check engine YAMAHA XL 700 2003 Owners Manual

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Do not attempt to modify this watercraft!
Modifications to your watercraft may
reduce safety and reliability, and render
the watercraft unsafe or illegal for use.

Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to wrist and keep it free from the handle-
bars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off. After riding, remove the
engine shut-off cord from the watercraft to
avoid accidental starting or unauthorized
use by children or others.

Scan carefully for swimmers and stay
away from swimming areas. Swimmers
are hard to see and you could acciden-
tally hit someone in the water.

Avoid being hit by another boat! You
should always take the responsibility to
watch for traffic; other boaters may not be
watching for you. If they do not see you,
or you maneuver more quickly than other
boaters expect, you risk a collision.

Maintain a safe distance from other boats
or watercraft, and also watch for boats’ ski
ropes or fishing lines. Obey the “Safe
boating rules,” and be sure to check
behind you before making a turn. (See
Safe boating rules on page 1-15.)
EJU01382
Recommended equipment
The following items should be carried on
board your watercraft:

Sound-signaling device
You should carry a whistle or other sound-
signaling device that can be used to sig-
nal other boats.

Visual distress signals
It is recommended that an authority-
approved pyrotechnic device be stored in
a waterproof container on your watercraft.
A mirror can also be used as an emer-
gency signal. Contact your Yamaha
dealer for more information.

Watch
A watch is helpful so you will know how
long you have been operating.

Towline
A towline can be used to tow a disabled
watercraft in an emergency.
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EJU01130
Cooling water pilot outlet
This watercraft is equipped with a cooling
water pilot outlet.
When the engine is running, cooling
water is circulated in the engine, and then it
is discharged from the pilot outlet.
To check for proper operation of the cool-
ing system, check that water is being dis-
charged from the pilot outlet. If water is not
being discharged from the outlet, cooling
water may not be circulating in the engine.
When this occurs, stop the engine and check
for the cause. (See pages 2-13 and 5-4 for
further instructions.)
NOTE:@ If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 20 seconds for the water to reach
the outlet after the engine is started.
@
EJU01021
Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning
the handlebars 1 the same direction you
wish to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle 2 is changed,
and the direction of the watercraft is
changed accordingly. Since the strength of
the jet thrust determines the speed and
direction of a turn, the throttle must always
be open when attempting a turn, except at
trolling speed.
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EJU01131
Engine overheat warning
system
This model is equipped with an engine
overheat warning system.
If the engine starts to overheat, the
engine speed will be limited to about
3,400 r/min.
When this occurs, check for water dis-
charge at the cooling water pilot outlet. If
there is no discharge of water, reduce the
engine speed and beach the watercraft, and
then check the intake grate and impeller for
clogging.
WARNING@ Before attempting to remove weeds or
debris from the intake grate or impeller,
shut the engine off and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch. Severe
injury or death could result from coming
in contact with the rotating parts of the
jet pump.
@
CAUTION:@ If you cannot locate and correct the
cause of the overheating, consult a
Yamaha dealer. Continuing to operate at
higher speeds could result in severe
engine damage.
@
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EJU01132
Oil level warning lamp
If the oil remaining in the tank drops to
about 1.2 L (0.31 US gal, 0.26 Imp gal) or
the oil filter is clogged, the oil level warning
lamp begins to blink.
If the oil level warning lamp begins to
blink, refill with engine oil as soon as possi-
ble.
NOTE:@
The lamp will light up for 2 seconds after
starting the engine to check the lamp
operation.

