2012 YAMAHA VX warning

Equipment operation
39
(2) Push the rear of the seat down to secure-
ly lock it in place.
EJU31363Handgrip
The handgrip is used when boarding the wa-
tercraft from the water and when the spotter is
facing rearward. WARNING! Do not use the
handgrip to lift the watercraft. The hand-
grip is not designed to support the water-
craft’s weight. If the handgrip breaks, the
watercraft could fall, which could result in
severe injury.
[EWJ00021]
EJU34864
Reboarding step (VX Cruiser)
The reboarding step is used to assist in re-
boarding the watercraft from the water.
When boarding the watercraft, push the re-
boarding step down until it stops. The step re-
turns automatically to its original position
when released. WARNING! Do not use the
reboarding step to lift the watercraft. Thereboarding step is not designed to sup-
port the watercraft’s weight. If the reboard-
ing step breaks, the watercraft could fall,
which could result in severe injury.
[EWJ01211]
NOTICE
ECJ00742
Use the reboarding step only to board the
watercraft in the water. Do not use the re-
boarding step for any other purpose. The
watercraft can be damaged.
EJU34872Bow eye
The bow eye is used to attach a rope to the
watercraft when transporting, mooring, or
1Handgrip
1
1Reboarding step
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 39 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Equipment operation
40
towing it in an emergency. (See page 87 for
information on towing the watercraft.)
EJU34881Stern eyes
The stern eyes are used to attach a rope to
the watercraft when transporting or mooring it.
EJU40420Cleat
The cleat is used to attach a ski rope to the
watercraft when pulling a water-skier.
WARNING! Do not use the cleat to lift the
watercraft. The cleat is not designed to
support the watercraft’s weight. If the cleatbreaks, the watercraft could fall, which
could result in severe injury.
[EWJ01510]
EJU31683
Storage compartments
This watercraft is equipped with the following
storage compartments.
The storage compartments are not designed
to be waterproof. If you carry objects that must
be kept dry, put them in a waterproof bag.
Make sure that the storage compartments are
closed securely before operating the water-
craft.
EJU31715Bow storage compartment
The bow storage compartment is located un-
der the hood.
1Bow eye
1Stern eye
1
1
1Cleat
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 40 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation and handling requirements
44
EJU31822
Fuel requirements EJU37165Fuel
WARNING
EWJ00282

Gasoline and gasoline vapors are ex-
tremely flammable. To avoid fires and
explosions and to reduce the risk of in-
jury when refueling, follow these in-
structions.

Gasoline is poisonous and can cause in-
jury or death. Handle gasoline with care.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth. If you
should swallow some gasoline, inhale a
lot of gasoline vapor, or get some gaso-
line in your eyes, see your doctor imme-
diately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your
clothes.
NOTICE
ECJ00321

Do not use leaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline can seriously damage the engine.

Avoid getting water and contaminants in
the fuel tank. Contaminated fuel can
cause poor performance and engine
damage. Use only fresh gasoline that
has been stored in clean containers.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and thefuel meets the minimum octane ratings. E-85
is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and
therefore must not be used in this watercraft.
All ethanol blends containing more than 10%
ethanol can cause fuel system damage or en-
gine performance problems.
Yamaha does not recommend gasohol con-
taining methanol because it can cause fuel
system damage and engine performance
problems.
To fill the fuel tank:
(1) Before refueling, stop the engine. Do not
stand or sit on the watercraft. Never refu-
el while smoking, or while in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of
ignition.
(2) Place the watercraft in a well-ventilated
area and in a horizontal position.
(3) Remove the seat, and then check the fuel
level. (See page 38 for seat removal and
installation procedures.)
(4) Loosen the fuel filler cap and remove it.
(5) Slowly add fuel to the fuel tank. Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating of
86
(Pump octane number) = (R + M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
1Fuel filler cap
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 44 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation and handling requirements
45
(6) Stop filling when the fuel level reaches
approximately 50 mm (2 in) from the top
of the fuel tank. Do not overfill the fuel
tank. Because fuel expands when it heats
up, heat from the engine or the sun can
cause fuel to spill out of the fuel tank. Do
not leave the watercraft with a full tank in
direct sunlight.
(7) Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately with
a dry cloth.
(8) Securely install the fuel filler cap by tight-
ening it until it clicks.
(9) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU40290
Engine oil requirements EJU41542Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00281
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Checking the engine oil level
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.
TIP:

When checking the engine oil level on land,
the engine must be running while water is
being supplied to the cooling water passag-
es. (See “Flushing the cooling water pas-
seges” on page 71 for information on
supplying water.)

When checking the engine oil level on wa-
ter, moor the watercraft so that it will not drift
away. Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp.gal)
1Approximately 50 mm (2 in) from top of the
fuel tank
1
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-
50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SE,SF,SG,SH,SJ,SL
UF2N72E0.book Page 45 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31981
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.
EJU41232Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.52
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.52
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 52
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 52
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)Check the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.55
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.55
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.56
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.56
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.57
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.57
UF2N72E0.book Page 50 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
52
EJU32281
Pre-operation check points EJU40545Pre-launch checks
Perform the pre-launch checks in the pre-op-
eration checklist while the watercraft is on
land.
To perform the pre-launch checks:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
(3) After completing these checks, securely
install the seat in its original position.
EJU32333Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00461
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.
Ventilate the engine compartment. Leave the
engine compartment open for a few minutes
to allow any fuel vapors to escape.
Make sure that there is no damage inside the
engine compartment.
EJU34214Fuel system checks
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.
Make sure that there is no damage, leakage,
or other problem in the fuel system.
Check:

Fuel filler cap and seal for damage

Fuel tank for damage and leakage

Fuel hoses and joints for damage and leak-
age

Fuel tank breather hose for damage and
leakage
EJU36874Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 44 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32423Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
water separator, drain it. (See page 29 for in-
formation on draining the water separator.)
EJU40181Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU41560Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
1Water separator
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 52 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
53
the dipstick attached to the oil tank filler cap.
(See page 45 for information on checking the
engine oil level.)
EJU32455Bilge water check
Make sure that no bilge water has collected in
the engine compartment. If bilge water has
collected in the engine compartment, drain it.
(See page 47 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32484Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals and
breather hose are not damaged and that the
battery leads and breather hose are connect-
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00451]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa-
tercraft if the battery does not have suffi-
cient power to start the engine or if it
shows any other signs of decreased pow-
er. Loss of battery power may leave you
stranded.
[EWJ01240]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32613Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
1Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1Dipstick
2Maximum level mark
3Minimum level mark
1
213
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
12
3
UF2N72E0.book Page 53 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
54
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle moves as the handlebars are turned,
and that there is no difference between theright and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU32634Reverse system checks (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
WARNING
EWJ00031
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
Difference between fully turned positions
of jet thrust nozzle (distances A and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
UF2N72E0.book Page 54 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM