2021 YAMAHA VX oil

Operation and handling requirements
64
EJU40291
Engine oil requirementsEJU43951Engine oilECJ00282
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Why Yamalube
YAMALUBE oil is a Genuine YAMAHA Part
born of the engineers’ passion and belief that
engine oil is an important liquid engine com-
ponent. We form teams of specialists in the
fields of mechanical engineering, chemistry,
electronics and track testing, and have them
develop the engine together with the oil it will
use. Yamalube oils take full advantage of the
base oil’s qualities and blend in the ideal bal-
ance of additives to make sure the final oil
clears our performance standards. Thus,
Yamalube mineral, semisynthetic and syn- thetic oils have their own distinct characters
and value. Yamaha’s experience gained over
many years of research and development
into oil since the 1960’s helps make
Yamalube the best choice for your Yamaha engine. Checking the engine oil level
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.
ECJ00392
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 pas-
sages. (See “Flushing the cooling water
passages” on page 92 for information on
supplying water.)
When checking the engine oil level on wa-
ter, moor the watercraft so that it will not
drift away.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) With the engine stopped, place the wa- tercraft in a precisely level position on
land or launch the watercraft.
(2) Look in all directions, and then start the engine. (See page 79 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) Run the engine at idling speed for 6 min- utes or more. Run the engine an addi-
tional 5 minutes if the ambient
temperature is 20 °C (68 °F) or less.
(4) Stop the engine.
(5) Remove the seats. (See page 54 for seat removal and installation procedures.)
Recommended engine oil:
YAMALUBE 4W or 4-stroke motor oil
Recommended engine oil type: SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40,
20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade: API SG, SH, SJ, SL
UF4N70E0.book Page 64 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

Operation and handling requirements
65
(6) Loosen the oil tank filler cap and removeit, and then wipe the attached dipstick
clean.
(7) Screw the oil tank filler cap into the filler hole until it stops. Remove the oil tank
filler cap again and make sure that the
engine oil level is between the minimum
and maximum level marks.
(8) 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, slowly
add engine oil.
(9) Repeat steps 6–8 until the engine oil is at the proper level.
(10) Securely install the oil tank filler cap and turn it until it stops. (11) Securely install the seats in their original
positions.
1Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1 Dipstick
2 Maximum level mark
3 Minimum level mark
1
213
UF4N70E0.book Page 65 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

First-time operation
68
EJU32786
Engine break-inECJ00432
Failure to perform the engine break-in
could result in reduced engine life or even
severe engine damage.
The engine break-in is essential to allow the
various components of the engine to wear
and polish themselves to the correct operat-
ing clearances. This ensures proper perfor-
mance and promotes longer component life.
To perform the engine break-in:
(1) Check the engine oil level. (See page 64for information on checking the engine
oil level.)
(2) Launch the watercraft and start the en- gine. (See page 79 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) For the first 5 minutes, operate with the engine at idling speed.
(4) For the next 30 minutes, operate with the engine speed below 5000 r/min.
(5) For the next 1 hour, operate with the en- gine speed below 6500 r/min.
After the engine break-in is complete, the wa-
tercraft can be operated normally.
UF4N70E0.book Page 68 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

Pre-operation checks
69
EJU31982
EWJ00412
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.
EJU41235Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEMROUTINEPAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartment Ventilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.
71
Fuel system Check the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
71
Water separator Check the water separator for water. 71
Engine unit Check the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 72
Engine oil level Check the engine oil level. 72
Bilge water Check the engine compartment for bilge water. 72
Battery Check the battery connections. 72
Steering system Check the steering system for proper operation. 72
RiDE lever (VX /
VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED) Check the RiDE lever for proper operation.
73
Throttle lever Check the throttle lever for proper operation. 73
Yamaha Security System
(VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED) Check the Yamaha Security System for proper op-
eration.
73
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.
73
Switches VX-C:
Check the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.
VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED:
Check the engine start/stop switch and engine
shut-off switch for proper operation.
74
Storage compartments Check the storage compartments for damage and
water.
75
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and band Check the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.
75
Fire extinguisher Check the condition of the fire extinguisher. 75
Safety equipment Check that safety equipment meeting the applica-
ble regulations is on board.
75
UF4N70E0.book Page 69 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

