engine oil YAMAHA WR 250F 2010 User Guide
Page 43 of 232
2-12
TIGHTENING TORQUES
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque ti ghtening after break-in or before each race.
Part to be tightenedThread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
Spark plug M10S × 1.0 1 13 1.3 9.4
Camshaft cap M6 × 1.0 10 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder head blind plug screw M12 × 1.0 1 28 2.8 20
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M8 × 1.25 1 15 1.5 11
Cylinder head (bolt) M9 × 1.25 4 38 3.8 27
Cylinder head (nut) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder head cover M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer weight M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer shaft driven gear M14 × 1.0 1 50 5.0 36
Timing chain guide (intake side) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Timing chain tensioner M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Timing chain tensioner cap bolt M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Impeller M8 × 1.25 1 14 1.4 10
Radiator hose clamp M6 × 1.0 10 2 0.2 1.4
Coolant drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Water pump housing M6 × 1.0 4 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator stay M6 × 1.0 6 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator M6 × 1.0 4 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator pipe M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil pump cover M4 × 0.7 1 1.7 0.17 1.2
Oil pump M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Oil filter element drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil filter element cover M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil strainer (crankcase) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil delivery pipe 1 (M10) M10 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Oil delivery pipe 1 (M8) M8 × 1.25 2 18 1.8 13
Oil hose M6 × 1.0 2 8 0.8 5.8
△ Oil hose clamp —2 2 0.2 1.4
Oil strainer (oil tank) M6 × 1.0 1 9 0.9 6.5
Oil tank drain bolt M8 × 1.25 1 18 1.8 13
Oil tank (upper) M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Oil tank and frame M6 × 1.0 3 9 0.9 6.5
Oil pressure check bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Carburetor joint M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Carburetor joint clamp M4 × 0.7 2 3 0.3 2.2
Air filter joint clamp M6 × 1.0 1 3 0.3 2.2
Throttle cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
Throttle cable (pull) M6 × 1.0 1 4 0.4 2.9 
Page 60 of 232
3-1
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE CHART FOR THE EMISSIONCONTROL SYSTEM (For Canada)
REGULAR INSPECTION  AND ADJUSTMENTS
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE CHART FO R THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (For Canada)
• From 4,200 mi (7,000 km) or 9 months, repeat the maintenanc e intervals starting from 1,800 mi (3,000 km) or 3 months.
• Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yam aha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical 
skills.
No. ITEM CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE JOBS INITIAL
ODOMETER 
READINGS600 mi (1,000 
km) or 1  month 1,800 mi 
(3,000 
km) or 3  months 3,000 mi 
(5,000 
km) or 6  months
1 * Fuel line Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage.
√√√
Replace if necessary.
2 Spark plug Check condition.
√√√
Adjust gap and clean.
3 * Valve clearance Check and adjust valve clearance when en-
gine is cold.
√√√
4 * Air filter element Clean with solvent and apply foam air-filter oil 
or equivalent oil.
√√√
Replace if necessary.
5 * Breather system Check ventilation hose for cracks or damage 
and drain any deposits.
√√√
Replace if necessary.
6 * Carburetor Check engine idling speed and starter opera-
tion.
√√√
Adjust if necessary.
7 Exhaust system Check for leakage.
√√√
Tighten if necessary.
Replace gasket(s) if necessary.
8 Engine oil Change (warm engine before draining). √√√
9 Engine oil filter element Replace. √√√
10 Engine oil strainer Clean. √√√
11 * Air induction system Check the hose for damage.
√√
Replace any damaged parts if necessary. 
Page 62 of 232
3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS FOR COMPETITION USE
• The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
• Hydraulic brake service • After disassembling the brake master cylinders and calipers,  always change the fluid. Regularly check the brake fluid 
levels and fill the reservoirs as required.
• Every two years replace the internal  components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS FOR COMPETITION USE
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to mainten ance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as 
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals. 
