YAMAHA SUPERJET 2008 Owner's Guide

Features and functions
24
NOTE:
The storage pouch is not waterproof. If you
carry objects that must be kept dry, such as
the manual, put them in a waterproof bag.
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Operation
25
EJU31790
Fuel and oil EJU31831Gasoline
WARNING
EWJ00290
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 just reaches the
bottom of the filler tube. Do not fill up the
filler tube because fuel expands as it
warms up and could overflow. If tempo-
rarily leaving the watercraft with a full
fuel tank, do not leave it in direct sun-
light. Leave it in a well-ventilated area
with the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.

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.
EJU318702-stroke engine oil
If YAMALUBE 2-W engine oil is not available,
another 2-stroke engine oil with an NMMA-
certified TC-W3 rating may be used.
EJU31900Mixing fuel and oil
CAUTION:
ECJ00330

Avoid using any mixture of gasoline and
oil other than those specified.

Make sure that the gasoline and oil are
thoroughly mixed in the correct ratio,
otherwise the following problems may
occur. Too little oil in the fuel-to-oil ratio
could result in major engine trouble,
such as seizure. Too much oil in the fuel-Recommended gasoline:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum octane rating of
86 (Pump octane number) = (R +
M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
Recommended engine oil:
YAMALUBE 2-W or TC-W3 outboard
motor oil or equivalent
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Operation
26
to-oil ratio could result in fouled spark
plugs, smoky exhaust, and heavy car-
bon deposits.
Pour 2-stroke engine oil into a clean contain-
er, and then add gasoline. To mix them thor-
oughly, shake the container from side to side.
EJU31910Filling the fuel tank
CAUTION:
ECJ00290
Be careful when refueling. Avoid getting
water and other contaminants in the fuel
tank. Contaminated fuel can cause poor
running and engine damage.
(1) Lift the steering pole and support it with
the lock pin.
(2) Remove the hood. (See page 17 for hood
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Remove the fuel tank filler cap, and then
slowly add the premixed fuel to the fueltank. Stop filling when the fuel level just
reaches the bottom of the filler tube.
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the
hood.
NOTE:

The hood must be removed in order to view
the fuel level in the fuel tank while adding fu-
el.

Be careful not to spill fuel or overfill the fuel
tank.

Do not fill up the filler tube because fuel ex-
pands as it warms up and could overflow.
12-stroke engine oil
2Gasoline
Fuel-to-oil ratios (gasoline to oil)
Break-in period (first two tankfuls):
25 : 1
After break-in:
50 :1
Fuel tank capacity:
To t a l :
18 L (4.8 US gal) (4.0 Imp.gal)
Reserve:
5.5 L (1.5 US gal) (1.2 Imp.gal)
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Operation
27
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.
NOTE:
Pre-operation checks should be made each time the watercraft is used. These checks can be
completed in a short time. It is worth the time spent to ensure safety and reliability.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BEFORE LAUNCH OR OPERATION
Engine compartmentRemove the hood to ventilate the engine compart-
ment. Check for fuel vapors and loose electrical con-
nections.28
BilgeCheck for water and fuel and drain if necessary. 29
Throttle leverCheck that the throttle lever springs back smoothly. 30
Steering systemCheck for proper operation. 30
FuelCheck the fuel level and replenish if necessary.
Check the hoses and tank for leakage.28
Water separatorCheck for water and drain if necessary. 28
BatteryCheck the electrolyte level and battery condition. 29
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 17
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for cracks and other dam-
age.28
Jet intakeCheck for debris and remove if necessary. 31
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition and replace if necessary. 29
Engine shut-off cordCheck the condition and replace if frayed or broken. 32
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.32
AFTER LAUNCH
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged while the engine is
running and the watercraft is in the water.32
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Operation
28
EJU32280Pre-operation check points EJU32290Engine compartment
Ventilate the engine compartment before
each use.
To ventilate the engine compartment, lift the
steering pole and support it with the lock pin,
and then remove the hood. (See page 17 for
hood 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.
EJU32360Fuel system
Check the fuel system for leakage, cracks,
and malfunctions before each use. (See page
53 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 hood. (See page 17 for hood
removal and installation procedures.)
(3) Check the fuel level in the fuel tank and
replenish if necessary. (See page 26 for
filling procedures.)
(4) Install the fuel tank filler cap and the
hood.
EJU32420Water separator
Check the water separator for water. The wa-
ter separator retains any water that may have
entered through the fuel tank breather hose if
the watercraft was capsized. Normally, the
water separator is empty.
If water remains in the water separator, drain
it by removing the drain screw. Place a drain
pan under the water separator to catch the
1Water separator
2Drain screw
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Operation
29
draining water or use a dry cloth to soak up
any water that could spill into the watercraft. If
any water spills into the watercraft, be sure to
wipe it up with a dry cloth. Also, be sure to in-
stall the drain screw after draining the water
separator.
EJU32430Bilge
Check the bilge for moisture and fuel residue.
CAUTION:
ECJ00340
Excessive water in the bilge can splash
into the carburetor and engine, which can
result in severe damage.
EJU32481Battery
Check the battery electrolyte level and check
that the battery has sufficient power to start
the engine easily. Recharge the battery or re-
place it if it is not in good condition. (See page
60 for battery recharging procedures.)
Also, check that the battery leads are tight-
ened securely and that there is no corrosion
on the battery terminals. Check that the
breather hose is securely connected to the
battery and that it is not pinched.
WARNING
EWJ00450

