Operation
49
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 42 for engine oil checking
procedures.)
(1) Launch the watercraft and start the en-
gine. (See page 49 for engine starting
procedures.)
(2) For the first 5 minutes, run the engine at
trolling speed only. For the 30 minutes of
operation after that, keep the engine
speed below 5000 r/min. For the 1 hour of
operation after that, keep the engine
speed below 6500 r/min.
(3) Proceed with normal operation.
CAUTION:
ECJ00430
Failure to follow the engine break-in pro-
cedure could result in reduced engine life
or even severe engine damage.
EJU32811Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.
If there are waves, someone should make
sure that the watercraft is not pushed into the
trailer after launching the watercraft.
For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Use the remote control transmitter to select
the unlock mode. (See page 29 for Yamaha
Security System and low-RPM mode selec-
tion procedures.)
After the watercraft is in the water, start the
engine. Shift into reverse and move the wa-
tercraft back slowly.
For VX:
After the watercraft is in the water, turn it
around so that the bow faces the direction
you wish to go. Start the engine, and then
slowly move away from the launching area.
EJU32851Starting the engine
WARNING
EWJ00560
Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Ex-
haust fumes contain carbon monoxide, a
UF1K73E0.book Page 49 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Maintenance and care
68
EJU33821Periodic 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 72
Lubrication pointsLubricate 73
Fuel systemCheck 70
Fuel tankCheck, clean 70
Trolling speedCheck, adjust 76
Throttle shaftCheck—
Cooling water pas-
sagesFlush
*63
Water inlet strain-
erCheck, clean—
Bilge strainerClean—
ImpellerCheck—
Jet thrust nozzle
angleCheck, adjust 71
Shift cable and re-
verse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Check, adjust 71
Throttle cableCheck, adjust 72
Stern drain plugsCheck, replace 44
BatteryCheck, charge 74
Rubber couplingCheck—
Engine mountCheck—
Nuts and boltsCheck—
Air filter elementCheck 71
Engine oilReplace 70
UF1K73E0.book Page 68 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Maintenance and care
69
* This operation should be performed after every use.
Oil filterReplace 70
Valve clearanceCheck, adjust— Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page 10
hours50
hours100
hours100
hours200
hours
6
months12
months12
months24
months
UF1K73E0.book Page 69 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Maintenance and care
70
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.
EJU34291Engine 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:
SAE 10W-30, 20W-40, 20W-50
Oil grade:
API SE,SF,SG,SH,SJ,SL
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)
UF1K73E0.book Page 70 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Maintenance and care
71
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.
EJU34321Checking 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
UF1K73E0.book Page 71 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Maintenance and care
74
ble free play. (See page 72 for adjustment
procedures.)
Steering cable (handlebar end)
Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end)
For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Shift cable (reverse gate end)
EJU34451Checking 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.
1Adjuster
UF1K73E0.book Page 74 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Trouble recovery
79
Engine runs irregu-
larly or stallsFuel Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible39
Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer70
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer70
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 72
Incorrect heat range Replace 72
Gap incorrect Adjust 72
Spark plug
capLoose Connect properly 72
Cracked, torn, or
damagedHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
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-
sible39
Engine over-
heatedJet intake clogged Clean
80
Check engine
warningFaulty sensors Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer34
Watercraft slow or
loses powerYamaha Se-
curity Sys-
tem (VX
Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Low-RPM mode se-
lectedSelect normal mode
30
Cavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 80
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer80
Engine over-
heat warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedClean jet intake and
cool engine33
Oil pressure
warningEngine speed reduc-
tion control activatedAdd oil
32
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 72
Incorrect heat range Replace 72
Gap incorrect Adjust 72
Spark plug
capsLoose Connect properly
72
Electrical wir-
ingLoose connection Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Fuel Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer70
Air filter Clogged or oil buildup Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer71 TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
UF1K73E0.book Page 79 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM
Index
A
Air filter element ....................................... 71
B
Battery ................................................ 44, 65
Battery, checking...................................... 74
Battery, jumping ....................................... 81
Beaching the watercraft ........................... 60
Bilge ......................................................... 43
Boarding alone ......................................... 55
Boarding and starting from a dock ........... 54
Boarding and starting in deep water ........ 54
Boarding and starting in shallow water .... 54
Boarding with passengers ........................ 55
Bow eye ................................................... 28
Builder’s plate............................................. 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 57
Check engine warning indicator ............... 34
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 65
Cooling water pilot outlet .................... 26, 48
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ............... 1
Cruising limitations ................................... 10
D
Docking the watercraft ............................. 60
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 80
Engine break-in ........................................ 49
Engine compartment ................................ 42
Engine oil ................................................. 39
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 70
Engine oil level ......................................... 42
Engine overheat warning indicator ........... 33
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord ................................. 47
Engine shut-off switch .............................. 25
Engine stop switch ................................... 25
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 18
F
Fire extinguisher....................................... 45
Flushing the cooling system ..................... 63
Front storage compartment ...................... 35
Fuel and oil............................................... 38
Fuel injection system................................ 75
Fuel level .................................................. 42
Fuel level meter........................................ 31Fuel level warning indicator ...................... 32
Fuel system .............................................. 64
Fuel system, checking .............................. 70
Fuel tank .................................................. 70
Fuel tank filler cap .................................... 24
Fuel tank, filling ........................................ 39
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 82
G
Gasohol .................................................... 38
Gasoline ................................................... 38
Getting to know your watercraft ............... 52
Glove compartment .................................. 36
H
Handgrip ................................................... 28
Hazard information ................................... 14
Hood ......................................................... 23
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 32
Hull and deck ........................................... 42
I
Identification numbers ................................ 1
Important labels .......................................... 3
J
Jet intake .................................................. 47
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning .............. 80
Jet thrust nozzle angle, checking ............. 71
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 81
L
Labels, other .............................................. 7
Labels, warning .......................................... 4
Launching the watercraft .......................... 49
Learning to operate your watercraft ......... 52
Leaving the watercraft .............................. 51
Limitations on who may operate the
watercraft ................................................ 9
“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) ........................................... 35
Lubrication................................................ 64
Lubrication points ..................................... 73
M
Main components, location of .................. 19
Maintenance and adjustments ................. 66
Model information....................................... 2
Multifunction information center ......... 30, 48
O
Oil pressure warning indicator .................. 32
UF1K73E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM