check engine YAMAHA SUPERJET 2008 User Guide

Operation
31
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the jet
thrust nozzle moves as the handlebars are
turned, and that there is no free play between
the handlebars and the jet thrust nozzle.
EJU32620Steering pole
Check the steering pole for looseness.
Move the steering pole up and down to make
sure that operation is smooth and unrestricted
throughout the whole range. Also, make sure
that the steering pole does not have any side
play.
EJU32650Jet intake
Carefully check the jet intake for weeds, de-
bris, or anything else that might restrict the in-
take of water. If the jet intake is clogged,
cavitation could occur, reducing jet thrust, and
possibly damaging the jet pump.
In some cases, the engine may overheat be-
cause of lack of cooling water, and damage tothe engine could result. Cooling water is fed to
the engine by the jet pump. (See page 65 for
jet intake cleaning procedures.)
WARNING
EWJ00470

Keep away from the intake grate while
the engine is on. Items such as long hair,
loose clothing, or PFD straps can be-
come entangled in moving parts, result-
ing in severe injury or drowning.

Stop the engine and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch before
removing any debris or weeds, which
may have collected around the jet in-
take.
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Operation
32
EJU32660Engine shut-off cord
Check that the engine shut-off cord is not
frayed or broken. If the cord is damaged, re-
place it; never try to repair it or tie it together.
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 19 to 20 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 running
and the watercraft is in the water. (See page
20 for more information.)
1Engine shut-off switch
2Start switch
3Engine shut-off cord
4Engine stop switch
5Clip
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Operation
34
(1) 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.
(2) Turn the fuel cock knob to “ON”.(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
36
EJU32900
Operating your watercraft EJU32920Getting to know your watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills ac-
quired through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques
well before attempting more difficult maneu-
vers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of
pleasure. However, it is essential to familiar-
ize yourself with the operation of the water-
craft to achieve the skill level necessary to
enjoy riding safely.
Before operating this watercraft, read this
owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Prac-
tice Guide, and all warning and caution labels
on the watercraft. Pay particular attention to
the safety information on page 7. These ma-
terials should give you an understanding of
the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator only. Never have more than
one person on the watercraft at any time.
EJU32980Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
27. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and re-
liability.
Check local laws before operating your water-
craft.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area tolearn in, where there is good visibility and light
boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with some-
one nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob-
jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for
conditions that limit your visibility or block your
vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left
wrist and keep it free from the handlebars so
that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall
off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). The
operator must wear a PFD that is approved by
the appropriate authorities and is suitable for
personal watercraft use.
Wear protective clothing. Severe internal inju-
ries can occur if water is forced into body cav-
ities as a result of falling into the water or
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal swim-
wear does not adequately protect against
forceful water entry into the rectum or vagina.
The operator must wear a wetsuit bottom or
clothing that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven,
sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as den-
im, but does not include spandex or similar
fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full
wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia
(subnormal body temperature) and abra-
sions.
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
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Operation
43

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft to give you
time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slowing
down in case you need engine power to
steer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.
EJU33300Beaching the watercraft
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach. Re-
lease the throttle lever about 90 m (300 ft)
before you reach the intended beaching
area.
(2) Approach the beach slowly and stop the
engine before reaching land.
Remember, you need throttle to steer.
(3) Get off the watercraft and pull it up on the
beach.
CAUTION:
ECJ00490
Small pebbles, sand, seaweed, and other
debris can be sucked into the jet intake
and impair or damage the impeller. Always
stop the engine and get off the watercraft
before beaching it.
EJU33330Rough water operation
The force of landing after jumping can cause
a strong impact on both the watercraft and the
operator. It is possible for the operator to hit
his or her chest or jaw on the watercraft or
handlebars and be injured.
Do not operate the watercraft with your chin
right above the handlebars or with your feet
outside the watercraft.
Operating in rough water or jumping waves
can also crack the watercraft hull and damage
internal parts. Avoid operating in rough water
or bad weather conditions.
EJU33361
Post-operation care
To keep your watercraft in top shape, always
take it out of the water after using it and per-
form the following procedures. Leaving the
watercraft in the water for extended periods
will accelerate the rate of normal deterioration
of the jet unit components and hull finish. Ma-
rine organisms and corrosion are some of the
conditions that can adversely affect the life of
many watercraft components.
(1) Remove the watercraft from the water.
(2) Wash down the hull, steering pole, han-
dlebars, and jet unit with fresh water.
(3) Remove the hood and check the engine
compartment for water. To drain excess
water, turn the watercraft on its port (left)
side. If necessary, turn the watercraft up-
side down to drain the water completely.
CAUTION:
ECJ00580

Place a suitable clean cloth or carpeting
underneath the watercraft to protect it
from abrasions and scratches.

Always turn the watercraft over onto its
port (left) side.

