maintenance YAMAHA VX 2008 User Guide

Maintenance and care
69
* This operation should be performed after every use.
Oil filterReplace 70
Valve clearanceCheck, adjust— Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page 10
hours50
hours100
hours100
hours200
hours
6
months12
months12
months24
months
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Maintenance and care
70
EJU34210Checking the fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00380
Gasoline is highly flammable and explo-
sive. Failure to check for and repair any
fuel leakage could result in a fire or explo-
sion. A fire or explosion can cause severe
injury or death. Shut the engine off. Do not
smoke. Avoid spilling gasoline.
Fuel in the fuel lines is pressurized.
Fuel can spray out and cause injury or a
fire hazard if a fuel line is disconnected.
Do not run the engine with a fuel line dis-
connected.
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 leakage.EJU34230Fuel 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.
EJU34291Engine 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.
CAUTION:
ECJ00180

Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank. Oil could
spray out and the engine could be dam-
aged.

Be sure to change the engine oil after
the first 10 hours of operation, and every
100 hours thereafter or at the start of a
new season, otherwise the engine will
wear quickly.
The oil filter should be replaced every
year or every 100 hours of operation.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the oil fil-
ter if necessary.
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.
NOTE:
Dispose of used oil according to local regula-
tions.
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)
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Maintenance and care
71
CAUTION:
ECJ00190
If oil is leaking or the oil pressure warning
indicator comes on when the engine is
running, immediately shut the engine off
and have a Yamaha dealer check the wa-
tercraft. Continuing to operate the engine
under such conditions could cause severe
engine damage.
EJU34310Air filter element
Have a Yamaha dealer check and clean or re-
place the air filter element every 12 months or
every 100 hours of operation.
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.
If the steering is stiff or misadjusted, have a
Yamaha dealer service it.
EJU34350Checking the shift cable (for VX
Deluxe/VX Cruiser)
Place the shift lever in the reverse position.
Make sure that the reverse gate makes con-
tact with the stopper.Difference of A and B:
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
1Stopper
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Maintenance and care
72
If the reverse gate does not make contact with
the stopper, have a Yamaha dealer service it.
EJU36640Checking and adjusting the throttle
cable
Check that the throttle cable moves back to
the set position smoothly and that the throttle
lever free play is within specification.
Squeeze and release the throttle lever. If the
throttle lever does not return smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer service it.
If the specified throttle lever free play cannot
be obtained as described below, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
(1) Remove the six screws, and then remove
the front handlebar cover.
(2) Slide the rubber cover away from the ad-
juster, and then loosen the locknut.(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.
EJU34391Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs
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.
1Front handlebar cover
1Rubber cover
2Locknut
3Adjuster
4Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
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Maintenance and care
73
To remove a spark plug:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
ECJ00210
Do not use any tools to remove or install
the spark plug cap, otherwise the ignition
coil coupler could be damaged. The spark
plug cap may be difficult to remove be-
cause 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.
(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.
To install a spark plug:
(1) Clean the gasket surface.
(2) Wipe any dirt from the threads of the
spark plug.(3) Install the spark plug, and then tighten it
to the specified torque.
(4) Install the spark plug cap.
NOTE:

Wipe off any water on the spark plug or in-
side the spark plug cap before installing the
cap. Push the spark plug cap down until it is
securely installed.

If a torque wrench is not available when you
are installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4 turn to 1/2 turn
past finger tight using the spark plug
wrench included in the tool kit. Have the
spark plug adjusted to the correct torque
with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
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.
(5) Install the seat.EJU34422Lubrication points
To keep moving parts sliding or rotating
smoothly, coat them with water-resistant
grease.

Throttle cable (handlebar end)
Loosen the adjuster and disconnect the
outer cable from the bracket. Spray a rust
inhibitor into the outer cable. Connect the
outer cable, and then adjust the throttle ca- Specified spark plug:
CR9EB
1Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Spark plug tightening torque:
12.5 Nm (9.2 ft-lb) (1.27 kgf-m)
Recommended water-resistant grease:
Yamaha Marine Grease/Yamaha
Grease A
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Maintenance and care
74
ble free play. (See page 72 for adjustment
procedures.)

Steering cable (handlebar end)

Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end)

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Shift cable (reverse gate end)
EJU34451Checking the battery
Check the level of the battery electrolyte and
make sure that the negative (–) and positive
(+) battery leads are tightened securely.
WARNING
EWJ00790
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dan-
gerous, causing severe burns, etc. Elec-
trolyte contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Antidotes
External: Flush with water.
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 ven-
tilated. Always shield your eyes when
working near batteries.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
1Adjuster
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Maintenance and care
75
CAUTION:
ECJ00230

Be careful not to place the battery on its
side.

