YAMAHA VX 2012 Workshop Manual

Operation and handling requirements
45
(6) Stop filling when the fuel level reaches
approximately 50 mm (2 in) from the top
of the fuel tank. Do not overfill the fuel
tank. Because fuel expands when it heats
up, heat from the engine or the sun can
cause fuel to spill out of the fuel tank. Do
not leave the watercraft with a full tank in
direct sunlight.
(7) Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately with
a dry cloth.
(8) Securely install the fuel filler cap by tight-
ening it until it clicks.
(9) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU40290
Engine oil requirements EJU41542Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00281
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Checking the engine oil level
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
ECJ00391

Do not run the engine with too much or
not enough oil in the oil tank, otherwise
the engine could be damaged.

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.
TIP:

When checking the engine oil level on land,
the engine must be running while water is
being supplied to the cooling water passag-
es. (See “Flushing the cooling water pas-
seges” on page 71 for information on
supplying water.)

When checking the engine oil level on wa-
ter, moor the watercraft so that it will not drift
away. Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp.gal)
1Approximately 50 mm (2 in) from top of the
fuel tank
1
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-
50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SE,SF,SG,SH,SJ,SL
UF2N72E0.book Page 45 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation and handling requirements
46
To check the engine oil level:
(1) With the engine stopped, place the water-
craft in a precisely level position on land
or launch the watercraft.
(2) Look in all directions, and then start the
engine. (See page 60 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) Run the engine at idling speed for 6 min-
utes or more. Run the engine an addition-
al 5 minutes if the ambient temperature is
20 °C (68 °F) or less.
(4) Stop the engine.
(5) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(6) Loosen the oil tank filler cap and remove
it, and then wipe the attached dipstick
clean.
(7) Screw the oil tank filler cap into the filler
hole until it stops. Remove the oil tank fill-
er cap again and make sure that the en-gine oil level is between the minimum and
maximum level marks.
(8) If the engine oil level is significantly above
the maximum level mark, consult a
Yamaha dealer. If the engine oil level is
below the minimum level mark, slowly
add engine oil.
(9) Repeat steps 6–8 until the engine oil is at
the proper level.
(10) Securely install the oil tank filler cap and
turn it until it stops.
(11) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
1Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1
1Dipstick
2Maximum level mark
3Minimum level mark
213
UF2N72E0.book Page 46 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation and handling requirements
47
EJU40021
Draining the bilge water
NOTICE
ECJ01301
Do not run the engine at full throttle when
bilge water remains in the engine compart-
ment. The bilge water can splash into the
engine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
EJU40033Draining the bilge water on land
To drain the bilge water on land:
(1) Loosen the stern drain plugs and remove
them.
(2) Raise the bow of the watercraft, such as
by placing the watercraft on a slope, to
drain the bilge water from the engine
compartment.
(3) After the bilge water has drained from the
stern drain plug holes, wipe up any re-maining moisture in the engine compart-
ment with a dry cloth.
(4) Securely install the stern drain plugs by
tightening them until they stop. NOTICE:
Before installing the stern drain plugs,
clean the drain plug threads to remove
any foreign materials, such as dirt or
sand. Otherwise, the stern drain plugs
could be damaged, allowing water to
enter the engine compartment. Make
sure that the stern drain plugs are
tightened securely before launching
the watercraft. Otherwise, water may
flood the engine compartment and
cause the watercraft to submerge.
[ECJ00361]
EJU40534
Draining the bilge water on water
A small quantity of bilge water will remain in
the engine compartment even after the bilge
water is drained on water. To completely drain
the bilge water, remove the watercraft from
the water and drain the bilge water on land.
Jet vacuum bilge draining system
While the watercraft is operating, bilge water
in the engine compartment is drawn in by the
vacuum that is generated in the jet pump and
discharged from the watercraft through the jet
thrust nozzle.
To drain the bilge water on water:
Operate the watercraft as straight as possible
and above planing speed for at least 2 min-
utes. NOTICE: Do not run the engine at full
throttle for at least 1 minute after the en-
gine has been restarted. Bilge water in the
engine compartment can splash into the
1Stern drain plug
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 47 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Operation and handling requirements
48
engine, which can result in severe dam-
age.
[ECJ00553]EJU33464Transporting on a trailer
When transporting the watercraft on a trailer,
secure the tie downs to the trailer through the
bow eye and stern eyes. NOTICE: Do not at-
tach ropes or tie downs to any part of the
watercraft other than the bow eye and
stern eyes to secure the watercraft to the
trailer. Otherwise, the watercraft may be
damaged. Wrap the ropes or tie downs
with towels or rags where they touch the
body of the watercraft to avoid scratches
or damage. VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser: Do not
transport the watercraft with the shift lever
in the reverse position. Otherwise, the re-
verse gate may hit an obstacle, which
could cause damage.
[ECJ00644]
UF2N72E0.book Page 48 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