When turning the watercraft onto its
side or inverting it, support the bow and
secure the steering pole, otherwise the
steering pole and handlebars could be
bent or damaged.
NOTE:
This watercraft is equipped with an automatic
bilge draining system that removes water
from the engine compartment while you are
underway. However, some residual water will
remain.
(4) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
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Maintenance and care
48
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.
Draining the fuel system prevents buildup of
varnishes and other harmful deposits that re-
sult when gasoline sits for a long period of
time.
To drain the fuel system:
(1) Turn the fuel cock knob to “OFF”.
(2) Drain the fuel tank using a siphon.
EJU33680Battery
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft and store it in a cool, dry place.
(1) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead
first, then the positive (+) battery lead and
breather hose, and then remove the bat-
tery from the watercraft.
(2) Clean the battery casing using fresh wa-
ter.
(3) If the battery terminals are dirty or corrod-
ed, clean them with a wire brush.
(4) Fully charge the battery.
(5) Apply Yamaha Marine Grease or
Yamaha Grease A to the battery termi-
nals, and then store the battery in a cool,
dry place.
(6) Check the battery at least once every 2
months and fully charge it if necessary.
CAUTION:
ECJ00100
Always keep the battery charged. Storing
a discharged battery can cause permanent
battery damage.
To check the condition of the battery, check
the specific gravity of the electrolyte or mea-
sure the voltage at both battery terminals.Charge the battery if the voltage is less than
12 volts.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer
check the specific gravity and charge the bat-
tery. If you maintain the battery yourself, be
sure to read and follow the instructions provid-
ed with the battery tester and charger you
use.
EJU33700Cleaning the watercraft
Clean the watercraft before storing it for a long
period.
(1) Wash down the hull, handlebars, and jet
unit with fresh water.
(2) Rinse the engine and bilge area with
fresh water. Drain all of the water and
wipe up any remaining moisture with
clean, dry rags.
CAUTION:
ECJ00110
Do not use high-pressure water when rins-
ing the engine and bilge area as severe en-
gine damage could result.
(3) Spray the engine’s exterior with a rust in-
hibitor and lubricant.
(4) Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax.
(5) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the engine compartment seals,
with a vinyl protectant.
NOTE:
Do not use vinyl protectant on the riding tray,
because it will make it slippery.
Specific gravity (for reference):
1.28 at 20 °C (68 °F)
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Maintenance and care
51
EJU33820Periodic maintenance chart
The following chart gives general guidelines for periodic maintenance. However, maintenance
may need to be performed more frequently depending on your operating conditions.
This “” mark indicates maintenance that you may do yourself.
This “” mark indicates work to be done by a Yamaha dealer.
Item OperationInitial Thereafter every
Page 10
hours50
hours100
hours100
hours200
hours
6
months12
months12
months24
months
Spark plugsCheck, clean, adjust 57
Lubrication pointsLubricate 58
Intermediate hous-
ingLubricate 58
Fuel systemCheck 53
Fuel filterCheck, clean, replace 53
Fuel tankCheck, clean 53
CarburetorCheck, adjust 61
Trolling speedCheck, adjust 61
Carburetor throt-
tle shaftCheck—
Cooling water pas-
sagesFlush
*46
Bilge strainerClean—
ImpellerCheck—
Jet thrust nozzle
angleCheck, adjust 53
Handlebar pivot
shaftCheck—
Steering frictionCheck, adjust 54
Throttle cableCheck, adjust 56
Choke cableCheck, adjust 59
BatteryCheck, charge 60
Rubber couplingCheck—
Engine mountCheck—
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Maintenance and care
53
EJU34201Checking the fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00370
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.
Check the fuel system for leaks, cracks, and
malfunctions. If any problem is found, do the
necessary repair or replacement as required.
If repair is necessary, consult a Yamaha deal-
er.
Check:

Carburetor for leakage.

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.

Fuel filter for leakage.

Fuel cock for leakage.

Air vent check valve for leakage.EJU34220Fuel filter
This watercraft is equipped with a one-piece,
disposable fuel filter. The fuel filter should be
replaced after the initial 10 hours or first
month of operation and every 200 hours or 24
months thereafter, or if water is found in the fil-ter. Have a Yamaha dealer replace the fuel fil-
ter if necessary.
WARNING
EWJ00360
Do not try to replace the fuel filter yourself.
An incorrectly installed filter can leak gas-
oline, which could result in a fire or explo-
sion. If necessary, have a Yamaha dealer
replace the fuel filter.
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.
EJU34321Checking the jet thrust nozzle angle
Check the handlebars and jet thrust nozzle for
smooth operation.
1Fuel filter
1Fuel tank
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Trouble recovery
63
EJU34560
Troubleshooting
If you have any trouble with your watercraft, use this section to check for the possible cause.
If you cannot find the cause, or if the procedure for replacement or repair is not described in
this owner’s/operator’s manual, have a Yamaha dealer perform the necessary service.
EJU34570Troubleshooting chart
TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
Engine does not
start (Starter motor
does not turn over)Engine shut-
off switchClip not in place Install clip
19
Fuse Burned out Replace fuse and
check wiring67
Battery Run down Recharge 60
Poor terminal con-
nectionsTighten as required
60
Terminal corroded Clean 48
Starter motor Faulty Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Engine does not
start (Starter motor
turns over)Fuel cock Turned to “OFF”Turn fuel cock knob to
“ON”18
Fuel Empty Refill as soon as pos-
sible26
Stale or contaminat-
edHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer53
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer53
Spark plug Fouled or defective Clean or replace 57
Spark plug
capNot connected or
looseConnect properly
57
Crankcase Filled with water Crank engine with
plug out until clean68
Fuel filter Clogged or water
pooledHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer53
Choke Knob moves back on
its ownTighten choke knob
adjusting nut59
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Trouble recovery
65
EJU34620
Emergency procedures EJU34630Cleaning the jet intake and impeller
If weeds or debris get caught in the jet intake
or impeller, cavitation can occur, causing jet
thrust to decrease even though engine speed
rises. If this condition is allowed to continue,
the engine will overheat and may seize. If
there is any sign that the jet intake or impeller
is clogged with weeds or debris, return to
shore and check the intake and impeller. Al-
ways stop the engine before beaching the wa-
tercraft.
WARNING
EWJ00780
Before attempting to remove weeds or de-
bris from the jet intake or impeller area,
shut the engine off and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch. Severe in-
jury or death could result from coming incontact with the rotating parts of the jet
pump.
CAUTION:
ECJ00650
If weeds or debris get caught in the jet in-
take, do not operate the watercraft above
trolling speed until they have been re-
moved.
(1) Turn the watercraft on its side as shown.
UF2F70E0.book Page 65 Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:56 AM