Operation
51
and the watercraft is in the water. (See page
29 for more information.)
EJU32710Multifunction information center
Check the multifunction information center for
proper operation. (See page 34 for informa-
tion on proper operation of the multifunction
information center.)
EJU32740
Operation
WARNING
EWJ00510
Before operating your watercraft, become
familiar with all of the controls. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func-
tion that you do not fully understand. Fail-
ure to understand how the controls work
could cause an accident or prevent you
from avoiding an accident.
CAUTION:
ECJ00460
Make sure that the stern drain plugs are
tightened securely before launching the
watercraft.
EJU32781Engine break-in
The engine break-in period is essential to al-
low the various components of the engine to
wear and polish themselves to the correct op-
erating clearances. This ensures proper per-
formance and promotes longer component
life.
CAUTION:
ECJ00440
Be sure to check the engine oil level be-
fore operating the watercraft for the first
time. (See page 45 for engine oil checking
procedures.)
UF1K72E0.book Page 51 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
71
EJU33820Periodic maintenance chart
The following chart gives general guidelines for periodic maintenance. However, maintenance
may need to be performed more frequently depending on your operating conditions.
This “” mark indicates maintenance that you may do yourself.
This “” mark indicates work to be done by a Yamaha dealer.
Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page 10
hours50
hours100
hours100
hours200
hours
6
months12
months12
months24
months
Spark plugsCheck, clean, adjust 75
Lubrication pointsLubricate 76
Fuel systemCheck 73
Fuel tankCheck, clean 73
Trolling speedCheck, adjust 78
Throttle shaftCheck—
Cooling water pas-
sagesFlush
*66
Water inlet strain-
erCheck, clean—
Bilge strainerClean—
ImpellerCheck—
Jet thrust nozzle
angleCheck, adjust 74
Shift cable and re-
verse gate (VX De-
luxe/VX Cruiser)Check, adjust 74
Throttle cableCheck, adjust 75
Stern drain plugsCheck, replace 47
BatteryCheck, charge 77
Rubber couplingCheck—
Engine mountCheck—
Nuts and boltsCheck—
Air filter elementCheck 74
Engine oilReplace 73
Oil filterReplace 73
UF1K72E0.book Page 71 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
73
EJU34210Checking the fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00380
Gasoline is highly flammable and explo-
sive. Failure to check for and repair any
fuel leakage could result in a fire or explo-
sion. A fire or explosion can cause severe
injury or death. Shut the engine off. Do not
smoke. Avoid spilling gasoline.
Fuel in the fuel lines is pressurized.
Fuel can spray out and cause injury or a
fire hazard if a fuel line is disconnected.
Do not run the engine with a fuel line dis-
connected.
Check the fuel system for leaks, cracks, and
malfunctions. If any problem is found, consult
a Yamaha dealer.
Check:
Fuel tank filler cap and seal for damage.
Fuel in fuel tank for water and dirt.
Fuel tank for damage, cracks, and leakage.
Fuel hoses and joints for damage, cracks,
and leakage.
Air bleeding passages for leakage.EJU34230Fuel tank
Check the fuel tank for leakage and for water
in the tank. If water is found in the fuel system,
or if the fuel tank needs to be cleaned, have a
Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
EJU34290Engine oil and oil filter
WARNING
EWJ00340
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
CAUTION:
ECJ00180
Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank. Oil could
spray out and the engine could be dam-
aged.
Be sure to change the engine oil after
the first 10 hours of operation, and every
100 hours thereafter or at the start of a
new season, otherwise the engine will
wear quickly.
The oil filter should be replaced every
year or every 100 hours of operation.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the oil fil-
ter if necessary.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
change the engine oil. However, if you choose
to change the oil on your own, consult a
Yamaha dealer.
NOTE:
Dispose of used oil according to local regula-
tions.
1Fuel tank
Recommended engine oil:
See page 42.
