condition C
above). The OTS system assists in turning
by continuing to supply some thrust while
the watercraft is decelerating, but you can
turn more sharply if you apply throttle while
turning the handlebars. The OTS system
does not function below planing speeds or
when the engine is off. Once the engine
slows down, the watercraft will no longer
turn in response to handlebar input until you
apply throttle again or you reach trolling
speed.
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EJU01850
Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sep-
arate braking system. It is stopped by water
resistance when the throttle lever is
released. From full speed, the watercraft
comes to a complete stop in approximately
100 m (330 ft) after the throttle is released
and the engine is stopped, although this dis-
tance will vary depending on many factors,
including gross weight, water surface condi-
tions, and wind direction. The watercraft
slows down as soon as the throttle lever is
released, but will coast for a distance before
fully stopping. If you are not sure you can
stop in time before hitting an obstacle, apply
throttle and turn in another direction.
WARNING@
Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions.
Remember, watercraft and other boats
do not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds
and keep a safe distance away from
people, objects, and other watercraft
to give you time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slow-
ing down in case you need engine
power to steer away from a boat or
other obstacle that comes into your
path.

Do not use the reverse function to
slow down or stop the watercraft as it
could cause you to lose control, be
ejected, or impact the handlebars.
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EJU01081
Beaching the watercraft
1. Make sure no obstructions, boats or
swimmers are near the beach. Release
the throttle lever about 100 m (330 ft)
before you reach the intended beaching
area.
2. Approach the beach slowly and stop the
engine before reaching land.
Remember: you need throttle to steer.
3. Get off the watercraft and pull it up on
the beach.
CAUTION:@ Small pebbles, sand, seaweed, and other
debris can be pulled into the jet intake
and impair or damage the impeller.
Always stop the engine and get off
before beaching the watercraft.
EJU01082
Docking the watercraft
1. Make sure that no obstructions, boats or
swimmers are close to the watercraft.
Reduce speed about 100 m (330 ft)
away from the dock.
2. Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
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EJU01254
Reverse on waterways
Reverse can be used for slow speed
maneuvering when it is necessary to back
up out of tight spots where you cannot turn
around. Reverse can only be used to slow
down or stop during low speed maneuver-
ing, such as when docking.
Once the engine is idling, shift to reverse
and gradually increase engine speed. Make
sure that there are no obstacles or people
behind you before shifting to reverse.
EJU01255
Rough water operation
The force of landing after jumping can
cause a strong impact on both the watercraft
and the operator and passengers. It is pos-
sible for the operator to hit his or her chest or
jaw on the watercraft body or handlebars
and be injured. Do not operate the water-
craft with your chin right above the handle-
bars or with your feet outside the watercraft.
Operating in rough water or jumping waves
can also crack the watercraft body or dam-
age internal parts. Avoid operating in rough
water or bad weather conditions.
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EJU01866
Post-operation checks
Always perform the following post-opera-
tion checks after operating the watercraft.
1. Remove the watercraft from the water.
2. Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
3. Remove the seat and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, remove the stern drain plugs, and
then raise the bow of the watercraft
enough to allow water in the bilge to
drain out.
NOTE:@ This watercraft is equipped with a jet vac-
uum bilge draining system and an electric
bilge draining system that remove water
from the engine compartment while you are
underway. However, some residual water will
remain. (See “Bilge” on page 3-9 for more
information.)
4. Put the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
5. Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(See page 4-1 for flushing procedures.)
6. Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and
releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:@ Do not run the engine for more than
15 seconds on land. The engine could
overheat.
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7. If the watercraft will be stored for a week
or more, lubricate internal engine com-
ponents to help prevent corrosion. (See
page 4-3 for lubrication procedures.)
8. Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
CAUTION:@ Do not use high pressure when rinsing
the engine or engine compartment as
severe engine damage could result.
9. Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment dry with a clean cloth (repeat step 3,
if necessary).
10. Wipe the hull, handlebars, and jet unit
dry with a clean cloth.
11. Spray a rust inhibitor on metallic parts to
minimize corrosion.
12. Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
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EJU01086
MAINTENANCE AND
CARE
Storage ...................................................... 4-1
Flushing the cooling system .................. 4-1
Lubrication .............................................. 4-3
Fuel system ............................................ 4-4
Battery .................................................... 4-5
Cleaning the watercraft .......................... 4-6
Maintenance and adjustments .............. 4-7
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual and
tool kit ..................................................... 4-8
Periodic maintenance chart ................... 4-9
Inspecting the fuel system ................... 4-10
Changing the engine oil ....................... 4-11
Checking the air filter element ............. 4-13
Inspecting the jet thrust
nozzle angle ......................................... 4-14
Inspecting the shift cable ..................... 4-14
Inspecting and adjusting the
throttle cable ......................................... 4-14
Inspecting the QSTS mechanism ....... 4-15
Cleaning and adjusting the
spark plugs ........................................... 4-16
Lubrication points ................................. 4-18
Inspecting the battery .......................... 4-21
Adjusting the fuel injection system ...... 4-23
Replacing the fuse ............................... 4-24
Specifications ........................................ 4-25
UF1B71.book Page 1 Tuesday, November 12, 2002 4:17 PM