stop start YAMAHA VX 2008 User Guide

Operation
38
EJU31820
Fuel and oil
This watercraft is equipped with a 4-stroke en-
gine. Conventional 2-stroke engine oil cannot
be used.
The engine utilizes an electronic fuel injection
system to deliver the optimal air-fuel ratio re-
quired by the engine. By ensuring the optimal
combustion conditions, this system is able to
increase startability and improve fuel econo-
my.
EJU31841Gasoline
WARNING
EWJ00280
GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE HIGH-
LY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!

Do not smoke when refueling, and keep
away from sparks, flames, and other
sources of ignition.

Stop the engine before refueling.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the
watercraft in a horizontal position.

Do not stand or sit on the watercraft
while refueling in case of fire.

Take care not to spill gasoline. If gaso-
line spills, wipe it up immediately with
dry rags. Always properly dispose of
gasoline-soaked rags.

Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Stop fill-
ing when the fuel level reaches approxi-
mately 50 mm (2 in) from the top of the
fuel tank. Fuel expands as it warms up
and could overflow if the fuel tank has
been overfilled. If temporarily leaving
the watercraft with a full fuel tank, do not
leave it in direct sunlight. Leave it in a
well-ventilated area with the watercraft
in a horizontal position.

Tighten the fuel tank filler cap securely
after refueling.

If you should swallow some gasoline, in-
hale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get gaso-
line in your eyes, get immediate medical
attention.

If any gasoline spills on your skin or
clothing, immediately wash the affected
area with soap and water and change
your clothes.
CAUTION:
ECJ00310
Use only fresh gasoline that has been
stored in clean containers.
EJU31860Gasohol
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 the
fuel meets the minimum octane ratings.
Gasohol containing methanol is not recom-
mended by Yamaha because it can cause
fuel system damage and engine performance
problems.Recommended gasoline:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum octane rating of
86 (Pump octane number) = (R +
M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
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Operation
40
EJU31980
Pre-operation checks EJU31990Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the accom-
panying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING
EWJ00410
If any item in the pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and
repaired before operating the watercraft, otherwise an accident could occur.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the seat to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.42
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 43
Stern drain plugsCheck for proper installation. 44
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 45
Steering systemCheck for proper operation. 45
Shift lever and reverse gate
(VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser)Check for proper operation. 46
Fuel and oilCheck the fuel and oil levels and replenish if neces-
sary.
Check the hoses and tanks for leakage.42, 42
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 43
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 44
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 23
SeatCheck that the seat is securely installed. 23
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.42
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 47
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 45
Engine shut-off cordCheck the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 47
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.48
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.48
Multifunction information
centerCheck for warning indications and proper operation. 48
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Operation
42
EJU32280Pre-operation check points EJU32310Engine compartment
Ventilate the engine compartment before
each use.
To ventilate the engine compartment, remove
the seat. (See page 23 for seat removal and
installation procedures.) Leave the engine
compartment open for a few minutes to allow
any fuel vapors to escape.
While the engine compartment is open, check
for loose electrical connections.
WARNING
EWJ00460
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 or
a loose electrical connection.
EJU32350Hull and deck
Check the hull and deck for cracks and other
damage. If any damage is found, have a
Yamaha dealer repair the watercraft.
EJU32390Fuel level
Check the fuel system for leakage, cracks,
and malfunctions before each use. (See page
70 for check points and correct procedures.)
(1) Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any pressure that might have built up in
the fuel tank.(2) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Check the fuel level in the fuel tank and
replenish if necessary. (See page 39 for
filling procedures.)
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the seat.
EJU32400Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level before each use.
CAUTION:
ECJ00390

When checking the engine oil level on
water, be careful of other watercraft,
boats, swimmers, and obstacles. The
water current and wind can cause the
watercraft to move and lead to a colli-
sion.

When checking the engine oil level on
land, supply water to the cooling water
passages. (See page 63 for procedures
on supplying water.)

Make sure that the engine has enough
oil, but do not overfill it. If there is too lit-
tle oil, the engine can be damaged. If
there is too much oil, the air filter can be-
come saturated with oil, permanently
damaging the filter and reducing engine
performance. Follow the checking pro-
cedure carefully.

