2008 YAMAHA VX checking oil

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
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
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
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
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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
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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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
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