Yamaha VK10X User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
VK10X
8GS-28199-11
LIT-12628-02-66

ESU10040
U8GS11E0.book Page 1 Friday, April 20, 2007 11:01 AM

Introduction
ESU10120
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Yamaha snowmobile. This model is the result
of Yamaha’s vast experience in the produc-
tion of fine sporting and touring snowmobiles.
It represents the high degree of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yamaha a lead-
er in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of
the operation, inspection, and basic mainte-
nance of this snowmobile. If you have any
questions concerning the operation or main-
tenance of your snowmobile, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
To maintain the high quality and performance
of this snowmobile, it is important that you and
your Yamaha dealer pay close attention to the
recommended maintenance schedules and
operating instructions contained within this
manual.
VK10X
OWNER’S MANUAL
©2007 by Yamaha Motor Corporation,
U.S.A.
1st Edition, March 2007
All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission of
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in Japan.
P/N LIT-12628-02-66
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Important manual information
ESU10150
WARNING
EWS00010
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS
MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE OPER-
ATING THE SNOWMOBILE.
NOTE:
●Yamaha continually seeks advancements
in product design and quality. Therefore,
while this manual contains the most current
product information available at the time of
printing, there may be minor discrepancies
between your snowmobile and this manual.
If there is any question concerning this
manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
●This manual should be considered a per-
manent part of this snowmobile and should
remain with the snowmobile when resold.
Particularly important information is distin-
guished in this manual by the following nota-
tions.
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTEN-
TION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!
WARNING
EWS00020
Failure to follow WARNING instructions
could result in severe injury or death to the
snowmobile operator, a bystander, or a
person inspecting or repairing the snow-
mobile.
CAUTION:
ECS00010
A CAUTION indicates special precautions
that must be taken to avoid damage to the
snowmobile.
NOTE:
A NOTE provides key information to make
procedures easier or clearer.
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Contents
Safety information ............................1
Location of the important labels ..... 4
Description ........................................ 6
Control functions .............................. 8
Main switch .................................... 8
Starter (choke) lever ....................... 8
Throttle lever .................................. 8
Engine overheating prevention
system ......................................... 9
Throttle override system
(T.O.R.S.) .................................... 9
Speedometer unit ......................... 10
High beam indicator light .............. 11
Low coolant temperature
indicator light ............................. 11
Fuel meter and grip/
thumb warmer level indicator .... 12
Fuel level warning indicator .......... 13
Oil level warning indicator ............ 13
Coolant temperature
warning indicator ....................... 14
Self-diagnosis device ................... 14
Engine stop switch ....................... 14
Headlight beam switch
“LIGHTS”................................... 15
Grip/thumb warmer
adjustment switch ...................... 15
Auxiliary DC jack .......................... 15
Brake lever ................................... 16
Parking brake lever ...................... 16
Shift lever ..................................... 17
Shroud latches ............................. 17
Drive guard ................................... 18
V-belt holders ............................... 18
Carburetor coolant
shut-off lever ............................. 18
Louvers ........................................ 18
Passenger grip warmer switch ..... 19
Storage areas ............................... 19
Tow hitch ...................................... 21
Fuel .............................................. 22
Suspension .................................. 22
Pre-operation checks ..................... 26
Pre-operation check list ............... 26
Operation ......................................... 28
Starting the engine ....................... 28
Break-in ........................................ 29
Riding your snowmobile ............... 29
Maximizing drive track life ............ 32
Strap ............................................ 33
Driving .......................................... 34
Stopping the engine ..................... 35
Transporting ................................. 35
Periodic maintenance..................... 36
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ..... 36
General maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................ 38
Tool kit ......................................... 40
Checking the spark plugs ............. 40
Adjusting the engine
idling speed ............................... 41
Adjusting the throttle cable
free play .................................... 41
Checking the throttle
override system (T.O.R.S.) ....... 42
Checking the air filter ................... 42
Carburetors .................................. 43
High-altitude settings ................... 43
Valve clearance ........................... 44
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 44
Cooling system ............................ 48
V-belt ............................................ 49
Drive chain housing ..................... 52
Brake and parking brake .............. 54
Skis and ski runners ..................... 56
Steering system ........................... 56
Drive track and slide runners ....... 58
Lubrication ................................... 61
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Contents
Replacing a headlight bulb ........... 61
Adjusting the headlight beams ..... 62
Fittings and fasteners ................... 62
Battery .......................................... 63
Replacing a fuse .......................... 63
Troubleshooting ............................. 66
Storage ............................................ 70
Specifications ................................. 72
Consumer information.................... 74
Identification number records ....... 74
YAMAHA MOTOR
CORPORATION,
U.S.A.SNOWMOBILE
LIMITED WARRANTY ............... 75
YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE
(Y.E.S.)....................................... 78
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Safety information
1
ESU10200
When you ride your snowmobile, you must
know and use the following for your safety.
