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3-29
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EJU18102
Capsized watercraft
If the watercraft capsizes, turn it over
immediately.
Be sure to carefully follow the procedures
below to prevent injury or damage to the
watercraft.
WARNING@ IMPROPER UPRIGHTING CAN CAUSE
INJURY:
Make sure that the engine shut-off
cord is removed from the engine shut-
off switch.
Do not put your hands in the intake
grate.
Watch so you are not hit by the water-
craft as it comes over.
@
CAUTION:@ If the watercraft capsizes, release the
throttle lever immediately. Oil could flow
into the air filter case and the engine
could be damaged.
@
1. Remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.
2. Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Pull
the watercraft over with your left hand on
the ride plate while pushing down on the
gunwale with your right hand or foot.
NOTE:@ If the port (left) side of the capsized water-
craft is tilting up, push down on the gunwale
so that the port (left) side is down before
turning the watercraft clockwise.
@
CAUTION:@ Do not turn the watercraft over counter-
clockwise, otherwise water can leak into
the engine, which can result in severe
damage.
@
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3-32
E
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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3-33
E
EJU21760
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
or 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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4-1
E
EJU18121
Storage
WARNING@ Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, oth-
erwise fuel could leak out into the engine
or engine compartment, which could
result in a fire hazard.
@
Storage for prolonged periods of time,
such as winter storage, requires preventa-
tive maintenance to ensure against deterio-
ration. It is advisable to have the watercraft
serviced by a Yamaha dealer prior to stor-
age. However, the following procedures can
be performed by the owner.
EJU18132
Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system is essential
to prevent the cooling system from being
clogged with salt, sand, or dirt.
CAUTION:@ Do not supply water to the cooling
water passages when the engine is not
running. The water could flow back
through the muffler into the crankcase
causing severe engine damage.
Do not run the engine of the watercraft
for more than 15 seconds without sup-
plying water, otherwise the engine may
overheat.
@
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4-3
E
EJU18980
Lubrication
WARNING@ Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the
engine is hot. The sprayed substance or
propellants could catch fire.
@
1. Remove the rear and front seats. (See
pages 2-5 to 2-6 for seat removal and
installation procedures.)
2. Remove the air filter case cover
screws1, slide the locks 2 open, and
then remove the case cover.
3. Remove the air filter case cover and air
filter element.
4. Spray a rust inhibitor into each intake
opening 3 for 3 seconds.
5. Install the air filter element and air filter
case cover.
6. Start the engine in a well-ventilated area
and let it run at idle for 15 seconds.
CAUTION:@ Do not run the engine for more than
15 seconds. The engine could overheat.
@
7. Lubricate all cables such as the throttle
and steering cables.
NOTE:@ Use a suitable marine grease applicator to
pressure lubricate the cables and purge out
any moisture between the inner and outer
cables.
@
8. Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified under Lubrication points on
page 4-18.
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4-4
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EJU19652
Fuel system
WARNING@ GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!
Do not smoke when refueling, and
keep away from sparks, flames, or
other sources of ignition.
Stop engine before refueling.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with
the watercraft in a horizontal position.
Do not stand or sit on the watercraft
while refueling in case of fire.
Take care not to spill gasoline. If gaso-
line spills, wipe it up immediately with
dry rags. Always properly dispose of
gasoline-soaked rags.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Stop fill-
ing when the fuel level reaches approx-
imately 50 mm (2 in) from the top of the
fuel tank. Fuel expands as it warms up
and could overflow if the fuel tank has
been overfilled. If temporarily leaving
the watercraft with a full fuel tank, do
not leave it in direct sunlight. Leave it
in a well-ventilated area with the water-
craft in a horizontal position.
Tighten the filler cap securely after
refueling.
If you should swallow some gasoline,
inhale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get
gasoline in your eyes, get immediate
medical attention.
If any gasoline spills onto your skin,
immediately wash with soap and
water. Change clothing if gasoline
spills on it.
@
Top off the fuel tank with fresh gasoline
and add fuel stabilizer and conditioner to the
fuel tank by following the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully.
E_F1X-70.book Page 4 Friday, August 26, 2005 11:00 AM
Page 114 of 152
4-5
E
EJU19700
Battery
If the watercraft will not be used for more
than a month, disconnect the negative (–)
lead first, then the positive (+) lead and
breather hose, and then remove the battery
from the watercraft.
Clean the battery casing using fresh
water.
If the battery terminals are dirty or cor-
roded, clean them with a wire brush.
Fully charge the battery, and then store it
in a cool, dark place.
Apply Yamaha marine grease or Yamaha
grease A to the battery terminals.
Check the battery at least every 2 months
and fully charge it if necessary.
WARNING@ Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could result
if the breather hose is damaged,
obstructed, or not connected properly.
@
CAUTION:@ The battery may not be usable again if
you store it for a long period without
charging it. Charge the battery periodi-
cally.
@
E_F1X-70.book Page 5 Friday, August 26, 2005 11:00 AM
Page 117 of 152
4-8
E
WARNING@ Be sure to turn off the engine when
you perform maintenance unless oth-
erwise specified, otherwise an acci-
dent or injury could result from
unexpected operation, moving parts,
or electric shock. If the owner is not
familiar with watercraft servicing, this
work should be done by a Yamaha
dealer. Improperly serviced compo-
nents could fail or stop operating cor-
rectly, which could result in an
accident.
Modifications to this watercraft not
approved by Yamaha may cause loss
of performance or excessive noise and
exhaust emissions, or render it unsafe
for use. Consult a Yamaha dealer
before attempting any changes.
@
E_F1X-70.book Page 8 Friday, August 26, 2005 11:00 AM