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Operation and handling requirements
61
fuel filler cap and the hood are securely
closed before using the watercraft.
(11) Securely install the seats in their original
positions.EJU40291
Engine oil requirementsEJU41513Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00282
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
TIP:
When the engine is operated at high speeds,
some engine oil may be consumed. Be sure
to check the engine oil level.
Checking the engine oil level
WARNING
EWJ00341
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
ECJ01002
Make sure that debris and water do not
enter the oil 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 precisely level
position on land with the engine
stopped. If the engine was running, allow
the engine oil to settle by waiting 5 minu-
tes or more before checking the oil level.
(2) Remove the seats. (See page 49 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40,
20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL
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Operation and handling requirements
62
(3) Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
(4) Insert the dipstick back into the dipstick
tube completely. Remove the dipstick
again and make sure that the engine oil
level is between the minimum and maxi-
mum level marks.
(5) If the engine oil level is significantly
above the maximum level mark, consult
a Yamaha dealer. If the engine oil level is
below the minimum level mark, add en-
gine oil.(6) Loosen the engine oil filler cap and re-
move it.
(7) Slowly add engine oil.
TIP:
The difference between the minimum and
maximum level marks on the dipstick is equal
to approximately 1 L (1.06 US qt, 0.88 Imp.qt)
of engine oil.
(8) Wait approximately 5 minutes to allow
the engine oil to settle, and then check
the engine oil level again.
(9) Repeat steps 3–8 until the engine oil is at
the proper level.
(10) Securely install the engine oil filler cap by
tightening it until it stops.
(11) Securely install the seats in their original
positions.
1Dipstick
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
1
2
1Engine oil filler cap
1
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Operation and handling requirements
63
EJU40022
Draining the bilge water
NOTICE
ECJ01302
Do not run the engine at full throttle when
bilge water remains in the engine com-
partment. The bilge water can splash into
the engine, which can result in severe
damage.
EJU44260Draining the bilge water on land
To drain the bilge water on land:
(1) Loosen the stern drain plugs and remove
them.
(2) Raise the bow of the watercraft, such as
by placing the watercraft on a slope, to
drain the bilge water from the engine
compartment.
(3) After the bilge water has drained from the
stern drain plug holes, wipe up any re-
maining moisture in the engine compart-
ment with a dry cloth.
(4) Check that the stern drain plugs and O-
rings on the plugs are not damaged and
that there is no foreign material on the
threads or O-rings on the plugs.
NOTICE: Before installing the stern
drain plugs, clean the drain plug
threads and the O-rings on the plugs
to remove any foreign materials, such
as dirt or sand. Otherwise, the sterndrain plugs could be damaged, allow-
ing water to enter the engine compart-
ment. Check the O-rings on the stern
drain plugs and make sure that the
plugs are tightened securely before
launching the watercraft. Otherwise,
water may flood the engine compart-
ment and cause the watercraft to sub-
merge.
[ECJ00363]
(5) Securely install the stern drain plugs by
tightening them until they stop.
EJU42171Draining the bilge water on water
A small quantity of bilge water will remain in
the engine compartment even after the bilge
water is drained on water. To completely
drain the bilge water, remove the watercraft
from the water and drain the bilge water on
land.
Jet vacuum bilge draining system
While the watercraft is operating, bilge water
in the engine compartment is drawn in by the
vacuum that is generated in the jet pump and
discharged from the watercraft through the
jet thrust nozzle.
To drain the bilge water on water:
Operate the watercraft as straight as possible
and above planing speed for at least 2 minu-
tes. NOTICE: Do not run the engine at full
throttle for at least 1 minute after the en-
gine has been restarted. Bilge water in the
1Stern drain plug
1
1O-ring
1
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![YAMAHA FX SVHO 2017 Owners Manual Operation and handling requirements
64
engine compartment can splash into the
engine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
[ECJ00554]
Electric bilge draining system
Bilge water in the engine compartm YAMAHA FX SVHO 2017 Owners Manual Operation and handling requirements
64
engine compartment can splash into the
engine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
[ECJ00554]
Electric bilge draining system
Bilge water in the engine compartm](/manual-img/51/49903/w960_49903-69.png)
Operation and handling requirements
64
engine compartment can splash into the
engine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
[ECJ00554]
Electric bilge draining system
Bilge water in the engine compartment is
drawn in by the operation of the electric bilge
pump and discharged from the watercraft.
To drain the bilge water:
Start the engine to operate the electric bilge
pump.
TIP:
The electric bilge pump continues to operate
for a short time after the engine stops.
EJU42432
Transporting on a trailer
When transporting the watercraft on a trailer,
secure the tie downs to the trailer through the
bow eye and stern eyes. NOTICE: Do not at-
tach 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 watercraft to avoid scratches
or damage.
[ECJ02150]
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Pre-operation checks
67
TIP:
To ensure safety and reliability, pre-operation checks should be made each time the water-
craft is used.
Jet thrust nozzle and re-
verse gate Check the jet thrust nozzle and reverse gate for
damage.73
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.73
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 74
Front and rear seatsCheck that the seats are securely installed. 49
POST-LAUNCH CHECKS
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged from the port (left)
cooling water pilot outlet while the engine is run-
ning.74
Multifunction information
centerCheck the multifunction information center for prop-
er operation.74
Shift systemCheck the shift system for proper operation. 75
Trim indicatorCheck the trim indicator for proper operation. 75
Engine idling speedCheck the engine idling speed. 76 ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
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Pre-operation checks
68
EJU32282
Pre-operation check pointsEJU42383Pre-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 seats and removable water-
tight storage compartment. (See page 49
for seat removal and installation proce-
dures and page 56 for information on the
removable watertight storage compart-
ment.)
(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 removable watertight storage
compartment and seats in their original
positions.
EJU32334Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00462
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.
EJU34215Fuel system checks
WARNING
EWJ00382
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
EJU36875Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 59 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32424Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
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![YAMAHA FX SVHO 2017 Owners Manual Pre-operation checks
70
aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00452]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa- YAMAHA FX SVHO 2017 Owners Manual Pre-operation checks
70
aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00452]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa-](/manual-img/51/49903/w960_49903-75.png)
Pre-operation checks
70
aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00452]
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.
[EWJ01241]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32614Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout thewhole 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 the
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
32
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Pre-operation checks
71
right and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU40363Adjustable tilt steering system checks
Operate the adjustable tilt steering system
several times to make sure that operation is
smooth throughout the whole range. Also,
make sure that the handlebars are securelylocked in place. (See page 29 for adjustable
tilt steering system operation procedures.)
EJU43212RiDE lever checks
Operate the RiDE lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the RiDE
lever returns automatically to its fully closed
position when released.
EJU42181Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that the Difference between fully turned posi-
tions of jet thrust nozzle (distances A
and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
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