Oil quantity:
With oil filter replacement:
2.2 L (2.33 US qt) (1.94 Imp.qt)
Without oil filter replacement:
2.0 L (2.11 US qt) (1.76 Imp.qt)
Total amount:
4.3 L (4.55 US qt) (3.78 Imp.qt)
UF1K72E0.book Page 73 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
74
CAUTION:
ECJ00190
If oil is leaking or the oil pressure warning
indicator comes on when the engine is
running, immediately shut the engine off
and have a Yamaha dealer check the wa-
tercraft. Continuing to operate the engine
under such conditions could cause severe
engine damage.
EJU34310Air filter element
Have a Yamaha dealer check and clean or re-
place the air filter element every 12 months or
every 100 hours of operation.
EJU34320Checking the jet thrust nozzle angle
Check the handlebars and jet thrust nozzle for
smooth operation.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left and check that the difference of
distances A and B between the jet thrust noz-
zle and the nozzle is within specification.
If the steering is stiff or misadjusted, have a
Yamaha dealer service it.
EJU34350Checking the shift cable (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
Place the shift lever in the reverse position.
Make sure that the reverse gate makes con-
tact with the stopper.Difference of A and B:
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
1Stopper
UF1K72E0.book Page 74 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
75
If the reverse gate does not make contact with
the stopper, have a Yamaha dealer service it.
EJU34360Checking and adjusting the throttle
cable
Check that the throttle cable moves back to
the set position smoothly and that the throttle
lever free play is within specification.
(1) Squeeze and release the throttle lever. If
the throttle lever does not return smooth-
ly, have a Yamaha dealer service it.
(2) Adjust the free play by loosening the lock-
nut and turning the adjuster.
EJU34391Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs
The spark plug is an important engine compo-
nent and is easy to inspect. The condition of
the spark plug can indicate something about
the condition of the engine. For example, if
one spark plug has a distinctly different color,
the engine could require servicing. Do not at-
tempt to diagnose any problems yourself.
Have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
Remove and inspect the spark plugs periodi-
cally; heat and deposits will cause the sparkplugs to slowly break down and erode. If elec-
trode erosion becomes excessive, or if carbon
and other deposits are excessive, replace the
spark plug with the specified plug.
To remove a spark plug:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 26 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
ECJ00210
Do not use any tools to remove or install
the spark plug cap, otherwise the ignition
coil coupler could be damaged. The spark
plug cap may be difficult to remove be-
cause the rubber seal on the end of the
cap fits tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth while
pulling it up; to install it, twist it back and
forth while pushing it down.
(3) Remove the spark plug.
Measure the spark plug gap with a wire
thickness gauge. Replace the spark plug
or adjust the gap to specification if neces-
sary.1Locknut
2Adjuster
3Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
Specified spark plug:
CR9EB
1Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
UF1K72E0.book Page 75 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Maintenance and care
77
For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Shift cable (reverse gate end)
EJU34450Checking the battery
Check the level of the battery electrolyte and
make sure that the negative (–) and positive
(+) battery leads are tightened securely.
WARNING
EWJ00790
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dan-
gerous, causing severe burns, etc. Elec-
trolyte contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Antidotes
External: Flush with water.
Internal: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
egg, or vegetable oil. Call a physician im-
mediately.
Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc., well away.
If using or charging the battery in an en-
closed space, make sure that it is well ven-
tilated. Always shield your eyes when
working near batteries.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION:
ECJ00230
Be careful not to place the battery on its
side.
Be sure to remove the battery from the
battery compartment when adding elec-
trolyte or charging the battery.
To replenish the battery:
(1) Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the maximum and minimum level
marks.
(2) Refill the battery with distilled water if
necessary.
CAUTION:
ECJ00240
Normal tap water contains minerals that
are harmful to a battery. Use only distilled
water for replenishing the battery.
To recharge the battery:
CAUTION:
ECJ00250
Do not attempt to charge a battery hastily.