Severe injury or death may result if you ignore
any of the following.
Before operating
1. Read the Owner’s Manual and all labels
before operating this snowmobile. Be-
come familiar with all of the operating
controls and their function. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func-
tion you do not understand.
2. This snowmobile was not manufactured
for use on public streets, roads, or high-
ways. Such use is prohibited by law, and
you could collide with another vehicle.
3. Do not operate the snowmobile after
drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Your
ability to operate the snowmobile is re-
duced by the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
4. For safety and proper care of the snow-
mobile, always perform the pre-operation
checks on page 26 before starting the en-
gine. Check the throttle, brake, and steer-
ing for proper operation every time before
starting the engine. Make sure that the
throttle lever moves freely and it returns
to the home position when it is released.
5. Apply the parking brake before starting
the engine. Never drive the snowmobile
with the parking brake applied. This may
overheat the brake disc and reduce brak-
ing ability.
6. Do not allow anyone to stand behind the
snowmobile when starting, inspecting, or
adjusting the snowmobile. A broken
track, track fittings, or debris thrown by
the track could be dangerous to the oper-
ator or bystanders.
7. Handle fuel with care; it is HIGHLY
FLAMMABLE.
●Never add fuel when the engine is run-
ning or hot. Allow the engine to cool for
several minutes after running.
●Use an approved fuel container.
●Fill the fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never remove the fuel cap in-
doors. Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
●Never refuel while smoking or in the vi-
cinity of an open flame.
●Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
closed securely after refueling. Wipe
up any spilled fuel immediately.
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Safety information
2
8. If you swallow some gasoline, inhale a lot
of gasoline vapor, or get some gasoline
into your eyes, see your doctor immedi-
ately. If any gasoline spills on your skin or
clothing, immediately wash your skin with
soap and water, and change your
clothes.
9. Wear protective clothing. Wear an ap-
proved helmet, and a face shield or gog-
gles. Also, wear a good quality
snowmobile suit, boots, and a pair of
gloves or mittens that will permit use of
your thumbs and fingers for operation of
the controls.
Operation
1. Do not run the engine indoors, except
when starting the engine to transport the
snowmobile in or out of the building.
Open the outside doors; exhaust fumes
are dangerous.
2. Be careful where you ride. There may be
obstacles hidden beneath the snow. Stay
on established trails to minimize your ex-
posure to hazards. Ride slowly and cau-
tiously when you ride off of established
trails. Hitting a rock or stump, or running
into wires could cause an accident and
injury.
3. This snowmobile is not designed for use
on surfaces other than snow or ice. Use
on dirt, sand, grass, rocks, or bare pave-
ment may cause loss of control and may
damage the snowmobile.
4. Avoid operating on glare ice, or on snow
which has a lot of dirt or sand mixed in.
Operation under such conditions will
damage or result in rapid wear of ski run-
ners, drive track, slide runners, and drive
sprockets.
5. Always ride with other snowmobilers
when going on a ride. You may need help
if you run out of fuel, have an accident, or
damage your snowmobile.
6. Many surfaces such as ice and hard-
packed snow require much longer stop-
ping distances. Be alert, plan ahead and
begin decelerating early. The best brak-
ing method on most surfaces is to release
the throttle and apply the brake gently—
not suddenly.
