Operation
61
(5) Flush the cooling system to prevent it
from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt. (See
page 62 for flushing procedures.)
(6) If the watercraft will be stored for a week
or more, lubricate internal engine compo-
nents to help prevent corrosion. (See
page 63 for lubrication procedures.)
(7) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
NOTICE: Do not use high-pressure
water when rinsing the engine or en-
gine compartment as severe engine
damage could result.
[ECJ00571]
(8) Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment dry with a clean cloth (repeat step 3,
if necessary).
(9) Wipe the hull, handlebars, and jet unit dry
with a clean cloth.
(10) Spray a rust inhibitor on metallic parts to
minimize corrosion.
(11) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
EJU33452
Transporting
Before putting the watercraft on a trailer or
transporting it, be sure to put the shift lever in
the forward position (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser). When transporting the
watercraft on a trailer, secure the tie downs to
the trailer through the bow eye and stern
eyes. NOTICE: Do not attach ropes or tie
downs to any part of the watercraft other
than the bow eye and stern eyes to secure
the watercraft to the trailer. Otherwise, the
watercraft may be damaged. Wrap the
ropes or tie downs with towels or rags
where they touch the body of the water-
craft to avoid scratches or damage. Do not
transport the watercraft with the shift lever
in the reverse position. Otherwise the re-
verse gate may hit an obstacle, which
could cause damage (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser).
[ECJ00622]
UF2L70E0.book Page 61 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM
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
UF2L70E0.book Page 62 Friday, June 20, 2008 12:57 PM
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
UF2L70E0.book Page 63 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Maintenance and care
64
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.
EJU33731Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
(2) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with fresh water. Drain all of the wa-
ter and wipe up any remaining moisture
with clean, dry rags. NOTICE: Do not
use high-pressure water when rinsing
the engine and engine compartment
as severe engine damage could result.
[ECJ00111]
(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.
EJU33762
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
EWJ00311
Be sure to turn off the engine when you
perform maintenance unless otherwise
specified. If you are not familiar with ma-
chine servicing, this work should be done
by a Yamaha dealer or other qualified me-
chanic.
EJU33811Owner’s/operator’s manual and tool
kit
It is advisable to always carry the owner’s/op-
erator’s manual and tool kit with you whenev-
er you use the watercraft. For your
convenience, a storage compartment is pro- Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
UF2L70E0.book Page 64 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Maintenance and care
66
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 70
Lubrication pointsLubricate 71
Fuel systemCheck 68
Fuel tankCheck, clean 68
Trolling speedCheck, adjust 73
Throttle shaftCheck—
Cooling water pas-
sagesFlush
*62
Water inlet strain-
erCheck, clean—
Bilge strainerClean—
ImpellerCheck—
Jet thrust nozzle
angleCheck, adjust 68
Shift cable and re-
verse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser)Check, adjust 69
Throttle cableCheck, adjust 69
Stern drain plugsCheck, replace 44
BatteryCheck, charge 72
Rubber couplingCheck—
Engine mountCheck—
Nuts and boltsCheck—
Air filter elementCheck 68
Engine oilReplace 68
UF2L70E0.book Page 66 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Maintenance and care
68
EJU34212Checking the fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00381
Leaking fuel can result in fire or explosion.
Check for fuel leakage regularly.
If any fuel leakage is found, the fuel sys-
tem must be repaired by a qualified me-
chanic. Improper repairs can make the
watercraft unsafe to operate.
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 leakageEJU34230Fuel 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.
EJU34292Engine 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.
NOTICE
ECJ00181
Do not run the engine with too much or not
enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise the
engine could be damaged.
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.
EJU34311Air filter element
Have a Yamaha dealer check the air filter ele-
ment at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
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.
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)
UF2L70E0.book Page 68 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Maintenance and care
70
(3) Adjust the free play by turning the adjust-
er.
(4) Hold the adjuster with one wrench while
tightening the locknut with another
wrench. Slide the rubber cover to its orig-
inal position.
(5) Install the front handlebar cover, and then
install the six screws.
EJU34392Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs
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.
The spark plug is an important engine compo-
nent and is easy to inspect. The condition of
the spark plug can indicate something about
the condition of the engine. For example, if
one spark plug has a distinctly different color,
the engine could require servicing. Do not at-tempt to diagnose any problems yourself.
Have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
Remove and inspect the spark plugs periodi-
cally; heat and deposits will cause the spark
plugs to slowly break down and erode. If elec-
trode erosion becomes excessive, or if carbon
and other deposits are excessive, replace the
spark plug with the specified plug.
To remove a spark plug:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the spark plug cap. NOTICE:
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise the
ignition coil coupler could be dam-
aged. The spark plug cap may be diffi-
cult to remove because 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.
[ECJ00211]
(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.
1Rubber cover
2Locknut
3Adjuster
4Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
Specified spark plug:
CR9EB
1Spark plug gap
UF2L70E0.book Page 70 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM
Maintenance and care
73
(2) Connect the breather hose to the battery.
(3) Secure the battery in place. WARNING!
Fire or explosion could result if the
breather hose is damaged, obstruct-
ed, or not connected properly.
[EWJ00451]
EJU34491
Fuel injection system
If the fuel injection system is malfunctioning,
have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
EJU34500Checking the trolling speed
(1) Place the watercraft in the water.
(2) Start the engine and warm it up. Use the
tachometer in the multifunction informa-
tion center to check the trolling speed.
If the trolling speed is out of specification,
have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
Trolling speed:
1650 ±50 r/min
UF2L70E0.book Page 73 Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:38 AM