Battery life could be shortened.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
charge the battery. If you charge the battery
yourself, carefully read the battery charger in-
structions before charging and follow the
points below.
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
UF1K72E0.book Page 77 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Trouble recovery
81
Engine runs irregu-
larly or stallsFuel Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible42
Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer73
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer73
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 75
Incorrect heat range Replace 75
Gap incorrect Adjust 75
Spark plug
capLoose Connect properly 75
Cracked, torn, or
damagedReplace
—
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Tighten or connect
properly—
Fuel injec-
tion systemFaulty or clogged in-
jectorsHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Warning light or in-
dicator blinksFuel level Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible42
Engine over-
heatedJet intake clogged Clean
82
Check engine
warningFaulty sensors Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer37
Watercraft slow or
loses powerYamaha Se-
curity Sys-
tem (VX
Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Low-RPM mode se-
lectedSelect normal mode
33
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 82
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer82
Engine over-
heat warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedClean jet intake and
cool engine36
Oil pressure
warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedAdd oil
35
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 75
Incorrect heat range Replace 75
Gap incorrect Adjust 75
Spark plug
capsLoose Connect properly
75
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Tighten or connect
properly—
Fuel Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer73
Air filter Clogged or oil buildup Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer74 TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF1K72E0.book Page 81 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Index
A
Air filter element ....................................... 74
Approval label of emission control
certificate ................................................ 3
B
Battery ................................................ 47, 68
Battery, checking...................................... 77
Battery, jumping ....................................... 83
Beaching the watercraft ........................... 63
Bilge ......................................................... 46
Boarding alone ......................................... 57
Boarding and starting from a dock ........... 57
Boarding and starting in deep water ........ 57
Boarding and starting in shallow water .... 56
Boarding with passengers ........................ 58
Bow eye ................................................... 31
Builder’s plate............................................. 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 60
Check engine warning indicator ............... 37
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 68
Cooling water pilot outlet .................... 29, 50
Cruising limitations ................................... 13
D
Docking the watercraft ............................. 63
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 82
Emission control information
(for Canada only) .................................... 3
Engine break-in ........................................ 51
Engine compartment ................................ 45
Engine oil ................................................. 42
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 73
Engine oil level ......................................... 45
Engine overheat warning indicator ........... 36
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord ................................. 50
Engine shut-off switch .............................. 28
Engine stop switch ................................... 28
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 21
F
Filling the fuel tank ................................... 42
Fire extinguisher....................................... 48
Flushing the cooling system ..................... 66
Front storage compartment ...................... 38Fuel and oil............................................... 41
Fuel injection system ................................ 78
Fuel level .................................................. 45
Fuel level meter ........................................ 34
Fuel level warning indicator ...................... 35
Fuel system .............................................. 67
Fuel system, checking .............................. 73
Fuel tank .................................................. 73
Fuel tank filler cap .................................... 27
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 84
G
Gasohol .................................................... 41
Gasoline ................................................... 41
Getting to know your watercraft ............... 54
Glove compartment .................................. 39
H
Handgrip ................................................... 31
Hazard information ................................... 17
Hood ......................................................... 26
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 35
Hull and deck ........................................... 45
Hull Identification Number (HIN)................. 1
I
Identification numbers ................................ 1
Important labels .......................................... 5
J
Jet intake .................................................. 49
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning .............. 82
Jet thrust nozzle angle, checking ............. 74
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 83
L
Labels, other .............................................. 9
Labels, warning .......................................... 6
Launching the watercraft .......................... 52
Learning to operate your watercraft ......... 54
Leaving the watercraft .............................. 54
Limitations on who may operate the
watercraft .............................................. 12
“L-MODE” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 38
Lubrication................................................ 67
Lubrication points ..................................... 76
M
Main components, location of .................. 22
Maintenance and adjustments ................. 69
UF1K72E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM