2008 YAMAHA VX ECU

Operation
55
EJU33140Boarding alone
(1) Swim to the rear of the watercraft and
place both hands on the boarding plat-
form, pull yourself up, and then grasp the
handgrip with one hand.
(2) Pull yourself up to a kneeling position on
the platform, and then move to the seat
and sit astride.
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
(4) Grip the handlebars with both hands,
place both feet on the floor of the footwell,start the engine, and then look in all direc-
tions before starting off.
WARNING
EWJ00610
Before starting off, make sure that there
are no boats, swimmers, or obstacles
around you.
EJU33162Boarding with passengers
WARNING
EWJ00660
Severe internal injuries can occur if water
is forced into body cavities as a result of
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Do not ap-
ply throttle until the passengers are seated
with their feet on the floor of the footwell
and are securely holding on to the person
in front of them or to the handgrip provid-
ed.
(1) Climb on board as noted in the previous
section, and sit astride the seat.
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Operation
56
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
(3) Have the passengers move to the rear of
the watercraft.
(4) Have a passenger board and sit astride
the seat. If a second passenger is board-
ing, have him or her follow the same pro-
cedure.
NOTE:
When a passenger is boarding, both the pas-
sengers and the operator should try to bal-
ance the watercraft.
(5) Check that the passengers have their
feet on the floor of the footwell and are
securely holding on to the person in front
of them or to the handgrip provided. Nev-er allow a passenger to ride in front of the
operator.
(6) Start the engine, look in all directions, and
then accelerate to planing speed.
WARNING
EWJ00610
Before starting off, make sure that there
are no boats, swimmers, or obstacles
around you.
NOTE:
The heavier the total weight of the operator
and passengers, the more difficult it will be to
balance the watercraft. Do not operate the
watercraft when the total weight exceeds 240
kg (530 lb) including any cargo. If it is difficult
to balance the watercraft at a standstill, pro-
ceed as follows:
(1) While the passengers are steadying the
watercraft, pull yourself up onto the
boarding platform into a kneeling posi-
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Operation
62
(6) Drain residual water from the exhaust
system by alternately squeezing and re-
leasing the throttle lever for 10 to 15 sec-
onds while the engine is running.
CAUTION:
ECJ00561
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds without supplying water, other-
wise the engine could overheat.
(7) If the watercraft will be stored for a week
or more, lubricate internal engine compo-
nents to help prevent corrosion. (See
page 64 for lubrication procedures.)
(8) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
CAUTION:
ECJ00570
Do not use high-pressure water when rins-
ing the engine or engine compartment as
severe engine damage could result.
(9) Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment dry with a clean cloth (repeat step 3,
if necessary).
(10) Wipe the hull, handlebars, and jet unit dry
with a clean cloth.
(11) Spray a rust inhibitor on metallic parts to
minimize corrosion.
(12) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
EJU33451
Transporting
When transporting the watercraft on a trailer,
secure the tie downs to the trailer through the
bow eye and stern eyes.
CAUTION:
ECJ00621

Do not attach ropes or tie downs to any
part of the watercraft other than the bow
eye and stern eyes to secure the water-
craft to the trailer. Otherwise, the water-
craft may be damaged.

Do not route ropes or tie downs over the
seat, as they may leave permanent
marks on the seat’s surface. Also, wrap
the ropes or tie downs with towels or
rags where they touch the body of the
watercraft to avoid scratches or dam-
age.

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Before putting the watercraft on the trail-
er or transporting it, be sure to put the
shift lever in the forward position, other-
wise the reverse gate may hit an obsta-
cle, which may cause damage.
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Maintenance and care
63
EJU33490
Storage
WARNING
EWJ00330
Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, other-
wise fuel could leak out into the engine or
engine compartment, which could create a
fire hazard.
Storage for long periods of time, such as win-
ter storage, requires preventive maintenance
to ensure against deterioration. It is advisable
to have the watercraft serviced by a Yamaha
dealer prior to storage. However, the following
procedures can be performed by the owner.
EJU33542Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system is essential to
prevent it from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
CAUTION:
ECJ00121

Do not supply water to the cooling water
passages when the engine is not run-
ning. The water could flow back through
the muffler into the crankcase, causing
severe engine damage.

Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds without supplying water or
over 4000 r/min on land, otherwise the
engine could overheat.
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
(2) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Remove the flushing hose connector
cap, and then insert the garden hoseadapter into the flushing hose connector
and turn it until it is securely connected.
(4) Connect the garden hose adapter to a
water tap using a garden hose.
NOTE:
A garden hose is not included and must be
purchased separately.
(5) Start the engine, and then immediately
turn the water supply on until water flows
out continually from the jet thrust nozzle.
(6) Run the engine at idling speed for about
3 minutes watching the engine condition.
If the engine stops while flushing, turn the
water supply off immediately and repeat
the above steps.
(7) Turn the water supply off, and then force
the remaining water out of the cooling
1Flushing hose connector cap
2Garden hose adapter
3Flushing hose connector
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Maintenance and care
65

Do not smoke when refueling, and keep
away from sparks, flames, and other
sources of ignition.

Stop the 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 approxi-
mately 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 watercraft
in a horizontal position.

Tighten the fuel tank filler cap securely
after refueling.

If you should swallow some gasoline, in-
hale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get gaso-
line in your eyes, get immediate medical
attention.

If any gasoline spills on your skin or
clothing, immediately wash the affected
area with soap and water and change
your clothes.
Top off the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and
add fuel stabilizer and conditioner to the fuel
tank according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
EJU33680Battery
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft and store it in a cool, dry place.(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead
first, then the positive (+) battery lead and
breather hose, and then remove the bat-
tery from the watercraft.
(2) Clean the battery casing using fresh wa-
ter.
(3) If the battery terminals are dirty or corrod-
ed, clean them with a wire brush.
(4) Fully charge the battery.
(5) Apply Yamaha Marine Grease or
Yamaha Grease A to the battery termi-
nals, and then store the battery in a cool,
dry place.
(6) Check the battery at least once every 2
months and fully charge it if necessary.
CAUTION:
ECJ00100
Always keep the battery charged. Storing
a discharged battery can cause permanent
battery damage.
To check the condition of the battery, check
the specific gravity of the electrolyte or mea-
sure the voltage at both battery terminals.
Charge the battery if the voltage is less than
12 volts.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the specific gravity and charge the bat-
tery. If you maintain the battery yourself, be
sure to read and follow the instructions provid-
ed with the battery tester and charger you
use.
EJU33730Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water. Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
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Maintenance and care
73
To remove a spark plug:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 23 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.
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.EJU34422Lubrication 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- Specified spark plug:
CR9EB
1Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
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
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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
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Maintenance and care
75
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 remove the battery:
Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead first,
then the positive (+) battery lead and breather
hose, and then remove the battery from the
watercraft.
To replenish the battery:
(1) Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the maximum and minimum level
marks.
(2) If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled
water to raise it to the specified level.
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, be sure to read and follow the in-
structions provided with the battery tester and
charger you use.
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 system
needs to be adjusted, have a Yamaha dealer
service the watercraft.
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
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