If the warning lamp blinks with adequate
oil in the tank, check for a clogged oil fil-
ter.
@
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EJU01040
OPERATION
Fuel and oil ............................................... 3-1
Gasoline ................................................. 3-1
2-stroke engine oil .................................. 3-2
Filling the fuel tank ................................. 3-3
Filling the oil tank ................................... 3-4
Pre-operation checks .............................. 3-5
Pre-operation check list ......................... 3-5
Pre-operation check points .................... 3-6
Operation ................................................ 3-13
Engine break-in .................................... 3-13
Starting the engine ............................... 3-15
Stopping the engine ............................. 3-18
Leaving the watercraft ......................... 3-18
Operating your watercraft .................... 3-19
Getting to know your watercraft ........... 3-19
Learning to operate your watercraft .... 3-19
Riding watercraft with passengers ...... 3-20
Starting the watercraft .......................... 3-21
Boarding and starting in deep water ... 3-23
Capsized watercraft ............................. 3-25
Turning the watercraft .......................... 3-27
Stopping the watercraft ........................ 3-29
Beaching the watercraft ....................... 3-30
Docking the watercraft ......................... 3-30
Rough water operation ........................ 3-31
Post-operation checks ......................... 3-32
Transporting .......................................... 3-34
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EJU01346
Pre-operation checks
EJU01347
Pre-operation check list
Before operating this watercraft, perform the checks in the following check list. See the
accompanying text in this chapter for details on how to perform the checks.
WARNING@ 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 thoroughly each time the watercraft is used. This pro-
cedure can be completed in a short time. It is worth the time spent to assure safety and reli-
ability.
@
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Engine compartment Remove all seats and front storage compart-
ment to ventilate engine compartment. Check for
fuel vapors or loose electrical connections3-6
Bilge Check for water and fuel residue and remove if
necessary3-7
Throttle Check that the throttle lever springs back 3-10
Steering system Check for proper steering system operation 3-10
Fuel and oil Check fuel and oil level and add if necessary
Check hoses and tanks for leakage3-6
Water separator Check for water and drain if necessary 3-7
Battery Check electrolyte level and battery condition 3-8
Hood Check hood for secure 2-6
Front and rear seats Check that the seats are properly secured 2-4–2-5
Hull/Deck Check the hull and deck for cracks or other dam-
age—
Jet unit Check for debris and remove if necessary 3-11
Fire extinguisher Check the condition and replace if necessary 3-9
Engine shut-off cord Check condition and replace is frayed or broken 3-11
Switches Check the start switch, engine stop switch and
engine shut-off switch for proper operation when
the watercraft is in the water3-12
Cooling water pilot outlet Check that water is discharged while the engine
is running and the watercraft is in the water3-12
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EJU01048
Pre-operation check points
EJU01728
Engine compartment
Ventilate the engine compar tment before
each use.
To ventilate the engine compartment,
remove the front seat and front storage com-
partment. (See page 2-5 for front seat, and
2-15 for front storage compartment.) Allow
the engine compartment to remain open for
a few minutes to allow any fuel vapors to
escape. Also, check for loose electrical con-
nections.
WARNING@ Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak
or a loose electrical connection.
@
EJU01242
Fuel and oil systems
Check the fuel system for leakage, cracks
or malfunctions before each use. (See page
4-10 for check points and correct proce-
dures.)
1. Remove the fuel tank filler cap to release
any pressure that might have built up in
the fuel tank.
2. Remove all seats and front storage com-
partment. (See pages 2-4 and 2-5 for
front and rear seat, and 2-15 for front
storage compartment.)
3. Check the fuel and oil levels in the tanks
and replenish if necessary. (See pages
3-3 and 3-4 for filling instructions.)
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EJU01961
Water separator
Check the water separator 1 for water.
Normally the water separator is empty. The
water separator retains any water entering
through the fuel tank breather hose if the
watercraft is capsized.
If water remains in the water separator,
drain it by removing the drain screw 2.
Place a drain pan under the water separator
to catch the draining water or use a dry cloth
to soak up any water that could spill into the
watercraft. If any water spills into the water-
craft, be sure to wipe it up with a dry cloth.
Be sure to install the drain screw after drain-
ing the water separator.
EJU01053
Bilge
Check for moisture and fuel residue in the
bilge.
Excessive water in the bilge can splash
into the carburetor and engine which could
cause engine damage.
To remove water from the bilge:
1. Remove the stern drain plugs.
2. Raise the bow of the watercraft until the
water drains.
3. After the water has drained, wipe the
bilge with dry rags to make sure that the
bilge is thoroughly dry.
4. Install the drain plugs.
CAUTION:@
Make sure that the stern drain plugs
are tightened securely before launch-
ing the watercraft.

Clean any foreign materials, such as
dirt or sand, from the drain plug
threads before installing the drain
plugs.
@
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EJU01969
Battery
Check the battery condition and the elec-
trolyte level.
Check that the battery leads are tightened
securely and there is no corrosion on the
battery terminals.
WARNING@
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 battery 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
result if the breather hose is damaged,
obstructed, or not connected properly.
@
Make sure that the battery is securely
held in place.
1
Positive (+): Red lead
2
Negative (–): Black lead
3
Breather hose
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EJU01834
Throttle
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 complete range, and spring back to
the idle position when released.
WARNING@ Before starting the engine, always check
the operation of the throttle lever.
@
EJU01057
Steering system
Check for looseness in the handlebars.
Turn them as far as possible to the right
and left to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range. Make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle also changes directions as the han-
dlebars are turned, and that there is no free
play between the handlebars and the jet
thrust nozzle.
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