2008 YAMAHA VX engine

Operation
60
put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU33280Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sepa-
rate braking system. It is stopped by water re-
sistance when the throttle lever is released.
From full speed, the watercraft comes to a
complete stop in approximately 100 m (330 ft)
after the throttle lever is released or the en-
gine is stopped, although this distance will
vary depending on many factors, including
gross weight, water surface conditions, and
wind direction.
The watercraft slows down as soon as the
throttle lever is released, but will coast for a
distance before fully stopping. If you are not
sure you can stop in time before hitting an ob-
stacle, apply throttle and turn in another direc-
tion.
WARNING
EWJ00730

Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft to give you
time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slowing
down in case you need engine power tosteer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or
impact the handlebars.
EJU35960Beaching the watercraft
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach. Re-
lease the throttle lever about 100 m (330
ft) before you reach the intended beach-
ing area.
(2) Approach the beach slowly and stop the
engine before reaching land.
Remember, you need throttle to steer.
(3) Get off the watercraft and pull it up on the
beach.
CAUTION:
ECJ00490
Small pebbles, sand, seaweed, and other
debris can be sucked into the jet intake
and impair or damage the impeller. Always
stop the engine and get off the watercraft
before beaching it.
EJU36060Docking the watercraft
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the watercraft.
Reduce speed about 100 m (330 ft) away
from the dock.
(2) Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
EJU33320Reverse on waterways (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
Reverse can be used for slow-speed maneu-
vering when it is necessary to back up out of
tight spots where you cannot turn around. Re-
verse can be used to slow down or stop only
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Operation
61
during slow-speed maneuvering, such as
when docking.
Once the engine is idling, shift into reverse
and gradually increase engine speed. Make
sure that there are no obstacles or people be-
hind you before shifting into reverse.
EJU33350Rough water operation
The force of landing after jumping can cause
a strong impact on both the watercraft and the
operator and passengers. It is possible for the
operator to hit his or her chest or jaw on the
watercraft or handlebars and be injured. The
passengers could also impact the watercraft
and be injured.
Do not operate the watercraft with your chin
right above the handlebars. In addition, the
operator and passengers should keep their
feet on the floor of the footwell.
Operating in rough water or jumping waves
can also crack the watercraft hull and deck,
and damage internal parts. Avoid operating in
rough water or bad weather conditions.
EJU33381
Post-operation care
To keep your watercraft in top shape, always
take it out of the water after using it and per-
form the following procedures. Leaving the
watercraft in the water for extended periods
will accelerate the rate of normal deterioration
of the jet unit components and hull finish. Ma-
rine organisms and corrosion are some of the
conditions that can adversely affect the life of
many watercraft components.
(1) Remove the watercraft from the water.
(2) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
(3) Remove the seat and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, remove the stern drain plugs, and
then raise the bow of the watercraft
enough to allow the water in the bilge to
drain out.
NOTE:
This watercraft is equipped with an automatic
bilge draining system that removes water
from the engine compartment while you are
underway. However, some residual water will
remain.
(4) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
(5) Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt. (See
page 63 for flushing procedures.)
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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
64
water passages by alternately squeezing
and releasing the throttle lever for 10 to
15 seconds.
(8) Stop the engine.
(9) Remove the garden hose adapter and in-
stall the flushing hose connector cap.
EJU33622Lubrication
WARNING
EWJ00260
Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or pro-
pellants could catch fire.
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Loosen the clamp screw and disconnect
the air intake duct.(3) Spray a rust inhibitor into the intake open-
ing for 3 seconds.
(4) Connect the air intake duct and tighten
the clamp screw.
(5) Start the engine in a well-ventilated area
and let it run at idle for 15 seconds.
CAUTION:
ECJ00561
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds without supplying water, other-
wise the engine could overheat.
(6) Lubricate all cables such as the throttle
and steering cables.
NOTE:
Use a suitable marine grease applicator to
pressure-lubricate the cables and purge out
any moisture between the inner and outer ca-
bles.
(7) Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified in “Lubrication points” on page
73.
EJU33670Fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00280
GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE HIGH-
LY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!
1Clamp screw
2Air intake duct
1Intake opening
UF1K73E0.book Page 64 Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:15 AM

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
66
(2) Rinse the engine and bilge area with
fresh water. Drain all of the water and
wipe up any remaining moisture with
clean, dry rags.
CAUTION:
ECJ00110
Do not use high-pressure water when rins-
ing the engine and bilge area as severe en-
gine damage could result.
(3) Spray the engine’s exterior with a rust in-
hibitor and lubricant.
(4) Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
(5) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the seat and engine compart-
ment seals, with a vinyl protectant.
EJU33761
Maintenance and adjustments
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrica-
tion will keep your watercraft in the safest and
most efficient condition possible. Safety is an
obligation of the watercraft owner. Proper
maintenance must be carried out to keep the
exhaust emission and sound levels within the
regulated limits. The most important points of
watercraft inspection, adjustment, and lubri-
cation are explained on the following pages.
See a Yamaha dealer for genuine Yamaha re-
placement parts and optional accessories de-
signed for your watercraft.
Remember, failures that are the result of the
installation of parts or accessories which are
not qualitatively equivalent to genuine
Yamaha parts are not covered by the limited
warranty.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and system may
be performed by any marine SI engine re-
pair establishment or individual. Warranty
repair, however, must be performed at an
authorized Yamaha marine dealership.
WARNING
EWJ00310

Be sure to shut the engine off when you
perform maintenance unless otherwise
specified, otherwise an accident or inju-
ry could result from unexpected opera-
tion, moving parts, or electric shock. If
the owner is not familiar with watercraft
servicing, this work should be done by a
Yamaha dealer. Improperly serviced
components could fail or stop operating
correctly, which could result in an acci-
dent.

Modifications to this watercraft not ap-
proved by Yamaha may cause loss of
performance or excessive noise and ex-
haust emissions, or render it unsafe for
UF1K73E0.book Page 66 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