The battery must always be fully
charged and in good condition. Loss of
battery power may leave you stranded.
Never operate the watercraft if the bat-
tery does not have sufficient power to
start the engine or if it shows any other
signs of decreased power.

Be sure to connect the breather hose to
the battery. Fire or explosion could re-
sult if the breather hose is damaged, ob-
structed, or not connected properly.
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32500Fire extinguisher
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher on
board.
The fire extinguisher container is located on
the hood under the steering pole.
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
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Operation
30
To open the fire extinguisher container:
(1) Grasp the tab, pull the band to the rear,
and then pull it up.
(2) Lift the container about 30 degrees from
the storage position.
CAUTION:
ECJ00400
Do not force the fire extinguisher contain-
er up more than 30 degrees from the stor-
age position, otherwise the container and
hood could be damaged.
(3) Remove the cap to access the fire extin-
guisher.
To close the fire extinguisher container:
(1) Insert the fire extinguisher into the con-
tainer, and then install the cap and tighten
it securely.(2) Lower the container on the hood to its
storage position and secure it with the
band.
NOTE:

To check the fire extinguisher, see the in-
structions supplied by the fire extinguisher
manufacturer. Always keep the fire extin-
guisher in the fire extinguisher container.

Always carry a fire extinguisher on board. A
fire extinguisher is not standard equipment
with this watercraft. If you do not have one,
contact a Yamaha dealer or a fire extin-
guisher dealer to obtain one meeting the
proper specifications.
EJU32590Throttle lever
Check the throttle lever for proper operation.
Squeeze and release the throttle lever several
times to make sure that there is no hesitation
in its travel. It should be smooth over the com-
plete range and spring back to the idle posi-
tion when released.
WARNING
EWJ00490
Before starting the engine, always check
the operation of the throttle lever.
EJU32600Steering system
Check the handlebars for looseness.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that operation is
1Fire extinguisher holder and cover
2Ta b
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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
33
EJU32730
Operation
WARNING
EWJ00510
Before operating your watercraft, become
familiar with all of the controls. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func-
tion that you do not fully understand. Fail-
ure to understand how the controls work
could cause an accident or prevent you
from avoiding an accident.
EJU32751Engine break-in
The engine break-in period is essential to al-
low the various components of the engine to
wear and polish themselves to the correct op-
erating clearances. This ensures proper per-
formance and promotes longer component
life.
CAUTION:
ECJ00421

For the first 2 tankfuls of fuel, premix the
fuel in a fuel-to-oil ratio of 25:1.

After break-in, premix the fuel in a fuel-
to-oil ratio of 50:1 for normal operation.
(1) Launch the watercraft, start the engine,
and then board the watercraft. (See page
33 for engine starting procedures.)
(2) Run the engine at the lowest possible
speed for 5 minutes.
(3) Gradually apply throttle to 3/4 or less.
(4) Operate the watercraft at 3/4 throttle or
less for the first tankful of fuel.
(5) Fill the fuel tank once more with fuel in a
fuel-to-oil ratio of 25:1, and then proceed
with normal operation.
CAUTION:
ECJ00430
Failure to follow the engine break-in pro-
cedure could result in reduced engine life
or even severe engine damage.
EJU32820Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.
After the watercraft is in the water, turn it
around so that the bow faces the direction you
wish to go. Start the engine, and then slowly
move away from the launching area. If there
are waves, someone should make sure that
the watercraft is not pushed into the trailer af-
ter launching the watercraft.
EJU32831Starting the engine
WARNING
EWJ00560
Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Ex-
haust fumes contain carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless gas that may cause
loss of consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate the watercraft
in an open area.
NOTE:
If the watercraft has been sitting for a while,
remove the fuel tank filler cap to release any
built-up pressure in the fuel tank due to fuel
expansion, and then install the filler cap be-
fore starting the engine.
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