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in mainta ining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the ma chine performance.  The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs  (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.).  Therefore, earlier inspection is 
required by reference to the list below.
15 Sidestand pivot Check operation.
√√√
Apply lithium-soap-bas ed grease (all-purpose 
grease) lightly.
16 * Front fork Check operation and for oil leakage.
√√
Replace if necessary.
17 * Shock absorber assembly Check operation and for oil leakage.
√√
Replace if necessary.
18 * Rear suspension link pivots Apply molybdenum disulfide grease lightly. √√
19 * Control cables Apply Yamaha chain and cable lube or engine 
oil 10W-30 thoroughly. √√√
20 * Throttle grip housing and cable Check operation and free play.
√√√
Adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.
21 * Chassis fasteners Check all chassis fitting and fasteners.
√√√
Correct if necessary.
22 Battery Check terminal for looseness and corrosion. √√
No. ITEM CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE JOBS
INITIAL
ODOMETER 
READINGS
600 mi (1,000 
km) or 1 
month 1,800 mi 
(3,000 
km) or 3 
months 3,000 mi 
(5,000 
km) or 6 
months
Item After 
break-
in Every 
race
Every third 
(or 500 
km) Every 
fifth (or  1,000 
km)
As re-
quired Remarks
ENGINE OIL Replace ●●
VALVES Check the valve clearances ●● The engine must be cold.
Inspect ●Check the valve seats and valve 
stems for wear.
Replace ●
VALVE SPRINGS Inspect ●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace ● 
Page 64 of 232
3-5
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS FOR COMPETITION USE
CRANKInspect and clean ●●
CARBURETOR Inspect, adjust and clean ●●
AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM Inspect and clean ●● ●●
SPARK PLUG Inspect and clean ●●
Replace ●
DRIVE CHAIN Use chain lube.
Lubricate, slack, alignment ●● Chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in)
Replace ●
COOLING SYSTEM Check coolant level and leakage ●●
Check radiator cap operation ●
Replace coolant ●Every two years
Inspect hoses ●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS Retighten ●● Refer to "STARTING AND BREAK-
IN" section in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER Clean and lubricate ●● Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace ●
OIL FILTER Replace ●●
ENGINE GUARD Replace ●Breakage
FRAME Clean and inspect ●●
FUEL TANK, COCK Clean and inspect ●●
BRAKES Adjust lever position and pedal 
height ●●
Lubricate pivot point ●●
Check brake disc surface ●●
Check fluid level and leakage ●●
Retighten brake disc bolts, cali-
per bolts, master cylinder bolts 
and union bolts ●●
Replace pads ●
Replace brake fluid ●Every one year
Item
After 
break- in Every 
race
Every third 
(or 500  km) Every 
fifth (or 
1,000  km)
As re-
quired Remarks 
Page 66 of 232
3-7
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation or practice, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEItem RoutinePage
Coolant Check that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage. P.3-11 – 12
Fuel Check that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel 
line for leakage.
P.1-18
Engine oil Check that the oil level is corre
ct. Check the crankcase and  oil 
line for leakage. P.3-14 – 15
Gear shifter and clutch Check that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the 
clutch operates smoothly. P.3-12 – 13
Throttle grip/Housing Check that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly 
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.
P.3-13
Brakes Check the play of front brake and ef fect of front and rear brake. P.3-19 – 22
Drive chain Check drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain 
is lubricated properly. P.3-22 – 23
Wheels Check for excessive wear and ti
re pressure. Check for loose 
spokes and have no excessive play. P.3-26 – 27
Steering Check that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.
P.3-27
Front forks and rear shock 
absorber Check that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage. 
