Maintenance and care
76
To install a spark plug:
(1) Clean the gasket surface.
(2) Wipe any dirt from the threads of the
spark plug.
(3) Install the spark plug, and then tighten it
to the specified torque.
(4) Install the spark plug cap.
NOTE:
Wipe off any water on the spark plug or in-
side the spark plug cap before installing the
cap. Push the spark plug cap down until it is
securely installed.
If a torque wrench is not available when you
are installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4 turn to 1/2 turn
past finger tight using the spark plug
wrench included in the tool kit. Have the
spark plug adjusted to the correct torque
with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
WARNING
EWJ00350
Be careful not to damage the insulator
when removing or installing a spark plug.
A damaged insulator could allow sparks to
escape, which could result in a fire or ex-
plosion.
(5) Install the seat.EJU34421Lubrication points
To keep moving parts sliding or rotating
smoothly, coat them with water-resistant
grease.
Throttle cable (handlebar end)
Loosen the adjuster and disconnect the
outer cable from the bracket. Spray a rust
inhibitor into the outer cable. Connect the
outer cable, and then adjust the throttle ca-
ble free play. (See page 75 for adjustment
procedures.)
Steering cable (handlebar end)
Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end)
Jet thrust nozzle pivot shaft Spark plug tightening torque:
12.5 Nm (9.2 ft-lb) (1.27 kgf-m)
Recommended water-resistant grease:
Yamaha Marine Grease/Yamaha
Grease A
1Adjuster
UF1K72E0.book Page 76 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
Maintenance and care
78
(1) Remove all of the battery caps.
(2) If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled
water to raise it to the specified level.
(3) Set the charging rate to 1.9 ampere and
charge the battery slowly until the explo-
sive gases are discharged vigorously
from the battery cells.
To install the battery:
(1) Place the battery in the battery compart-
ment and connect the battery leads to the
battery terminals.
(2) Connect the breather hose to the battery.
(3) Secure the battery in place.
WARNING
EWJ00400
Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could result
if the breather hose is damaged, obstruct-
ed, or not connected properly.
CAUTION:
ECJ00260
After installation, make sure that the bat-
tery leads are properly connected to the
battery terminals.
EJU34490Fuel injection system
The fuel injection system was set at the
Yamaha factory. If the fuel injection systemneeds to be adjusted, have a Yamaha dealer
service the watercraft.
CAUTION:
ECJ00220
Do not attempt to adjust the fuel injection
system. If the settings are disturbed by
someone who does not have the neces-
sary technical knowledge, poor engine
performance and damage may result.
EJU34500Checking the trolling speed
(1) Place the watercraft in the water.
(2) Start the engine and warm it up. Use the
tachometer in the multifunction informa-
tion center to check the trolling speed.
If the trolling speed is out of specification,
have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
Trolling speed:
1650 ±50 r/min
UF1K72E0.book Page 78 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
Trouble recovery
82
EJU34620
Emergency procedures EJU34630Cleaning the jet intake and impeller
If weeds or debris get caught in the jet intake
or impeller, cavitation can occur, causing jet
thrust to decrease even though engine speed
rises. If this condition is allowed to continue,
the engine will overheat and may seize. If
there is any sign that the jet intake or impeller
is clogged with weeds or debris, return to
shore and check the intake and impeller. Al-
ways stop the engine before beaching the wa-
tercraft.
WARNING
EWJ00780
Before attempting to remove weeds or de-
bris from the jet intake or impeller area,
shut the engine off and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch. Severe in-
jury or death could result from coming incontact with the rotating parts of the jet
pump.
CAUTION:
ECJ00650
If weeds or debris get caught in the jet in-
take, do not operate the watercraft above
trolling speed until they have been re-
moved.
(1) Turn the watercraft on its side as shown.
UF1K72E0.book Page 82 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Trouble recovery
83
CAUTION:
ECJ00660
Place a suitable clean cloth or carpeting
underneath the watercraft to protect it
from abrasions and scratches.
Always turn the watercraft over onto its
port (left) side.
When turning the watercraft on its side,
support the bow so that the handlebars
are not bent or damaged.
(2) Remove any weeds or debris from
around the drive shaft, impeller, jet pump
housing, and jet thrust nozzle.
If debris is difficult to remove, consult a
Yamaha dealer.
CAUTION:
ECJ00670
Always avoid operating your watercraft in
areas where weed growth is thick. If travel-
ing in weeded areas is unavoidable, oper-
ate the engine alternately at partial throttle
and full throttle. Weeds tend to accumu-
late more at a steady speed and at trolling
speed. If weeds clog the jet intake or im-
peller area and cause cavitation, follow the
cleaning procedure above.
EJU34640Jumping the battery
If the watercraft battery has run down, the en-
gine can be started using a 12-volt booster
battery and jumper cables.
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, beatenegg, 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.
EJU34660Connecting the jumper cables
(1) Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to
the positive (+) battery terminals of both
batteries.
(2) Connect one end of the negative (–)
jumper cable to the negative (–) battery
terminal of the booster battery.
(3) Connect the other end of the negative (–)
jumper cable to an engine hanger.
CAUTION:
ECJ00680
Do not connect the end of the negative (–)
jumper cable to the negative (–) battery
terminal of the watercraft battery! Make
sure that all connections are secure and
correct before attempting to start the en-
1Positive (+) jumper cable
2Negative (–) jumper cable
3Booster battery
4Engine hanger
UF1K72E0.book Page 83 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:43 AM
Trouble recovery
85
WARNING
EWJ00800
Do not use fuses of higher amperage than
recommended. Substitution with a fuse
that has an improper rating can cause ex-
tensive electrical system damage and pos-
sible fire.
EJU34710Towing the watercraft
If the watercraft becomes inoperative in the
water, it can be towed to shore.
If the watercraft must be towed in an emer-
gency using a towline, the operator should
ride the watercraft, holding onto the handle-
bars.
CAUTION:
ECJ00720
Tow the watercraft at 5 mph (8 km/h) or
less, otherwise water could enter the en-
gine through the exhaust passages or
through the air intake and flood the en-
gine compartment if it is towed too fast.
Tow the watercraft using the bow eye
only.
The bow must be kept up out of the wa-
ter during towing to prevent water from
entering the engine compartment.
WARNING
EWJ00810
The watercraft should only be towed in
an emergency.
The towline should be long enough so
that the watercraft will not collide with
the towing boat when slowing down. A
good rule of thumb is a towline that is
three times the combined length of the
towing boat and the watercraft.
The operator of the towing boat must
keep speed to a minimum and avoid traf-
fic or obstacles which could be a hazard
to the rider on the watercraft.
EJU36150Submerged watercraft
If the watercraft is submerged or flooded with
water, follow the procedure below and consult
a Yamaha dealer as soon as possible. Failure
to do so could result in serious engine dam-
age!
In an emergency:
(1) Beach the watercraft and remove the
stern drain plugs to drain the water from
the engine compartment. (See page 46
for more information.) Remove the stor-
age compartment drain plugs to drain the
water from the storage compartments.
(2) Install the stern drain plugs and storage
compartment drain plugs.
(3) Disconnect the spark plug caps, and then
remove the spark plugs.
CAUTION:
ECJ00760
Do not connect the spark plugs to the
spark plug caps.
(4) Disconnect the fuel injector couplers.
CAUTION:
ECJ00770
Cover the disconnected fuel injector cou-
plers so that they do not get wet. If the cou-
1Bow eye
UF1K72E0.book Page 85 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