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.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion or launch the watercraft, and then
start the engine.
(2) Run the engine at trolling speed for 6 min-
utes or more, and then stop the engine.
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Operation
48
EJU32670Switches
CAUTION:
ECJ00410
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds when checking the switches on
land without supplying water, otherwise
the engine could overheat.
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation.
Push the start switch to start the engine. As
soon as the engine starts running, push the
engine stop switch to verify that the engine
stops immediately. Restart the engine, and
then pull the engine shut-off cord to remove
the clip from the engine shut-off switch to ver-
ify that the engine stops immediately. (See
pages 25 to 26 for information on proper op-
eration of the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch.)
EJU32680Cooling water pilot outlet
Check that water comes out from the cooling
water pilot outlet while the engine is runningand the watercraft is in the water. (See page
26 for more information.)
EJU32710Multifunction information center
Check the multifunction information center for
proper operation. (See page 30 for informa-
tion on proper operation of the multifunction
information center.)
1Start switch
2Engine stop switch
3Engine shut-off switch
4Clip
5Engine shut-off cord
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Operation
50
colorless, odorless gas that may cause
loss of consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate the watercraft
in an open area.
(1) If the lock mode of the Yamaha Security
System is selected (for VX Deluxe/VX
Cruiser), use the remote control transmit-
ter to select the unlock mode. (See page
29 for Yamaha Security System lock and
unlock mode selection procedures.)
(2) Launch the watercraft in water free from
weeds and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft)
deep.
WARNING
EWJ00570
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise you increase
your chance of hitting a submerged ob-
ject, which could result in injury.
CAUTION:
ECJ00470
Never operate in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep, otherwise pebbles or sand
could be sucked into the jet intake, caus-
ing impeller damage and engine overheat-
ing.
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist, and then attach the clip to the en-
gine shut-off switch.
WARNING
EWJ00580
Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken, and keep it free from the
handlebars so that the engine stops if the
operator falls off. The engine shut-off cord
may not pull free if wrapped around the
handlebars when the operator falls off, al-
lowing the watercraft to continue to run
and cause an accident.
NOTE:
It is not possible to start the engine with the
clip removed from the engine shut-off switch.
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord
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Operation
51
(4) Push the start switch (green button), and
then release it as soon as the engine
starts to run.
NOTE:
The engine will not start if the throttle lever is
squeezed.
CAUTION:
ECJ00480

Never push the start switch while the en-
gine is running.

Do not operate the start switch for more
than 5 seconds, otherwise the battery
will be discharged and the engine will
not start. Also, the starter motor could
be damaged. If the engine does not start
in 5 seconds, release the start switch,
wait 15 seconds, and then try again.
EJU32860Stopping the engine
To stop the engine, release the throttle lever,
and then push the engine stop switch (red
button).
WARNING
EWJ00600
You need throttle to steer. Shutting the en-
gine off can cause you to hit an obstacle
you are attempting to avoid. A collision
could result in severe injury or death.
EJU32890Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, select the lock
mode of the Yamaha Security System (for
VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) and remove the en-
gine shut-off cord to reduce the chance of
accidental starting or unauthorized use by
children or others. (See page 29 for
Yamaha Security System and low-RPM
mode selection procedures.)
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Maintenance and care
63
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.
EJU33542Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system is essential to
prevent it from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
CAUTION:
ECJ00121

Do not supply water to the cooling water
passages when the engine is not run-
ning. The water could flow back through
the muffler into the crankcase, causing
severe engine damage.

Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds without supplying water or
over 4000 r/min on land, otherwise the
engine could overheat.
(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 hoseadapter 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.
NOTE:
A garden hose is not included and must be
purchased separately.
(5) Start the engine, and then immediately
turn the water supply on until water flows
out continually from the jet thrust nozzle.
(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.
(7) Turn the water supply off, and then force
the remaining water out of the cooling
1Flushing hose connector cap
2Garden hose adapter
3Flushing hose connector
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Maintenance and care
64
water passages by alternately squeezing
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.
EJU33622Lubrication
WARNING
EWJ00260
Do not spray flammable rust inhibitor
products on engine surfaces while the en-
gine is hot. The sprayed substance or pro-
pellants could catch fire.
(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.
(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.
CAUTION:
ECJ00561
Do not run the engine for more than 15
seconds without supplying water, other-
wise the engine could overheat.
(6) Lubricate all cables such as the throttle
and steering cables.
NOTE:
Use a suitable marine grease applicator to
pressure-lubricate the cables and purge out
any moisture between the inner and outer ca-
bles.
(7) Lubricate the areas of the watercraft
specified in “Lubrication points” on page
73.
EJU33670Fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00280
GASOLINE AND ITS VAPORS ARE HIGH-
LY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE!
1Clamp screw
2Air intake duct
1Intake opening
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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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