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Safety information
3
Maintenance and storage
1. Do not leave the snowmobile on its left
side for an extended period of time. Fuel
may leak out from the fuel breather hose.
2. Modifications made to the snowmobile
not approved by Yamaha, or the removal
of original equipment may render your
snowmobile unsafe for use that may
cause severe personal injury. Modifica-
tions may also make the snowmobile ille-
gal to use.
3. Never store the snowmobile with fuel in
the fuel tank inside a building where igni-
tion sources are present such as hot wa-
ter and space heaters, an open flame,
sparks, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow
the engine to cool off before storing the
snowmobile in an enclosed space.
4. Always refer to the “STORAGE”section
on page 70 if the snowmobile is to be
stored for an extended period.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
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Safety information
4
ESU10211
Location of the important labels
Please read the following labels carefully before operating this snowmobile.
NOTE:
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
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Safety information
5
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Description
6
ESU10260
1. Air filter
2. Battery
3. Coolant reservoir
4. Fuse box
5. Throttle stop screw
6. Main fuse
7. Oil filler cap
8. V-belt holder
9. Strap
10. Storage compartment
11. Tool kit
12. Passenger grip warmer switch
13. Rear carrier
14. Tail/brake light
15. Tow hitch
16. Slide rail suspension
17. Drive track
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Description
7
NOTE:
●The snowmobile you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the figures of
this manual.
●Design and specifications are subjected to change without notice.
1. Brake lever
2. Parking brake lever
3. Grip warmer adjustment switch
4. Headlight beam switch
5. Engine stop switch
6. Thumb warmer adjustment switch
7. Throttle lever
8. Shroud latch
9. Shift lever
10. Main switch
11. Auxiliary DC jack
12. Starter (choke) lever
13. Tachometer
14. Low coolant temperature indicator light
15. High beam indicator light
16. Warning light
17. Self-diagnosis warning indicator
18. Coolant temperature warning indicator
19. Fuel level warning indicator
20. Oil level warning indicator
21. Speedometer
22. Grip warmer indicator
23. Select/reset button
24. Thumb warmer indicator
25. Fuel meter and grip/thumb warmer level in-
dicator
26. Odometer/tripmeter
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Control functions
8
ESU12690
Main switch
The main switch controls the ignition and
lighting systems. The various positions are
described below.
Off
The ignition circuit is switched off.
The key can be removed only in this position.
On
The ignition circuit is switched on.
Start
The starting circuit is switched on.
The starter motor cranks the engine.
CAUTION:
ECS00020
Release the switch immediately after the
engine starts.
NOTE:
The headlights, meter lighting, and taillight
come on after the engine is started.
ESU10300
Starter (choke) lever
Use the starter (choke) lever when starting
and warming up a cold engine.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Starting the engine”section on
page 28 for proper operation.
ESU10310
Throttle lever
Once the engine is running cleanly, squeez-
ing the throttle lever will increase the engine
speed and cause engagement of the drive
system. Regulate the speed of the snowmo-
bile by varying the throttle position. Because
the throttle is spring-loaded, the snowmobile
will decelerate, and the engine will return to
idle when it is released.
1. Off
2. On
3. Start
1. Starter (choke) lever
1. When starting a cold engine.
2. Warming up
3. When the engine is warm.
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Control functions
9
WARNING
EWS00030
Check the throttle, brake, and steering for
proper operation before starting the en-
gine. (See page 26.)
ESU10321
Engine overheating prevention
system
This model is equipped with a system, which
prevents overheating when the engine is
idling.
When the engine has been idling for 3 min-
utes or longer and the coolant temperature
has risen above 100 °C (212 °F), the engine
automatically stops to prevent overheating.
NOTE:
The engine can be started after it stops.
ESU10331
Throttle override system
(T.O.R.S.)
WARNING
EWS00040
●If the T.O.R.S. is activated, make sure
that the cause of the malfunction has
been corrected and that the engine can
be operated without a problem before
restarting the engine.
●Be sure to use the specified spark plug
and spark plug cap. Otherwise, the
T.O.R.S. will not work properly.