P.3-23 – 26
Cables (wires) Check that the clutch and throttle cables move smoothly. Check 
that they are not caught when the handlebars are turned or when 
the front forks travel up and down. —
Exhaust pipe Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mount ed and has no cracks. P.3-10 – 11
Rear wheel sprocket  Check that the rear wheel  sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-22
Lubrication  Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-28
Bolts and nuts  Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-20
Lead connectors Check that the AC magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly. P.1-7
Settings Is the machine set suitably for the condition of the course and 
weather or by taking into account the results of test runs before 
riding? Are inspection and maintenance completely done? P.4-1 – 10 
Page 71 of 232
3-12
ENGINE
• Do not mix more than one type of ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for 
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im-
purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be 
handled with special care.
• When coolant splashes to your eye.
Thoroughly wash your eye with 
water and see your doctor.
• When coolant splashes to your  clothes.
Quickly wash it away with water 
and then with soap.
• When coolant is swallowed. Quickly make him vomit and take 
him to a doctor.
9. Install:• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up 
for a several minutes.
10. Check:
• Coolant levelCoolant level low →Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect: • Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"Crack/damage →Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3"  →Clean or 
replace. CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP 
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
3. Radiator cap
2. Apply the specified pressure.
3. Inspect:
•PressureImpossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds →
Replace.
CHECKING THE COOLING 
SYSTEM
1. Inspect: • Coolant level
2. Attach: • Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
3. Apply the specified pressure.
• Do not apply pressure more than  specified pressure.
• Radiator should be filled fully.
4. Inspect: • PressureImpossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds →
Repair.
•Radiator "1"
• Radiator hose joint "2"
Coolant leakage →Repair or re-
place.
• Radiator hose "3"
Swelling →Replace.
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH CABLE 
FREE PLAY
1. Check: • Clutch lever free play "a"Out of specification →Adjust.
2. Adjust: • Clutch lever free play
Clutch lever free play adjustment 
steps:
a. Loosen the locknuts "1".
b. Adjust the free play by changing  their tightening position.
c. Tighten the locknuts.
• Make minute adjustment on the le- ver side using the adjuster "2".
• After adjustment, check proper op- eration of clutch lever.
Radiator cap tester: YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester 
adapter: YU-33984/90890-01352
Radiator cap opening 
pressure: 110 kPa (1.1 kg/cm
2, 
15.6 psi)
Radiator cap tester: YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester 
adapter: YU-33984/90890-01352
Standard pressure: 180 kPa (1.8 kg/cm
2, 
25.6 psi)
Clutch lever free play "a" 
: 8–13 mm (0.31–0.51 in)
Locknut: 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 
ft•lb) 
Page 73 of 232
3-14
ENGINE
4. Clean:• Air filter elementClean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remo ve the remaining 
solvent by squeezing the element.
• Do not twist the element when  squeezing the element.
• Leaving too much of solvent in 
the element may result in poor 
starting.
5. Inspect:• Air filter elementDamage →Replace.
6. Apply: • Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil to the element
• Squeeze out the excess oil. Ele-
ment should be wet but not drip-
ping.
• Wipe off the oil left on the element 
surface using a clean dry cloth. (Ex-
cess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
7. Install:• Air filter guide "1"
• Align the projection "a" on filter 
guide with the hole "b" in air filter el-
ement.
• Apply the lithium soap base grease 
on the matching surface "c" on air 
filter element.
8. Install:• Air filter element "1"
Align the projection "a" on filter guide 
with the hole "b" in air filter case.
9. Hook:• Binder "1"
Hook the binder "1" so that it contacts 
the filter guide projections "a".
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL 
LEVEL
1. Start the engine, warm it up for  several minutes, and then turn off 
the engine and wait for five min-
utes.
2. Place the machine on a level 
place and hold it up on upright po-
sition by placing the suitable 
stand under the engine.
3. Inspect: • Oil levelOil should be up to the full level in 
the check window "1".
Level check window is not full.  →
Add 0.2 L (0.18 Imp qt, 0.21 US 
qt) of oil.
• Engine oil also lubricates the 
clutch and the wrong oil types or 
additives could cause clutch 
slippage. Therefore, do not add 
any chemical additives or use en-
gine oils with a grade of CD or 
higher and do not use oils la-
beled "ENERGY CONSERVING 
II".
