2008 YAMAHA VX warning

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)
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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
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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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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
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Trouble recovery
80
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.
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Trouble recovery
81
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.
EJU34661Connecting 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
UF1K73E0.book Page 81 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM