engine YAMAHA YZF-R6 2006 Owner's Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-10
6
EAU19651
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be defective. Do
not attempt to diagnose such problems
yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
NOTE:If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-fied torque as soon as possible.CAUTION:
ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twistit back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR10EK
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9.0 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-11
6
EAU38992
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:
Make sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt to the side can result in afalse reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles.4. Remove the engine oil dipstick and
wipe it clean, insert it back into the
hole (without screwing it in), and
then remove it again to check the
oil level.
NOTE:The engine oil should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the engine oil is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
oil filler cap, and then add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.6. Insert and tighten the engine oil
dipstick, and then install and tight-
en the oil filler cap.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Remove cowling C. (See page
6-6.)
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolt to drain the oil from
the crankcase.1. Dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Engine oil filler cap
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
6
NOTE:
Skip steps 5–11 if the oil filter cartridgeis not being replaced.
5. Remove the shift arm by removing
the bolt.
6. Pull the fuel tank breather/overflow
hoses upward to remove them
from the guide.7. Remove the oil filter cartridge with
an oil filter wrench.
NOTE:An oil filter wrench is available at aYamaha dealer.
8. Apply a thin coat of engine oil to
the O-ring of the new oil filter car-
tridge.NOTE:Make sure that the O-ring is properlyseated.
9. Install the new oil filter cartridge
with an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
1. Engine oil drain bolt
1. Bolt
2. Shift arm
3. Engine oil filter cartridge
4. Guide
5. Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
1. Oil filter wrench
1. O-ring
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
610. Insert the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hoses into the guide and
place them in their original posi-
tion.
11. Install the shift arm by aligning the
match mark on the shift arm with
the match mark on the shift shaft
and installing the bolt, then tighten-
ing it to the specified torque.
CAUTION:
ECA15340
Be sure to align the match marks to
ensure proper shifting.If the match marks are not aligned,
the shift arm will not move correctly
and you may not be able to shift up
or down the gears.
12. Install the engine oil drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.NOTE:Check the washer for damage and re-place it if necessary.13. Add the specified amount of the
recommended engine oil, and then
install and tighten the oil filler cap.
CAUTION:
ECA11620


In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.
1. Torque wrenchTightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
1. Bolt
2. Shift shaft
3. Match marks
4. Shift armTightening torque:
Shift arm bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 31 ft·lbf)
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
2.40 L (2.54 US qt) (2.11 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
2.60 L (2.75 US qt) (2.29 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6


Make sure that no foreign mate-rial enters the crankcase.
14. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
NOTE:After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if theoil level is sufficient.CAUTION:
ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealercheck the vehicle.
15. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
16. Install the cowling.
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU39082
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:

The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.


Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to theside can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
NOTE:The coolant should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove pan-
el B (See page 6-6.).
4. Remove the reservoir cap, add
coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6
CAUTION:
ECA10470


If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.


If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness ofthe coolant will be reduced.WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.
5. Install the panel.NOTE:

The radiator fans are automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.


If the engine overheats, see page6-42 for further instructions.
EAU39001
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowlings D and E. (See
page 6-6.)3. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
4. Remove the radiator cap.
WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.
5. Remove the coolant drain bolt to
drain the cooling system.
6. Move the hose clamp in the direc-
tion shown, and then disconnect
the radiator hose to drain the radi-
ator.
1. Coolant reservoir capCoolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Radiator cap
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-16
6 7. Remove the coolant reservoir by
removing the bolts.
8. Remove the coolant reservoir cap,
and then turn the coolant reservoir
upside down to empty it.9. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
10. Install the coolant reservoir by in-
stalling the bolts.
11. Connect the radiator hose, and
then move the hose clamp back to
its original position.
12. Install the coolant drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
NOTE:Check the washer for damage and re-place it if necessary.13. Pour the recommended coolant
into the reservoir to the maximum
level mark, and then install the
coolant reservoir cap.
14. Pour the recommended coolant
into the radiator until it is full.
1. Coolant drain bolt
2. Hose clamp
3. Radiator hose
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir
3. Bolt
Tightening torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibitors
for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator capacity (including all
routes):
2.30 L (2.43 US qt) (2.02 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6
CAUTION:
ECA10470


If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.


If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness ofthe coolant will be reduced.
15. Install the radiator cap, start the
engine, let it idle for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
16. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolantuntil it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap.
17. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
18. Install the cowlings.
EAU36761
Air filter elementThe air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6
EAU21381
Checking the throttle cable
free play The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21771
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10500


The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).


The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approvedfor this model.
1. Throttle cable free play
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
64. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU39051
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock-
nut on each side of the swingarm.2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (a). To loos-
en the drive chain, turn the adjust-
ing bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (b), and then
push the rear wheel forward.
NOTE:Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both chain pullers are in the same posi-tion for proper wheel alignment.
CAUTION:
ECA10570
Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within thespecified limits.
3. Tighten the axle nut to the speci-
fied torque.
4. Tighten the adjusting bolts in direc-
tion (a) to their specified torque.
5. Tighten the locknuts to their speci-
fied torque.
1. Drive chain slack
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Alignment marks
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
110 Nm (11.0 m·kgf, 80 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Drive chain slack adjusting bolt:
2.0 Nm (0.2 m·kgf, 1.4 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
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