• Do not allow fore ign materials to 
enter the crankcase.
4. Install: • Oil tank cap
5. Start the engine and let it warm up  for several minutes.
6. Turn off the engine and inspect 
the oil level once again.
Wait a few minutes until the oil settles 
before inspecting the oil level.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
1. Start the engine and warm it up for several minutes,  and then turn 
off the engine and wait for five 
minute.
2. Place the machine on a level  place and hold it on upright posi-
tion by placing the suitable stand 
under the engine.
3. Place a suitable container under 
the engine.
4. Remove: • Engine guard "1"
• Bolt (oil tank) "2"
• Washer "3"
• Oil filler cap "4"
• Oil tank drain bolt "5"
• Crankcase oil drain bolt "6"
• Oil filter element drain bolt "7"
Drain the crankcase and oil tank 
of its oil.
Recommended brand: 
YAMALUBE
Recommended engine 
oil type SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-
40, SAE 10W-50, SAE 
15W-40, SAE 20W-40 or 
SAE 20W-50
Recommended engine 
oil grade API service SG type or 
higher, JASO standard 
MA 
Page 74 of 232
3-15
ENGINE
5. Remove:• Oil hose clamp "1"
• Bolt (oil hose)
• Oil hose "2"
• Oil strainer "3"
6. Inspect: • Oil strainerClogged →Blow.
7. If the oil filter is to be replaced dur-
ing this oil change, remove the fol-
lowing parts and reinstall them.
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked  or damaged, replace them with a 
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil  filter element cover.
8. Install:
• O-ring "1"  • Oil strainer "2"
• Oil hose
• Bolt (oil hose)
• Oil hose clamp
9. Install: • Copper washer 
• Oil filter element drain bolt
• Crankcase oil drain bolt
• Oil tank drain bolt
• Engine guard
10. Fill: • Engine oil 11. Check:
• Oil leakage
12. Install: • Oil filler cap
• Washer (oil tank)
• Bolt (oil tank)
13. Check: • Engine oil level
CHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check: • Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure  check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling 
until oil starts to seep from the oil 
pressure check bolt. If no oil 
comes out after one minute, turn 
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump  for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the  problem(s) and recheck the oil 
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check  bolt.
Oil filter element cover:10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 
ft•lb)
Oil strainer:
9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5 
ft•lb)
Bolt (oil hose): 8 Nm (0.8 m•kg, 5.8 
ft•lb)
Oil hose clamp: 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 
ft•lb)
Oil filter element drain 
bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 
ft•lb)
Crankcase oil drain bolt: 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14 
ft•lb)
Oil tank drain bolt: 18 Nm (1.8 m•kg, 13 
ft•lb)
Engine guard: 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 
ft•lb)
Oil quantity: Periodic oil change:
1.1 L (0.97 Imp qt, 1.16 
US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment: 1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 
US qt)
Total amount: 1.4 L (1.23 Imp qt, 1.48 
US qt)
Bolt (oil tank): 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 
ft•lb)
Oil pressure check bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 
ft•lb) 
Page 75 of 232
3-16
ENGINE
ADJUSTING THE PILOT SCREW 
(For EUROPE)
1. Adjust:• Pilot screw "1"
Adjustment steps:
To optimize the fuel flow at a smaller 
throttle opening, each machine's pilot 
screw has been individually set at the 
factory. Before adjusting the pilot 
screw, turn it in fully and count the 
number of turns. Record this number 
as the factory-set number of turns 
out.
a. Turn in the pilot screw until it is  lightly seated.
b. Turn out the pilot screw by the  factory-set number of turns.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING 
SPEED
1. Start the engine and thoroughly warm it up.
2. Adjust: • Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Turn the throttle stop screw "1"  until the specified engine idling 
speed.
Using a digital engine tachometer for 
idle speed adjustment, detect the en-
gine idling speed by bringing the 
sensing element "c" of the engine ta-
chometer close to the ignition coil "2".
