maintenance YAMAHA VX 2009 User Guide

Maintenance and care
68
EJU34212Checking the fuel system
WARNING
EWJ00381
Leaking fuel can result in fire or explosion.

Check for fuel leakage regularly.

If any fuel leakage is found, the fuel sys-
tem must be repaired by a qualified me-
chanic. Improper repairs can make the
watercraft unsafe to operate.
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 leakageEJU34230Fuel 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.
EJU34292Engine 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.
NOTICE
ECJ00181
Do not run the engine with too much or not
enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise the
engine could be damaged.
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.
EJU34311Air filter element
Have a Yamaha dealer check the air filter ele-
ment at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
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.
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
69
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.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. Difference of A and B:
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
1Stopper
1Front handlebar cover
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Maintenance and care
70
(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.
EJU34392Cleaning and adjusting the spark
plugs
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.
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.
To remove a spark plug:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 23 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Remove the spark plug cap. NOTICE:
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise the
ignition coil coupler could be dam-
aged. The spark plug cap may be diffi-
cult to remove because 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.
[ECJ00211]
(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.
1Rubber cover
2Locknut
3Adjuster
4Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
Specified spark plug:
CR9EB
1Spark plug gap
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Maintenance and care
71
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) Wipe off any water on the spark plug or
inside the spark plug cap, and then install
the cap. Push the spark plug cap down
until it is securely installed.
TIP:
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 in-
cluded in the tool kit. Have the spark plug ad-
justed to the correct torque with a torque
wrench as soon as possible.
(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-ble free play. (See page 69 for adjustment
procedures.)

Steering cable (handlebar end)

Steering cable (jet thrust nozzle end) Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Spark plug tightening torque:
12.5 Nm (1.27 kgf-m, 9.2 ft-lb)
Recommended water-resistant grease:
Yamaha Marine Grease/Yamaha
Grease A
1Adjuster
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Maintenance and care
72

For VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser:
Shift cable (reverse gate end)
EJU34452Checking the battery
Check the level of the battery electrolyte and
make sure that the negative (–) and positive
(+) battery leads are tightened securely.
WARNING
EWJ00791
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.
To remove the battery:
Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead first,
then the positive (+) battery lead and breatherhose, 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.
NOTICE: Use only distilled water for
replenishing the battery, otherwise
battery life could be shortened.
[ECJ00241]
To recharge the battery:
NOTICE
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. Connect the red lead to the positive
(+) battery terminal, and then connect the
black lead to the negative (–) battery ter-
minal. NOTICE: Reversal of the battery
leads will damage the electrical parts.
[ECJ00261]
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
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Maintenance and care
73
(2) Connect the breather hose to the battery.
(3) Secure the battery in place. WARNING!
Fire or explosion could result if the
breather hose is damaged, obstruct-
ed, or not connected properly.
[EWJ00451]
EJU34491
Fuel injection system
If the fuel injection system is malfunctioning,
have a Yamaha dealer service the watercraft.
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.
1Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
3Breather hose
Trolling speed:
1650 ±50 r/min
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Index
A
Air filter element ....................................... 68
B
Battery ................................................ 44, 63
Battery, checking...................................... 72
Battery, jumping ....................................... 79
Beaching the watercraft ........................... 59
Bilge ......................................................... 43
Boarding alone ......................................... 54
Boarding and starting from a dock ........... 53
Boarding and starting in deep water ........ 53
Boarding and starting in shallow water .... 53
Boarding with passengers ........................ 54
Bow eye ................................................... 28
Builder’s plate............................................. 2
C
Capsized watercraft ................................. 56
Check engine warning indicator ............... 34
Cleaning the watercraft ............................ 64
Cooling water pilot outlet .................... 26, 47
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ............... 1
Cruising limitations ................................... 10
D
Docking the watercraft ............................. 59
E
Emergency procedures ............................ 78
Engine break-in ........................................ 48
Engine compartment ................................ 42
Engine oil ................................................. 39
Engine oil and oil filter .............................. 68
Engine oil level ......................................... 42
Engine overheat warning indicator ........... 33
Engine serial number ................................. 1
Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) .................. 46
Engine shut-off switch .............................. 25
Engine stop switch ................................... 25
Enjoy your watercraft responsibly ............ 18
F
Fire extinguisher....................................... 44
Flushing the cooling system ..................... 62
Front storage compartment ...................... 35
Fuel .......................................................... 38
Fuel and oil............................................... 38
Fuel injection system................................ 73
Fuel level .................................................. 42Fuel level meter ........................................ 31
Fuel level warning indicator ...................... 32
Fuel system, checking .............................. 68
Fuel tank .................................................. 68
Fuel tank filler cap .................................... 24
Fuses, replacing ....................................... 79
G
Getting to know your watercraft ............... 51
Glove compartment .................................. 36
H
Handgrip ................................................... 27
Hazard information ................................... 14
Hood ......................................................... 23
Hour meter/voltmeter ............................... 32
Hull and deck ........................................... 42
I
Identification numbers ................................ 1
J
Jet intake .................................................. 46
Jet intake and impeller, cleaning .............. 78
Jet thrust nozzle angle, checking ............. 68
Jumper cables, connecting ...................... 79
L
Labels, important ........................................ 3
Labels, other .............................................. 7
Labels, warning .......................................... 4
Launching the watercraft .......................... 48
Learning to operate your watercraft ......... 51
Leaving the watercraft .............................. 50
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft .......................................... 9
“L-MODE” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 35
Lubrication................................................ 63
Lubrication points ..................................... 71
M
Main components, location of .................. 19
Maintenance and adjustments ................. 64
Model information....................................... 2
Multifunction information center ......... 31, 47
O
Oil pressure warning indicator .................. 33
Operating in weeded areas ...................... 60
Operating your watercraft ......................... 51
Operation ................................................. 48
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Index
Operation of controls and other
functions ............................................... 23
Operation requirements ........................... 11
Owner’s/operator’s manual and tool kit .... 64
P
Periodic maintenance chart...................... 66
Post-operation care .................................. 60
Pre-operation check list............................ 40
Pre-operation check points ...................... 42
Pre-operation checks ............................... 40
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ...... 1
R
Reboarding step (for VX Cruiser) ............. 28
Recommended equipment ....................... 13
Remote control transmitter
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 24
Reverse on waterways
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 59
Riding with passengers ............................ 52
S
Safe boating rules .................................... 17
Seat .......................................................... 23
“SECURITY” indicator light
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 34
Selecting the operation mode
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 30
Shift cable, checking
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 69
Shift lever and reverse gate
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 45
Shift lever (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ..... 27
Shifting (for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ......... 50
Spark plugs, cleaning and adjusting ........ 70
Speedometer............................................ 31
Start switch............................................... 26
Starting the engine ................................... 48
Starting the watercraft .............................. 52
Steering system ................................. 27, 45
Stern drain plugs ...................................... 44
Stern eyes ................................................ 28
Stopping the engine ................................. 49
Stopping the watercraft ............................ 58
Storage..................................................... 62
Storage compartments ............................. 35
Submerged watercraft .............................. 80Switches ................................................... 46
T
Tachometer .............................................. 31
Throttle cable, checking and adjusting ..... 69
Throttle lever ...................................... 26, 45
Towing the watercraft ............................... 80
Transporting ............................................. 61
Trolling speed, checking .......................... 73
Troubleshooting ....................................... 75
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 75
Turning the watercraft .............................. 57
W
Water separator ....................................... 43
Watercraft characteristics ......................... 14
Water-skiing ............................................. 16
Y
Yamaha Engine Management System
(YEMS) ................................................. 28
Yamaha Security System
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 29
Yamaha Security System settings
(for VX Deluxe/VX Cruiser) ................... 29
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