check oil YAMAHA VXS 2012 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ...... 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Manufactured date label .................... 2
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 4
Warning labels ................................... 5
Other labels ....................................... 8
Safety information ........................... 10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................ 10
Cruising limitations ....................... 11
Operation requirements ............... 12
Recommended equipment ........... 14
Hazard information ....................... 15
Watercraft characteristics ............. 15
Water-skiing ................................. 17
Safe boating rules ........................ 18
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 19
Description....................................... 20
Watercraft glossary ...................... 20
Location of main components ...... 21
Control function operation ............. 25
Watercraft control functions ......... 25
Remote control transmitter .............. 25
Yamaha Security System ................ 26
Engine stop switch .......................... 27
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 27
Start switch ...................................... 27
Throttle lever ................................... 28
Steering system ............................... 28
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 29
Water separator ............................... 29
Watercraft operation ....................... 30
Watercraft operation functions ..... 30
Reverse system ............................... 30
Watercraft operation modes ......... 31
Low RPM Mode ............................... 31
Instrument operation ...................... 33
Multifunction information center ... 33
Information display .......................... 33
Equipment operation ...................... 38
Equipment .................................... 38
Seat ................................................. 38
Handgrip .......................................... 39
Reboarding step (VXR) ................... 39
Bow eye ........................................... 39
Stern eyes ....................................... 40
Cleat ................................................ 40
Storage compartments .................... 40
Fire extinguisher holder and
cover ............................................ 42
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 44
Fuel requirements ........................ 44
Fuel ................................................. 44
Engine oil requirements ............... 45
Engine oil ......................................... 45
Draining the bilge water ............... 47
Draining the bilge water on land ...... 47
Draining the bilge water on water .... 47
Transporting on a trailer ............... 48
First-time operation ........................ 49
Engine break-in ............................ 49
Pre-operation checks ..................... 50
Pre-operation checklist .................... 50
Pre-operation check points .......... 52
Pre-launch checks ........................... 52
Post-launch checks ......................... 58
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Instrument operation
33
EJU41850
Multifunction information
center
The multifunction information center displays
various watercraft information.
Multifunction information center initial op-
eration
When the multifunction information center is
activated, all of the display segments and the
“SECURITY” indicator light come on. After 2
seconds, the warning indicators in the infor-
mation display go off, and then the center
starts to operate normally.
TIP:
The “SECURITY” indicator light will go off
when the engine is started.
Multifunction information center standby
state
If the multifunction information center does
not receive any operation input within 25 sec-
onds after the engine stops, the center will
turn off and enter a standby state. When the
engine is started again, the displays return to
their state before the center turned off, and
then the center starts to operate normally.
EJU35024Information display
The information display shows watercraft op-
erating conditions.
EJU31503Speedometer
The speedometer shows the watercraft speed
against water.
By switching the display units, the speed can
be shown in kilometers per hour “km/h” or
miles per hour “mph”.
TIP:
“mph” is selected as the display unit at the
Yamaha factory.
1“SECURITY” indicator light
2Select button
3Information display
4“L-MODE” indicator light
5“WARNING” indicator light
21345
1Tachometer
2Speedometer
3Hour meter/voltmeter
4Fuel level meter
5Check engine warning indicator
6Engine overheat warning indicator
7Oil pressure warning indicator
8Fuel level warning indicator
1Speedometer
1234
8765
1
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Instrument operation
36
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31626Oil pressure warning
If the oil pressure drops significantly, the oil
pressure warning indicator and the “WARN-
ING” indicator light blink, and the buzzer
sounds intermittently. At the same time, the
maximum engine speed is limited.
If the oil pressure warning is activated, imme-
diately reduce the engine speed, return to
shore, and then check the engine oil level.
(See page 45 for information on checking the
engine oil level.) If the oil level is sufficient,
have a Yamaha dealer check the watercraft.
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
EJU31609Engine overheat warning
If the engine temperature rises significantly,
the engine overheat warning indicator and the
“WARNING” indicator light blink, and the
buzzer sounds intermittently. Then, the en-
gine overheat warning indicator and the
“WARNING” indicator light stop blinking and
remain on, and the buzzer sounds continu-ously. At the same time, the maximum engine
speed is limited.
If the engine overheat warning is activated,
immediately reduce the engine speed, return
to shore, and then make sure that water is be-
ing discharged from the cooling water pilot
outlet while the engine is running. If there is no
discharge of water, stop the engine, and then
check the jet intake for clogging. (See page
85 for information on the jet intake.) NOTICE:
If you cannot locate and correct the cause
of the overheating, consult a Yamaha deal-
er. Continuing to operate at higher speeds
could result in severe engine damage.
[ECJ00041]
TIP:
Push the select button on the multifunction in-
formation center to stop the buzzer.
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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 EJU41870Engine 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
ECJ01001
Make sure that debris and water do not en-
ter the oil 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 precisely level
position on land with the engine stopped.
If the engine was running, allow the en-
gine oil to settle by waiting 5 minutes or
more before checking the oil level.
(2) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.) 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
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Operation and handling requirements
46
(3) Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
(4) Insert the dipstick back into the dipstick
tube completely. Remove the dipstick
again and make sure that the engine oil
level is between the minimum and maxi-
mum level marks.
(5) 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, add en-
gine oil.(6) Loosen the engine oil filler cap and re-
move it.
(7) Slowly add engine oil.
TIP:
The difference between the minimum and
maximum level marks on the dipstick is equal
to approximately 1 L (1.06 US qt, 0.88 Imp. qt)
of engine oil.
(8) Wait approximately 5 minutes to allow the
engine oil to settle, and then check the
engine oil level again.
(9) Repeat steps 3–8 until the engine oil is at
the proper level.
(10) Securely install the engine oil filler cap by
tightening it until it stops.
(11) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
1Dipstick
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
21
1Engine oil filler cap
1
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First-time operation
49
EJU36665
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 speed at 2000 r/min.
(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 6000 r/min.
After the engine break-in is complete, the wa-
tercraft can be operated normally.
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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 systemCheck the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitterCheck 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
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 58
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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.
EJU36885Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
1Water separator
1
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Pre-operation checks
53
the dipstick. (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
1Dipstick
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
21
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
12
3
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Care and storage
72
flows out continually from the jet thrust
nozzle.
(7) 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 perform
the procedure again from step 6.
NOTICE: Do not supply water to the
cooling water passages when the en-
gine is not running. The water could
flow back through the muffler into the
engine, causing severe engine dam-
age.
[ECJ00122]
(8) Turn the water supply off.
(9) Discharge the remaining water out of the
cooling water passages by alternately
squeezing and releasing the throttle lever
quickly for 10 to 15 seconds.
(10) Stop the engine.
(11) Remove the garden hose adapter, and
then securely install the flushing hose
connector cap by tightening it until it
stops.
(12) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU40612Cleaning the watercraft
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
NOTICE: Do not use high-pressurewater when rinsing the engine or en-
gine compartment as severe engine
damage could result.
[ECJ00571]
(3) Drain the water from the engine compart-
ment. (See page 47 for information on
draining the bilge water.)
(4) Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment with a dry cloth.
(5) Wash down the hull, deck, and jet pump
with fresh water.
(6) Wipe the hull, deck, and jet pump with a
dry cloth.
(7) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the seat and engine compart-
ment seals, with a vinyl protectant.
(8) To minimize corrosion, spray metallic
parts of the hull, deck, and engine with a
rust inhibitor.
(9) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
(10) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU33686Battery care
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft, check it, and then store it in a cool, dry
place.
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.
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