If the carburetors or throttle cable malfunc-
tions during operation, the T.O.R.S. will oper-
ate when the throttle lever is released.
The T.O.R.S. is designed to override the igni-
tion and limit the engine speed to less than the
clutch engagement speed if the carburetors
fail to return to the idle position when the throt-
tle lever is released. (See page 72 for the
clutch engagement speed.)
Idling / starting
1. Throttle lever Idling /
starting Running Trouble
Throttle
switch Off On Off
Throttle
position
sensor
Closed Open Open
Engine Run Run
T. O. R . S.
will oper-
ate.
1. Throttle position sensor (throttle valve
closed position)
2. Throttle cable
3. Throttle switch (off)
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Control functions
10
Running
Trouble
NOTE:
●When the T.O.R.S. is activated, the warn-
ing light and self-diagnosis warning indica-
tor will flash, and the two-digit code “84”will
flash in the tripmeter/odometer display.
●The T.O.R.S. monitors the condition of the
throttle position sensor, speedometer as-
sembly, and speed sensor, and will operate
if any of the monitored items is disconnect-
ed or is malfunctioning.
ESU10351
Speedometer unit
The speedometer unit is equipped with the
following:
●a digital speedometer (which shows the
riding speed)
●an odometer (which shows the total dis-
tance traveled)
●a tripmeter (which shows the distance trav-
eled since it was last set to zero)
●warning indicators (which show self-diag-
nosis, coolant temperature, fuel level, and
oil level warnings)
●a fuel meter (which shows the fuel remain-
ing in the fuel tank)
●a grip/thumb warmer level indicator (which
shows the grip warmer level or the thumb
warmer level)
After the engine is started, the tachometer
makes one sweep, and the low coolant tem-
perature indicator light, the warning light, and
all segments of the meter display turn on and
off once.
1. Throttle position sensor (throttle valve open
position)
2. Throttle switch (on)
1. Throttle position sensor (throttle valve open
position)
2. Throttle switch (off)
1. Warning light “”
2. Self-diagnosis warning indicator “”
3. Two-digit code “84”
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Control functions
11
The grip warmer level is initially displayed for
5 seconds, then the display switches to the
fuel meter.
Odometer and tripmeter modes
Pushing the select/reset button switches the
display between the odometer mode “ODO”
and the tripmeter mode “TRIP”.
To reset the tripmeter, push the select/reset
button for at least one second while the trip-
meter is displayed.
NOTE:
To switch the speedometer, odometer, and
tripmeter displays between kilometers and
miles, select the odometer mode “ODO”, and
then push the select/reset button for at least
10 seconds while the snowmobile is stopped.
ESU10410
High beam indicator light “”
The high beam indicator light comes on when
the high beams of the headlights are switched
on. (See page 15 for headlight beam switch
operation.)
ESU10481
Low coolant temperature indi-
cator light “”
The low coolant temperature indicator light
comes on when the coolant temperature is
low and informs the rider that the snowmobile
should be warmed up. After the engine is
started, warm it up until the indicator light
goes off.
The snowmobile can be operated normally af-
ter the indicator light goes off.
NOTE:
Operate the snowmobile at low speeds when
the low coolant temperature indicator light is
on. If the engine speed is too high, the warn-
ing light and self-diagnosis warning indicator
will flash and the two-digit code “86”will flash
1. Tachometer
2. Low coolant temperature indicator light
“”
3. Warning light “”
4. Meter display
5. Select/reset button
1. High beam indicator light “”
1. Low coolant temperature indicator light
“”
2. Warning light “”
3. Self-diagnosis warning indicator “”
4. Two-digit code “86”
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Control functions
12
in the tripmeter/odometer display. When this
occurs, maximum engine speed is reduced to
protect the engine.
ESU10421
Fuel meter and grip/thumb
warmer level indicator
The fuel meter and grip/thumb warmer level
indicator have eight segments which show
the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank,
the grip warmer level, or the thumb warmer
level.
Fuel meter
The display segments of the fuel meter disap-
pear towards “E”(Empty) as the fuel level de-
creases. When only one segment is left near
“E”, the fuel level warning indicator and the
warning light come on.