Be sure to remove the battery from the
battery compartment when adding elec-
trolyte or charging the battery.
To remove the battery:
Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead first,
then the positive (+) battery lead and breather
hose, and then remove the battery from the
watercraft.
To replenish the battery:
(1) Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the maximum and minimum level
marks.
(2) If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled
water to raise it to the specified level.
CAUTION:
ECJ00240
Normal tap water contains minerals that
are harmful to a battery. Use only distilled
water for replenishing the battery.
To recharge the battery:
CAUTION:
ECJ00250
Do not attempt to charge a battery hastily.
Battery life could be shortened.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
charge the battery. If you charge the battery
yourself, be sure to read and follow the in-
structions provided with the battery tester and
charger you use.
To install the battery:
(1) Place the battery in the battery compart-
ment and connect the battery leads to the
battery terminals.
(2) Connect the breather hose to the battery.
(3) Secure the battery in place.
WARNING
EWJ00400
Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could result
if the breather hose is damaged, obstruct-
ed, or not connected properly.
CAUTION:
ECJ00260
After installation, make sure that the bat-
tery leads are properly connected to the
battery terminals.
EJU34490Fuel injection system
The fuel injection system was set at the
Yamaha factory. If the fuel injection system
needs to be adjusted, have a Yamaha dealer
service the watercraft.
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
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Maintenance and care
76
CAUTION:
ECJ00220
Do not attempt to adjust the fuel injection
system. If the settings are disturbed by
someone who does not have the neces-
sary technical knowledge, poor engine
performance and damage may result.
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.Trolling speed:
1650 ±50 r/min
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Index
A
Air filter element ....................................... 71
B
Battery ................................................ 44, 65
Battery, checking...................................... 74
Battery, jumping ....................................... 81
Beaching the watercraft ........................... 60
Bilge ......................................................... 43
Boarding alone ......................................... 55
Boarding and starting from a dock ........... 54
Boarding and starting in deep water ........ 54
Boarding and starting in shallow water .... 54
Boarding with passengers ........................ 55
Bow eye ................................................... 28
Builder’s plate............................................. 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 57
Check engine warning indicator ............... 34
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 65
Cooling water pilot outlet .................... 26, 48
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ............... 1
Cruising limitations ................................... 10
D
Docking the watercraft ............................. 60
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 80
Engine break-in ........................................ 49
Engine compartment ................................ 42
Engine oil ................................................. 39
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 70
Engine oil level ......................................... 42
Engine overheat warning indicator ........... 33
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord ................................. 47
Engine shut-off switch .............................. 25
Engine stop switch ................................... 25
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 18
F
Fire extinguisher....................................... 45
Flushing the cooling system ..................... 63
Front storage compartment ...................... 35
Fuel and oil............................................... 38
Fuel injection system................................ 75
Fuel level .................................................. 42
Fuel level meter........................................ 31Fuel level warning indicator ...................... 32
Fuel system .............................................. 64
Fuel system, checking .............................. 70
Fuel tank .................................................. 70
Fuel tank filler cap .................................... 24
Fuel tank, filling ........................................ 39
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 82
G
Gasohol .................................................... 38
Gasoline ................................................... 38
Getting to know your watercraft ............... 52
Glove compartment .................................. 36
H
Handgrip ................................................... 28
Hazard information ................................... 14
Hood ......................................................... 23
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 32
Hull and deck ........................................... 42
I
Identification numbers ................................ 1
Important labels .......................................... 3
J
Jet intake .................................................. 47
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning .............. 80
Jet thrust nozzle angle, checking ............. 71
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 81
L
Labels, other .............................................. 7
Labels, warning .......................................... 4
Launching the watercraft .......................... 49
Learning to operate your watercraft ......... 52
Leaving the watercraft .............................. 51
Limitations on who may operate the
watercraft ................................................ 9
“L-MODE” indicator light (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) ........................................... 35
Lubrication................................................ 64
Lubrication points ..................................... 73
M
Main components, location of .................. 19
Maintenance and adjustments ................. 66
Model information....................................... 2
Multifunction information center ......... 30, 48
O
Oil pressure warning indicator .................. 32
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Index
Operating your watercraft......................... 52
Operation ................................................. 49
Operation of controls and other
functions ............................................... 23
Operation requirements ........................... 11
Owner’s/operator’s manual and tool kit .... 67
P
Periodic maintenance chart...................... 68
Post-operation care .................................. 61
Pre-operation check list............................ 40
Pre-operation check points ...................... 42
Pre-operation checks ............................... 40
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ...... 1
R
Recommended equipment ....................... 13
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 24
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 60
Riding with passengers ............................ 53
Rough water operation ............................. 61
S
Safe boating rules .................................... 17
Seat .......................................................... 23
“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 34
Selecting the normal mode/low-RPM
mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ......... 30
Shift cable, checking (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) ........................................... 71
Shift lever and reverse gate
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 46
Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ..... 27
Spark plugs, cleaning and adjusting ........ 72
Speedometer............................................ 31
Start switch............................................... 26
Starting the engine ................................... 49
Starting the watercraft .............................. 53
Steering system ................................. 27, 45
Stern drain plugs ...................................... 44
Stern eyes ................................................ 28
Stopping the engine ................................. 51
Stopping the watercraft ............................ 60
Storage..................................................... 63
Storage compartments ............................. 35Submerged watercraft .............................. 83
Switches ................................................... 48
T
Tachometer .............................................. 31
Throttle cable, checking and adjusting ..... 72
Throttle lever ...................................... 26, 45
Towing the watercraft ............................... 83
Transporting ............................................. 62
Trolling speed, checking .......................... 76
Troubleshooting ....................................... 78
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 78
Turning the watercraft .............................. 58
W
Water separator ....................................... 43
Watercraft characteristics ......................... 14
Water-skiing ............................................. 16
Y
Yamaha Engine Management System
(YEMS) ................................................. 28
Yamaha Security System and low-RPM
mode (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ......... 29
Yamaha Security System
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 29
Yamaha Security System lock and
unlock modes (for VX Deluxe/
VX Cruiser) ........................................... 29
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