engine oil YAMAHA YFM250R 2008 Owners Manual

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 1-1
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ..................................................... 3-1
Right view................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ........................... 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ............................................... 4-1
Indicator light ............................................. 4-1
Handlebar switches ................................... 4-2
Throttle lever ............................................. 4-2
Speed limiter ............................................. 4-3
Clutch lever ............................................... 4-4
Brake lever ................................................ 4-5
Brake pedal ............................................... 4-5
Parking brake lever ................................... 4-5
Shift pedal ................................................. 4-6
Fuel tank cap ............................................. 4-7
Fuel ........................................................... 4-7
Fuel cock ................................................... 4-8Starter (choke) ......................................... 4-10
Seat ......................................................... 4-10
Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ............................................. 4-11
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Pre-operation check list ............................. 5-1
Fuel ............................................................ 5-3
Engine oil ................................................... 5-3
Front and rear brakes ................................ 5-3
Throttle lever .............................................. 5-4
Drive chain ................................................. 5-4
Tires ........................................................... 5-4
Measuring the tire pressure ....................... 5-5
Tire wear limit ............................................ 5-6
Chassis fasteners ...................................... 5-7
Instruments, lights and switches ................ 5-7
OPERATION...................................................6-1
Starting a cold engine ................................ 6-1
Starting a warm engine .............................. 6-3
Shifting ....................................................... 6-3
Engine break-in .......................................... 6-5
Parking ....................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-6
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-6

RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV.............. 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD
JUDGEMENT ........................................... 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE ............ 7-8
TURNING YOUR ATV ............................. 7-12
CLIMBING UPHILL .................................. 7-14
RIDING DOWNHILL................................. 7-16
CROSSING A SLOPE.............................. 7-17
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER .................................................. 7-18
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN .......... 7-20
SLIDING AND SKIDDING ........................ 7-20
WHAT TO DO IF... ................................... 7-21
WHAT TO DO... ....................................... 7-21
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR
REPAIR .......................................................... 8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit ...................... 8-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system .......................... 8-3
General maintenance and lubrication
chart ........................................................ 8-5
Checking the spark plug ............................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter element ............... 8-10
Cleaning the air filter element ................. 8-14
Cleaning the spark arrester ..................... 8-18
Adjusting the carburetor .......................... 8-19
Adjusting the engine idling speed ........... 8-20Adjusting the throttle cable free play ........ 8-20
Valve clearance ....................................... 8-21
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ....................................................... 8-22
Checking the brake fluid level .................. 8-23
Changing the brake fluid .......................... 8-25
Checking the front brake lever free
play ........................................................ 8-26
Checking the brake pedal position ........... 8-26
Adjusting the parking brake free play ...... 8-27
Brake light switches ................................. 8-29
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .......... 8-29
Drive chain slack ...................................... 8-30
Lubricating the drive chain ....................... 8-32
Checking and lubricating the cables ........ 8-33
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers ........................................... 8-33
Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ............................................. 8-34
Checking the wheel hub bearings ............ 8-34
Lubricating the swingarm pivots .............. 8-34
Lubricating the upper and lower arm
pivots ..................................................... 8-35
Lubricating the steering shaft ................... 8-36
Battery ..................................................... 8-36
Replacing the fuse ................................... 8-37
Replacing a headlight bulb ...................... 8-39
Adjusting a headlight beam ..................... 8-41
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ............ 8-42

5-1
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
9
10
11

EBU19200
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EBU19222
Pre-operation check list
Before operating this ATV, be sure to check the items listed in the following table.
WARNING

EWB00480
Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s
Manual. Failure to inspect increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
NOTE:

The maintenance of some items in the table has to be performed by a Yamaha dealer. Refer to the periodic
maintenance charts on page 8-3 to determine which service should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Fuel


Check fuel level in fuel tank, and add recommended fuel if neces-
sary.

Check fuel line for leakage. Correct if necessary.4-7, 5-3
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine, and add recommended oil to specified
level if necessary.

Check ATV for oil leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-10
Front brake

Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed
hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.

Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.

Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-22, 8-23, 8-26

5-3
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
9
10
11

EBU19540
Fuel
Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank.
(See page 4-7.)
WARNING

EWB00520

Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fuel expands
when it heats up. If the fuel tank is overfilled,
fuel could spill out due to heat from the en-
gine or the sun.

Be careful not to spill fuel, especially on the
engine or exhaust pipe which can cause a
fire and severe injury. Wipe up any spilled
fuel immediately.

Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.

Be sure the fuel tank cap is closed securely.
EBU19560
Engine oil
Make sure that the engine oil is at the specified lev-
el. Add oil as necessary. (See page 8-10.)
EBU19710
Front and rear brakes
Brake lever and brake pedal

Check that there is no free play in the brake le-
ver. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer
check the brake system.