If the fuel level warning indicator and the
warning light come on, refuel as soon as pos-
sible.
NOTE:
The snowmobile must be stopped on a level
surface to obtain an accurate fuel meter read-
ing, since the reading changes according to
the movement and inclination of the snowmo-
bile.
Grip/thumb warmer level indicator
When the grip warmer adjustment switch is
pressed, the grip warmer indicator comes on
and the display switches to the grip warmer
level.
When the thumb warmer adjustment switch is
pressed, the thumb warmer indicator comes
on and the display switches to the thumb
warmer level.
1. Fuel meter and grip/thumb warmer level in-
dicator
1. Warning light “”
2. Fuel level warning indicator “”
1. Grip warmer indicator “”
2. Thumb warmer indicator “”
1. Grip warmer adjustment switch
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Control functions
13
NOTE:
●The grip/thumb warmer level is displayed
for 5 seconds after releasing the grip/thumb
warmer adjustment switch, then the display
switches to the fuel meter.
●The top segment of the grip/thumb warmer
level indicator flashes once when the
grip/thumb warmer adjustment reaches the
maximum level. The bottom segment of the
grip/thumb warmer level indicator flashes
once when the grip/thumb warmer adjust-
ment reaches the minimum level.
●When the engine is started, the grip/thumb
warmer levels are set to the levels selected
when the engine is stopped.
ESU10450
Fuel level warning indicator “”
The fuel level warning indicator indicates a
malfunctioning sensor, disconnected coupler,
broken lead, or short circuit when detected by
the self-diagnosis device of the snowmobile.
The fuel level warning indicator, warning light,
and all segments of the fuel meter warn the
rider of the above problems by flashing con-
tinuously.
When this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer in-
spect the snowmobile as soon as possible.
ESU10460
Oil level warning indicator “”
The oil level warning indicator and the warn-
ing light come on when the engine oil level is
low.
If the oil level warning indicator and the warn-
ing light come on, place the snowmobile on a
level surface and allow it to idle for one
minute.
If the oil level warning indicator and the warn-
ing light go off, the engine oil level is sufficient,
however it is getting low. Add engine oil as
soon as possible.
If the oil level warning indicator and the warn-
ing light do not go off, check the engine oil lev-
el in the oil tank (see page 44 for engine oil
level checking procedures), and add engine
oil if necessary.
1. Thumb warmer adjustment switch 1. Fuel level warning indicator “”
2. Warning light “”
3. Fuel meter
1. Oil level warning indicator “”
2. Warning light “”
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Control functions
14
ESU10511
Coolant temperature warning
indicator “”
If the engine overheats, the coolant tempera-
ture warning indicator and the warning light
come on. When this occurs, stop the engine
immediately and allow the engine to cool
down, and then check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir. (See page 48 for checking
procedures.)
CAUTION:
ECS00040
Do not operate the engine if it overheats.
ESU10522
Self-diagnosis device
This model is equipped with a self-diagnosis
device for various electrical circuits.
If any of those circuits are defective, the warn-
ing light and the self-diagnosis warning indi-
cator will flash, and a two-digit error code will
flash slowly in the tripmeter/odometer display.
WARNING
EWS00052
●If the self-diagnosis warning indicator
and warning light flash continuously,
and an error code is displayed during
operation, there may be some problem
with an electrical circuit, couplers, etc.
●Stop the engine and allow it to cool off.
Then, check that the electrical circuits,
couplers, etc. in the engine compart-
ment are connected properly.
●If the self-diagnosis warning indicator,
warning light, and an error code flash af-
ter the engine has been restarted, note
the error code, and then have a Yamaha
dealer inspect the snowmobile as soon
as possible.
ESU10530
Engine stop switch “”
The engine stop switch is used to stop the en-
gine in an emergency. Simply push the stop
switch to stop the engine. To start the engine,
pull the stop switch and proceed with starting
the engine. (See pages 28 for engine starting
procedures.)
1. Coolant temperature warning indicator “”
2. Warning light “”
1. Warning light “”
2. Self-diagnosis warning indicator “”
3. Two-digit error code
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