ADJUSTING THE VALVE 
CLEARANCE
This section is intended for those who 
have basic knowledge and skill con-
cerning the servicing of Yamaha mo-
torcycles (e.g., Yamaha dealers, 
service engineers, etc.) Those who 
have little knowledge and skill con-
cerning servicing are requested not to 
undertake inspection, adjustment, 
disassembly, or reassembly only by 
reference to this manual. It may lead 
to servicing trouble and mechanical 
damage.
• The valve clearance should be ad-justed when the engine is cool to 
the touch.
• The piston must be at Top Dead  Center (T.D.C.) on compression 
stroke to check or adjust the valve 
clearance.
1. Remove:•Seat
•Fuel tank
Refer to "SEAT, FUEL TANK 
AND SIDE COVERS" section.
2. Drain:
• CoolantRefer to "CHANGING THE 
COOLANT" section.
3. Remove: • Right radiatorRight to "RADIATOR" section in 
the CHAPTER 5.
• Carburetor Refer to "CARBU RETOR" section 
in the CHAPTER 5.
• Spark plug
• Upper engine bracket
• Cylinder head cover Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section 
in the CHAPTER 5. 4. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw "2"
• O-ring
5. Check: • Valve clearanceOut of specification →Adjust.
Checking steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
b. Align the T.D.C. mark "a" on the 
rotor with the align mark "b" on the 
crankcase cover when piston is at 
T.D.C. on compression stroke.
In order to be sure t hat the piston is at 
Top Dead Center, the punch mark "c" 
on the exhaust camshaft and the 
punch mark "d" on the intake cam-
shaft must align with the cylinder 
head surface, as shown in the illustra-
tion.
c. Measure the valve clearance "e"  using a feeler gauge "1".
Record the measured reading if the 
clearance is incorrect.
Pilot screw (example):2 turns out
To increase idle speed →Turn the 
throttle stop screw "1" in "a".
To decrease idle speed →Turn the 
throttle stop screw "1" out "b".
Engine idling speed:1,750–1,950 r/min
Valve clearance (cold):
Intake valve:0.10–0.15 mm 
(0.0039–0.0059 in)
Exhaust valve:0.17–0.22 mm 
(0.0067–0.0087 in) 
Page 76 of 232
3-17
ENGINE
6. Adjust:• Valve clearance
Adjustment steps:
a. Remove the camshaft (intake and  exhaust).
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section 
in the CHAPTER 5.
b. Remove the valve lifters "1" and  the pads "2".
• Place a rag in the timing chain 
space to prevent pads from falling 
into the crankcase.
• Identity each valve lifter and pad 
position very carefully so that they 
can be reinstalled in their original 
place.
c. Select the proper pad using the  pad selecting table.
The thickness "a" of each pad is indi-
cated in hundredths of millimeters on 
the pad upper surface.
d. Round off the last digit of the in-stalled pad number to the nearest 
increment.
EXAMPLE:
Installed pad number = 148
Rounded off value = 150
Pads can only be selected in 0.05 
mm increments.
e. Locate the rounded-off value and  the measured valve clearance in 
the chart "PAD SELECTION TA-
BLE". The field where these two 
coordinates intersect shows the 
new pad number to use.
Use the new pad number only as a 
guide when verifying the valve clear-
ance adjustment.
f. Install the new pads "3" and the 
valve lifters "4".
• Apply the engine oil on the valve lift-ers.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil 
on the valve stem ends.
• Valve lifter must  turn smoothly 
when rotated with a finger.
• Be careful to reinstall valve lifters  and pads in their original place.
g. Install the camshafts (exhaust 
and intake).
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section 
in the CHAPTER 5.
Pad range Pad Availabili-
ty: 25 incre-
ments
No. 
120– No. 
240 1.20 
mm– 2.40 
mm Pads are avail-
able in 0.05 mm  increments
Last digit of pad  number Rounded valve
0, 1 or 2 0
4, 5 or 6 5
8 or 9 10