Check for correct brake pedal height. (See
page 8-26.) If the pedal height is incorrect, have
a Yamaha dealer adjust it.

Check the operation of the lever and pedal. They
should move smoothly and there should be a
firm feeling when the brakes are applied. If not,
have a Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See page 8-23.)
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If there is any leak-
age, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake sys-Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4

8-6
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

10
*
Swingarm pivots

Check operation and for excessive play, and
replace bearings if necessary.

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√
11
*
Upper and lower
arm pivots


Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√
12 Drive chain

Check chain slack and adjust if necessary.

Check rear wheel alignment and correct if necess-
sary.

Clean and lubricate.
√√√√√
13
*
Drive chain rollers


Check for wear and replace if necessary.
√√√
14
*
Chassis fasteners


Make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened.
√√√√√
15
*
Shock absorber
assemblies


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.
√√√
16
*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivot-
ing points


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√√
17
*
Steering shaft


Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√
18
*
Steering system


Check operation and repair or replace if damaged.

Check toe-in and adjust if necessary.
√√√√√
19
*
Engine mount


Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.
√√√
NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320

8-7
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

20 Engine oil

Change.

Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.
√ √√√
21Engine oil filter ele-
ment

Clean or replace if necessary.
√√√
22
*
Moving parts and
cables


Lubricate.
√√√√
23
*
Throttle lever hous-
ing and cable


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.

Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.
√√√√√
24
*
Front and rear brake
switches


Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√√
25
*
Lights and switches


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Adjust headlight beams.
√√√√√
NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth 1 3 6 6 12
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320

8-10
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

2. Check the spark plug for electrode erosion
and excessive carbon or other deposits, and
replace it if necessary.
To install the spark plug
1. Measure the spark plug gap with a wire thick-
ness gauge and, if necessary, adjust the gap
to specification.2. Clean the surface of the spark plug gasket
and its mating surface, and then wipe off any
grime from the spark plug threads.
3. Install the spark plug with the spark plug
wrench, and then tighten it to the specified
torque.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 specified torque as
soon as possible.
4. Install the spark plug cap.
EBU28881
Engine oil and oil filter element
The engine oil level should be checked before
each ride. In addition, the oil must be changed and
the oil filter element cleaned at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Specified spark plug:
NGK/DR7EA
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
1. Spark plug cap
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
18 Nm (1.8 m·kgf, 13 ft·lbf)

8-11
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

To check the engine oil level
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Check the engine oil level on a cold engine.
NOTE:

If the engine was started before checking the oil
level, be sure to warm up the engine sufficiently,
and then wait at least ten minutes until the oil set-
tles for an accurate reading.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap, and then
wipe the dipstick off with a clean rag.
4. Insert the dipstick into the filler hole (without
screwing it in), and then remove it again to
check the oil level.
NOTE:

The engine oil should be between the minimum
and maximum level marks.
5. If the engine oil is at or below the minimum
level mark, add sufficient oil of the recom-
mended type to raise it to the correct level.
6. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler hole, and
then tighten the engine oil filler cap.
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Dipstick
3. Maximum level mark
4. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
4 1

8-12
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

To change the engine oil (with or without oil
filter element cleaning)
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several min-
utes, 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 then re-
move the engine oil drain bolt to drain the oil
from the crankcase.
CAUTION:

ECB00310
When removing the engine oil drain bolt, thecompression spring, oil strainer and O-ring will
fall out. Take care not to lose these parts.
NOTE:

Skip steps 5–9 if the oil filter element is not being
cleaned.
5. Remove the oil filter element cover by remov-
ing the bolts, and then remove the oil filter el-
ement.
6. Clean the oil filter element with solvent.
7. Check the O-rings for damage and replace it if
necessary.
1. Engine oil drain bolt
1

1. Oil filter element cover
2. Bolt
1 2

8-13
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

8. Install the oil filter element and O-ring.
NOTE:

Make sure that the O-ring is properly seated.
9. Install the oil filter element cover by installing
the bolts, and then tighten them to the speci-
fied torque.10. Install the engine oil drain bolt and tighten it to
the specified torque.CAUTION:
ECB00320
Before installing the engine oil drain bolt, be
sure to install the O-ring, compression spring
and oil strainer.
11. Add the specified amount of the recommend-
ed engine oil, and then install and tighten the
engine oil filler cap.
NOTE:

Be sure to wipe off spilled oil on any parts after the
1. Oil filter element
2. O-ring
Tightening torque:
Oil filter element cover bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
1
2
2

Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
20 Nm (2.0 m·kgf, 14.5 ft·lbf)
Recommended oil:
See page 10-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter element replacement:
1.25 L (1.32 US qt) (1.10 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement:
1.35 L (1.43 US qt) (1.19 Imp.qt)