First-time operation
49
EJU32785
Engine break-in
NOTICE
ECJ00431
Failure to perform the engine break-in
could result in reduced engine life or even
severe engine damage.
The engine break-in is essential to allow the
various components of the engine to wear
and polish themselves to the correct operat-
ing clearances. This ensures proper perfor-
mance and promotes longer component life.
To perform the engine break-in:
(1) Check the engine oil level. (See page 45
for information on checking the engine oil
level.)
(2) Launch the watercraft and start the en-
gine. (See page 60 for information on
starting the engine.)
(3) For the first 5 minutes, operate with the
engine at idling speed.
(4) For the next 30 minutes, operate with the
engine speed below 5000 r/min.
(5) For the next 1 hour, operate with the en-
gine speed below 6500 r/min.
After the engine break-in is complete, the wa-
tercraft can be operated normally.
UF2N72E0.book Page 49 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31981
WARNING
EWJ00411
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
EJU41232Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.52
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.52
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 52
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 52
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse system
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)Check the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitter
(VX Deluxe / VX Cruiser)Check the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.55
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.55
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.56
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.56
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.57
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.57
UF2N72E0.book Page 50 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
51
TIP:
To ensure safety and reliability, pre-operation checks should be made each time the watercraft
is used.
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 58
SeatCheck that the seat is securely installed. 38
POST-LAUNCH CHECKS
Cooling water pilot outletCheck that water is discharged from the cooling wa-
ter pilot outlet while the engine is running.58
Multifunction information
centerCheck the multifunction information center for proper
operation.58
Engine idling speedCheck the engine idling speed. 58 ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
UF2N72E0.book Page 51 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
52
EJU32281
Pre-operation check points EJU40545Pre-launch checks
Perform the pre-launch checks in the pre-op-
eration checklist while the watercraft is on
land.
To perform the pre-launch checks:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
(3) After completing these checks, securely
install the seat in its original position.
EJU32333Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00461
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.
Ventilate the engine compartment. Leave the
engine compartment open for a few minutes
to allow any fuel vapors to escape.
Make sure that there is no damage inside the
engine compartment.
EJU34214Fuel system checks
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.
Make sure that there is no damage, leakage,
or other problem in the fuel system.
Check:

Fuel filler cap and seal for damage

Fuel tank for damage and leakage

Fuel hoses and joints for damage and leak-
age

Fuel tank breather hose for damage and
leakage
EJU36874Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 44 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32423Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
water separator, drain it. (See page 29 for in-
formation on draining the water separator.)
EJU40181Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU41560Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
1Water separator
1
UF2N72E0.book Page 52 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
53
the dipstick attached to the oil tank filler cap.
(See page 45 for information on checking the
engine oil level.)
EJU32455Bilge water check
Make sure that no bilge water has collected in
the engine compartment. If bilge water has
collected in the engine compartment, drain it.
(See page 47 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32484Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals and
breather hose are not damaged and that the
battery leads and breather hose are connect-
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00451]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa-
tercraft if the battery does not have suffi-
cient power to start the engine or if it
shows any other signs of decreased pow-
er. Loss of battery power may leave you
stranded.
[EWJ01240]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32613Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
1Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1Dipstick
2Maximum level mark
3Minimum level mark
1
213
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
12
3
UF2N72E0.book Page 53 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM

Pre-operation checks
54
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle moves as the handlebars are turned,
and that there is no difference between theright and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU32634Reverse system checks (VX Deluxe /
VX Cruiser)
WARNING
EWJ00031
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
Difference between fully turned positions
of jet thrust nozzle (distances A and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
UF2N72E0.book Page 54 Monday, July 4, 2011 1:10 PM