2009 YAMAHA VX stop start

Operation
40
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31991Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list.
WARNING
EWJ00411
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seat to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.42
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 43
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 44
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 45
Steering systemCheck for proper operation. 45
Shift lever and reverse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)Check for proper operation. 45
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.42, 42
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 43
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 44
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 23
SeatCheck that the seat is securely installed. 23
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.42
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 46
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 44
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 46
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.46
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.47
Multifunction information
centerCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 47
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Operation
42
EJU32280Pre-operation check points EJU32311Engine compartment
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.
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.
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.
EJU32391Fuel level
Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the
fuel tank before each use.
Also, check the fuel system for leakage,
cracks, and malfunctions. (See page 68 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 38 for
filling procedures.)
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the seat.
EJU32401Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level before each use.
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.
NOTICE
ECJ00391

Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise
the engine could be damaged.

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. NOTICE: When check-
ing the engine oil level on land, supply
water to the cooling water passages.
(See page 62 for procedures on sup-
plying water.)
[ECJ01020]
TIP:
When checking the engine oil level on water,
moor the watercraft so that it will not drift
away.
(2) Run the engine at trolling speed for 6 min-
utes or more, and then stop the engine.
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Operation
47
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation.
Push the start switch to start the engine. As
soon as the engine starts running, push the
engine stop switch to verify that the engine
stops immediately. Restart the engine, and
then pull the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch to verify that the engine stops immedi-
ately. (See pages 25 to 26 for information on
proper operation of the start switch, the en-
gine stop switch, and the engine shut-off
switch.)
EJU32680Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the cooling
water pilot outlet while the engine is runningand the watercraft is in the water. (See page
26 for more information.)
EJU32711Multifunction information center
Check the multifunction information center for
proper operation while the watercraft is in the
water. (See page 31 for information on proper
operation of the multifunction information cen-
ter.)
1Start switch
2Engine stop switch
3Engine shut-off switch
4Clip
5Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Operation
49
(2) Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft)
deep from the bottom of the watercraft.
NOTICE: Never operate in water that is
less than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the
bottom of the watercraft, otherwise
pebbles or sand could be sucked into
the jet intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00471]
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch. It is not pos-
sible to start the engine with the clip re-
moved from the engine shut-off switch.
WARNING! Check that the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) is attached cor-
rectly. If the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not attached correctly, it may
not pull free when the operator fallsoff, allowing the watercraft to continue
to run and cause an accident.
[EWJ00581]
(4) Push the start switch (green button), and
then release it as soon as the engine
starts to run. If the engine does not start
in 5 seconds, release the start switch,
wait 15 seconds, and then try again. The
engine will not start if the throttle lever is
squeezed. NOTICE: Never push the
start switch while the engine is run-
ning. Do not operate the start switch
for more than 5 seconds, otherwise
the battery will be discharged and the
engine will not start. Also, the starter
motor could be damaged.
[ECJ01040]
EJU32861
Stopping the engine
To stop the engine, release the throttle lever,
and then push the engine stop switch (red
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Operation
50
button). WARNING! You need throttle to
steer. Shutting the engine off can cause
you to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in severe
injury or death.
[EWJ00601]
EJU37181
Shifting (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
WARNING
EWJ01230

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.

Make sure that there are no obstacles or
people behind you before shifting into
reverse.

Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
To shift into reverse:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.(2) Pull the shift lever toward you.
To shift into forward:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Push the shift lever away from you.
EJU32892Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, select the lock
mode of the Yamaha Security System (for
VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) and remove the en-
gine shut-off cord (lanyard) to reduce the
chance of accidental starting or unautho-
rized use by children or others. (See page 29
for Yamaha Security System lock and unlock
mode selection procedures.)
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Maintenance and care
62
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.
EJU33544Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system is essential to
prevent it from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(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 hose
adapter 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.
TIP:
A garden hose is not included.
(5) Start the engine, and then immediately
turn the water supply on until water flows
out continually from the jet thrust nozzle.
NOTICE: Do not run the engine for
more than 15 seconds without supply-
ing water or over 4000 r/min on land,
otherwise the engine could overheat.
[ECJ01050]
TIP:
If you will be storing the watercraft for a pro-
longed period, such as winter storage, top off
the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add fuel
stabilizer and conditioner to the fuel tank ac-
cording to the manufacturer’s instruction be-
fore starting the engine.
(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. NOTICE: Do not sup-
ply water to the cooling water passag-
es when the engine is not running. The
water could flow back through the
muffler into the engine, causing se-
vere engine damage.
[ECJ00122]
(7) Turn the water supply off, and then force
the remaining water out of the cooling
water passages by alternately squeezing
1Flushing hose connector cap
2Garden hose adapter
3Flushing hose connector
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Maintenance and care
63
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.
(10) Install the seat.
EJU33623Lubrication
(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. WARNING! Do not
spray flammable rust inhibitor prod-
ucts on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or
propellants could catch fire.
[EWJ00261]
(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.
NOTICE: Do not run the engine for
more than 15 seconds without supply-
ing water, otherwise the engine could
overheat.
[ECJ00562]
(6) Lubricate all cables such as the throttle
and steering cables.
Use a suitable marine grease applicator
to pressure-lubricate the cables and
purge out any moisture between the inner
and outer cables.
(7) Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified in “Lubrication points” on page
71.
(8) Install the seat.
EJU33681Battery
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.
NOTICE: Always keep the battery
charged. Storing a discharged battery
can cause permanent battery damage.
[ECJ00101]
1Clamp screw
2Air intake duct
1Intake opening
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Index
A
Air filter element ....................................... 68
B
Battery ................................................ 44, 63
Battery, checking...................................... 72
Battery, jumping ....................................... 79
Beaching the watercraft ........................... 59
Bilge ......................................................... 43
Boarding alone ......................................... 54
Boarding and starting from a dock ........... 53
Boarding and starting in deep water ........ 53
Boarding and starting in shallow water .... 53
Boarding with passengers ........................ 54
Bow eye ................................................... 28
Builder’s plate............................................. 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 56
Check engine warning indicator ............... 34
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 64
Cooling water pilot outlet .................... 26, 47
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ............... 1
Cruising limitations ................................... 10
D
Docking the watercraft ............................. 59
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 78
Engine break-in ........................................ 48
Engine compartment ................................ 42
Engine oil ................................................. 39
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 68
Engine oil level ......................................... 42
Engine overheat warning indicator ........... 33
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) .................. 46
Engine shut-off switch .............................. 25
Engine stop switch ................................... 25
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 18
F
Fire extinguisher....................................... 44
Flushing the cooling system ..................... 62
Front storage compartment ...................... 35
Fuel .......................................................... 38
Fuel and oil............................................... 38
Fuel injection system................................ 73
Fuel level .................................................. 42Fuel level meter ........................................ 31
Fuel level warning indicator ...................... 32
Fuel system, checking .............................. 68
Fuel tank .................................................. 68
Fuel tank filler cap .................................... 24
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 79
G
Getting to know your watercraft ............... 51
Glove compartment .................................. 36
H
Handgrip ................................................... 27
Hazard information ................................... 14
Hood ......................................................... 23
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 32
Hull and deck ........................................... 42
I
Identification numbers ................................ 1
J
Jet intake .................................................. 46
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning .............. 78
Jet thrust nozzle angle, checking ............. 68
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 79
L
Labels, important ........................................ 3
Labels, other .............................................. 7
Labels, warning .......................................... 4
Launching the watercraft .......................... 48
Learning to operate your watercraft ......... 51
Leaving the watercraft .............................. 50
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft .......................................... 9
“L-MODE” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 35
Lubrication................................................ 63
Lubrication points ..................................... 71
M
Main components, location of .................. 19
Maintenance and adjustments ................. 64
Model information....................................... 2
Multifunction information center ......... 31, 47
O
Oil pressure warning indicator .................. 33
Operating in weeded areas ...................... 60
Operating your watercraft ......................... 51
Operation ................................................. 48
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