Pre-operation checks
72
EJU40182Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU41561Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
the dipstick attached to the oil tank filler cap.
(See page 64 for information on checking the
engine oil level.)
EJU32456Bilge 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 66 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32486Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals are not
damaged and that the battery leads are con-
nected properly. WARNING! Never operate
the watercraft if the battery does not have
sufficient 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 the
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
1 Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1 Dipstick
2 Maximum level mark
3 Minimum level mark
1
213
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2 Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2
1
UF4N70E0.book Page 72 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

Care and storage
94
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
ventilated. Always shield your eyes when
working near batteries.
Keep out of the reach of children.
To remove the battery:
(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead.
(2) Disconnect the positive (+) battery lead.
(3) Unhook the battery bands, and then re-move the battery from the watercraft.
Checking the battery
Make sure that the battery case is not dam-
aged.
Make sure that the battery terminals are
not corroded or damaged.
Checking the battery voltage and charging
the battery
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the battery voltage and charge the bat-
tery. Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat- tery as soon as possible if it seems to have
discharged. Keep in mind that the battery
tends to discharge more quickly if the vehicle
is equipped with optional electrical accesso-
ries.
NOTICE: To charge a VRLA (Valve
Regulated Lead Acid) battery, a special
(constant-voltage) battery charger is re-
quired. Using a conventional battery char-
ger will damage the battery.
[ECJ02810]
Checking the battery bands
Make sure that the battery bands are not
damaged.
To store the battery:
(1) Clean the battery case using fresh water.
(2) If the battery terminals are dirty or cor- roded, clean them using a wire brush.
(3) Apply water-resistant grease to the bat- tery terminals.
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2 Battery band
3 Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3
1
2
1
Battery band
1 Battery terminal
1
1
UF4N70E0.book Page 94 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

Maintenance
99
EJU43102Periodic maintenance chart
The periodic maintenance chart gives general guidelines for periodic maintenance. Have a
Yamaha dealer perform the checks in the following chart. However, maintenance may need to be performed more frequently depending on your operating conditions. If you have any
questions, consult a Yamaha dealer.
This “ √” mark indicates items to be checked and serviced by a Yamaha dealer.
Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page
10 hours 50 hours
or 12
months *1 100
hours or 12
months *1 200
hours or 24
months *1
Fuel line Check fuel hoses and
clamps
√
—
Fuel filler cap/Wa-
ter separator Check O-rings for cracks
and deformation
√
—
Fuel tank Check installation and
straps
√
—
Water inlet strainer Check for clogs and dam-
age
√
—
Cooling water hos-
es Check for damage and
leakage, and check
clamps
√
—
Engine oil Replace √√ 101
Oil filter Replace √101
Intermediate hous-
ing Lubricate
√—
Spark plugs Check √√ —
Battery Check state of charge,
terminals and bands
√
—
Battery leads Check terminals √—
Steering master Check operation and for
looseness
√√
—
Steering cable Check exterior and con-
nections, and lubricate
√
—
Shift rod and re-
verse gate (VX /
VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX
LIMITED) Check exterior and con-
nections, and lubricate
√
—
Air filter element Check for damage and
dirt
√
—
Air intake hoses Check for damage, and
check clamps
√
—
Throttle body Lubricate throttle valve √—
UF4N70E0.book Page 99 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM

Maintenance
101
EJU36943Engine oil and oil filterEWJ00341
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.
ECJ00992
Do not run the engine with too much or not
enough oil in the engine, otherwise the en-
gine could be damaged.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
change the engine oil and the engine oil filter.
However, if you choose to change the oil and
filter on your own, consult a Yamaha dealer.
UF4N70E0.book Page 101 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:13 PM