2008 YAMAHA VX check oil

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ...... 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 3
Warning labels ................................... 4
Other labels ....................................... 7
Safety information ............................. 9
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft .............................. 9
Cruising limitations ....................... 10
Operation requirements ............... 11
Recommended equipment ........... 13
Hazard information ....................... 14
Watercraft characteristics ............. 14
Water-skiing ................................. 16
Safe boating rules ........................ 17
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 18
Features and functions ................... 19
Location of main components ...... 19
Operation of controls and other
functions .................................... 23
Seat ................................................. 23
Hood ................................................ 23
Fuel tank filler cap ........................... 24
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 24
Engine stop switch .......................... 25
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 25
Start switch ...................................... 26
Throttle lever ................................... 26
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 26
Steering system ............................... 27
Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) .................................. 27
Handgrip .......................................... 28Bow eye ........................................... 28
Stern eyes ....................................... 28
Yamaha Engine Management
System (YEMS) ........................... 28
Yamaha Security System and
low-RPM mode (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) .................................. 29
Multifunction information center ...... 30
Storage compartments .................... 35
Operation ......................................... 38
Fuel and oil .................................. 38
Gasoline .......................................... 38
Engine oil ......................................... 39
Filling the fuel tank .......................... 39
Pre-operation checks ................... 40
Pre-operation check list ................... 40
Pre-operation check points .............. 42
Operation ..................................... 49
Engine break-in ............................... 49
Launching the watercraft ................. 49
Starting the engine .......................... 49
Stopping the engine ........................ 51
Leaving the watercraft ..................... 51
Operating your watercraft ............ 52
Getting to know your watercraft ....... 52
Learning to operate your
watercraft ..................................... 52
Riding with passengers ................... 53
Starting the watercraft ..................... 53
Boarding and starting in deep
water ............................................ 54
Capsized watercraft ......................... 57
Turning the watercraft ..................... 58
Stopping the watercraft ................... 60
Beaching the watercraft ................... 60
Docking the watercraft ..................... 60
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 60
Rough water operation .................... 61
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Table of contents
Post-operation care ...................... 61
Transporting ................................. 62
Maintenance and care ..................... 63
Storage ......................................... 63
Flushing the cooling system ............ 63
Lubrication ....................................... 64
Fuel system ..................................... 64
Battery ............................................. 65
Cleaning the watercraft ................... 65
Maintenance and adjustments ..... 66
Owner’s/operator’s manual and
tool kit ........................................... 67
Periodic maintenance chart ............. 68
Checking the fuel system ................ 70
Engine oil and oil filter ..................... 70
Air filter element .............................. 71
Checking the jet thrust nozzle
angle ............................................ 71
Checking the shift cable
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) .......... 71
Checking and adjusting the throttle
cable ............................................ 72
Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs ............................................ 72
Lubrication points ............................ 73
Checking the battery ....................... 74
Fuel injection system ....................... 75
Specifications .................................. 77
Specifications ................................ 77
Trouble recovery ............................. 78
Troubleshooting ........................... 78
Troubleshooting chart ...................... 78
Emergency procedures ................ 80
Cleaning the jet intake and
impeller ........................................ 80
Jumping the battery ......................... 81
Replacing the fuses ......................... 82
Towing the watercraft ...................... 83
Submerged watercraft ..................... 83
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Features and functions
30
EJU31412Selecting the normal mode/low-RPM
mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
The normal mode and low-RPM mode can
only be selected when the engine is stopped
in the unlock mode. Press the unlock button
on the remote control transmitter for more
than 4 seconds to switch between the normal
mode and the low-RPM mode.
Normal mode
If the beeper sounds twice, the normal mode
is activated.
The watercraft can be ridden normally.
Low-RPM mode
If the beeper sounds three times, the low-
RPM mode is activated and the “L-MODE” in-
dicator light comes on.
Maximum engine speed (r/min) in the low-
RPM mode is limited to approximately 90% of
the maximum engine speed in the normal
mode.
NOTE:

If neither the start switch nor the remote
control transmitter is operated within 25
seconds after the unlock button is pressed
to select the unlock mode, the multifunction
information center display and the “L-
MODE” indicator light will go off. If this oc-
curs, press the lock button on the transmit-
ter briefly to select the lock mode, press the
unlock button briefly to select the unlockmode, and then press the unlock button
again for more than 4 seconds to select the
normal mode or low-RPM mode.

While the engine is running, input from the
remote control transmitter is not received.
CAUTION:
ECJ00080
If the remote control transmitter does not
operate when its buttons are pressed, the
battery may be low. Have a Yamaha dealer
replace the battery.
EJU31452Multifunction information center
This meter contains the following functions for
help and convenience in operating the water-
craft.
1“L-MODE” indicator light1Tachometer
2Speedometer
3Hour meter/voltmeter
4Fuel level meter
5“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)
6“WARNING” light
7Fuel level warning indicator
8Oil pressure warning indicator
9Engine overheat warning indicator
10Check engine warning indicator
11Select button
12“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
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Features and functions
32
NOTE:
The fuel level is most accurate when the wa-
tercraft is sitting level on a trailer or in the wa-
ter.
EJU31551Hour meter/voltmeter
NOTE:
To switch the display between the hour meter
and the voltmeter, push the select button for
at least 1 second after the meter is displayed
for more than 10 seconds.
Hour meter
The hour meter is provided to make it easy to
follow the maintenance schedule.
The meter shows the hours of engine opera-
tion that have elapsed since the watercraft
was new.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter is provided to display the volt-
age of the battery.
When the battery voltage is normal, the volt-
meter displays approximately 12 volts.
If the battery voltage is less than 8.0 volts,
“LO” is displayed on the voltmeter and if the
voltage is above 18.1 volts, “HI” is displayed
on the voltmeter. If “HI” or “LO” is displayed,
return to shore and, if necessary, have aYamaha dealer check the charging system
and the battery.
EJU31560Fuel level warning indicator
If the fuel remaining in the fuel tank drops to
about 13 L (3.4 US gal, 2.9 Imp gal), the low-
est two fuel level segments, the fuel level
warning indicator, and the “WARNING” light
begin to blink. The buzzer also starts sound-
ing intermittently.
If this occurs, refill the fuel tank as soon as
possible.
The warning signals will be cleared when the
engine is restarted after the fuel tank is re-
filled.
EJU31622Oil pressure warning indicator
If the oil pressure does not rise to specifica-
tion, the “WARNING” light and the oil pres-
sure warning indicator begin to blink, and the
buzzer sounds intermittently. At the same
time, the engine speed is limited to help pre-
vent damage.
1Select button
2Hour meter/voltmeter
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Features and functions
33
If this occurs, reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and then check the engine oil level.
(See page 42 for engine oil level checking
procedures.) If the oil level is low, add enough
engine oil to raise it to the proper level. If the
oil level is sufficient, have a Yamaha dealer
check the watercraft.
NOTE:
Press the select button on the multifunction
information center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31604Engine overheat warning indicator
This model is equipped with an engine over-
heat warning system.
If the engine starts to overheat, the “WARN-
ING” light and the engine overheat warning in-
dicator blink, and then come on. The buzzer
also begins to sound intermittently, and then it
sounds continuously. After the light and indi-
cator start to blink and the buzzer sounds, theengine speed is limited to help prevent dam-
age.
If this occurs, immediately reduce the engine
speed, return to shore, and then check for wa-
ter discharge at the port (left) cooling water pi-
lot outlet while the engine is running. If there
is no discharge of water, shut the engine off,
and then check the intake grate and impeller
for clogging.
WARNING
EWJ00050
Before attempting to remove weeds or de-
bris from the intake grate or impeller, shut
the engine off and remove the clip from the
engine shut-off switch. Severe injury or
1Select button
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Operation
40
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31990Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the accom-
panying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING
EWJ00410
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.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seat to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.42
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 43
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 44
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 45
Steering systemCheck for proper operation. 45
Shift lever and reverse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)Check for proper operation. 46
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.42, 42
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 43
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 44
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 23
SeatCheck that the seat is securely installed. 23
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.42
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 47
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 45
Engine shut-off cordCheck the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 47
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.48
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.48
Multifunction information
centerCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 48
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Operation
42
EJU32280Pre-operation check points EJU32310Engine compartment
Ventilate the engine compartment before
each use.
To ventilate the engine compartment, remove
the seat. (See page 23 for seat removal and
installation procedures.) Leave the engine
compartment open for a few minutes to allow
any fuel vapors to escape.
While the engine compartment is open, check
for loose electrical connections.
WARNING
EWJ00460
Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in a fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak or
a loose electrical connection.
EJU32350Hull and deck
Check the hull and deck for cracks and other
damage. If any damage is found, have a
Yamaha dealer repair the watercraft.
EJU32390Fuel level
Check the fuel system for leakage, cracks,
and malfunctions before each use. (See page
70 for check points and correct procedures.)
(1) Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any pressure that might have built up in
the fuel tank.(2) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Check the fuel level in the fuel tank and
replenish if necessary. (See page 39 for
filling procedures.)
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the seat.
EJU32400Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level before each use.
CAUTION:
ECJ00390

When checking the engine oil level on
water, be careful of other watercraft,
boats, swimmers, and obstacles. The
water current and wind can cause the
watercraft to move and lead to a colli-
sion.

When checking the engine oil level on
land, supply water to the cooling water
passages. (See page 63 for procedures
on supplying water.)

Make sure that the engine has enough
oil, but do not overfill it. If there is too lit-
tle oil, the engine can be damaged. If
there is too much oil, the air filter can be-
come saturated with oil, permanently
damaging the filter and reducing engine
performance. Follow the checking pro-
cedure carefully.

Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil tank filler hole. Debris and
water in the engine oil can cause serious
engine damage.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion or launch the watercraft, and then
start the engine.
(2) Run the engine at trolling speed for 6 min-
utes or more, and then stop the engine.
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Operation
43
NOTE:
If the ambient temperature is 20 °C (68 °F) or
less, warm up the engine for an additional 5
minutes.
(3) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(4) Remove the oil tank filler cap, wipe the
dipstick clean, and then screw the filler
cap into the filler hole completely. Re-
move the filler cap again and check that
the engine oil level is between the mini-
mum level mark and maximum level
mark on the dipstick.
(5) If the engine oil level is below the mini-
mum level mark, add enough oil so that
the oil level is between the minimum and
maximum level marks on the dipstick,and then install the filler cap. If the engine
oil level is significantly above the maxi-
mum level mark, the oil tank is overfilled.
Have a Yamaha dealer remove the ex-
cessive amount of engine oil.EJU32420Water separator
Check the water separator for water. The wa-
ter separator retains any water that may have
entered through the fuel tank breather hose if
the watercraft was capsized. Normally, the
water separator is empty.
If water remains in the water separator, drain
it by removing the drain screw. Place a drain
pan under the water separator to catch the
draining water or use a dry cloth to soak up
any water that could spill into the watercraft. If
any water spills into the watercraft, be sure to
wipe it up with a dry cloth. Also, be sure to in-
stall the drain screw after draining the water
separator.
EJU32460Bilge
Check the bilge for moisture and fuel residue.
CAUTION:
ECJ00370
Excessive water in the bilge can splash
into the engine, which can result in severe
damage.
1Oil tank filler cap
1Minimum level mark
2Maximum level mark
1Water separator
2Drain screw
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