engine oil YAMAHA YZ250F 2003 User Guide

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MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
EC300000
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance 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
maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
ItemAfter
break-inEvery
race
Every
third
(or
500 km)Every
fifth
(or
1,000 km)As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace
Inspect
●
●●

●
OIL FILTER ELEMENT, OIL STRAINER
Clean
●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances
Inspect
Replace
● ●
●
● The engine must be cold.
Check the valve seats
and valve stems for wear.
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect
Replace
●
● Check the free length and
the tilt.
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect
Replace
●
● Check for scratches and
wear.
CAMSHAFTS
Inspect
Replace
●
● Inspect the camshaft sur-
face.
Inspect the decompres-
sion system.
TIMING CHAIN SPROCKETS, TIMING
CHAIN
Inspect
Replace
●
● Check for wear on the
teeth and for damage.
PISTON
Inspect
Clean
Replace
● ●
●
● Inspect crack
Inspect carbon deposits
and eliminate them.
PISTON RING
Inspect
Replace
●
● ● Check ring end gap
PISTON PIN
Inspect
Replace
●
●
CYLINDER HEAD
Inspect and clean
● Inspect carbon deposits
and eliminate them.
Change gasket
CYLINDER
Inspect and clean
Replace
●
● Inspect score marks
Inspect wear
CLUTCH
Inspect and adjust
Replace
● ●
● Inspect housing, friction
plate, clutch plate and
spring
TRANSMISSION
Inspect
Replace bearing
●
●

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PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
EC320000
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating
condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap.
Check the cooling system for leakage.P.3-5 ~ 9
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the
fuel line for leakage.P.1-13
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and
frame oil line for leakage.P.3-13 ~ 16
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-9
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-10
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-24 ~ 30
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive
chain is lubricated properly.P.3-31 ~ 33
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-41 ~ 42
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no
excessive play.P.3-42 ~ 43
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage. P.3-33 ~ 40
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 pipeCheck that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no
cracks.P.4-3
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-31
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-44
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-18
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-6
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs
before racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely
done?P.7-1 ~ 22

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RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION
CAUTION:
Do not mix more than one type of ethyl-
ene glycol antifreeze containing corro-
sion inhibitors for aluminum engine.
Do not use water containing impurities or
oil.
7. Install:
Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up for a
several minutes.
8. Check:
Coolant level
Coolant level low → Add coolant. Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be han-
dled with special care.
WARNING
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.
EC355000
RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION
1. Inspect:
Seal (radiator cap) 1
Valve and valve seat 2
Crack/damage → Replace.
Exist fur deposits 3 → Clean or
replace.

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7. Install:
Air filter element 1
Washer
Fitting bolt
NOTE:
Align the projection a on filter guide with the
hole b in air filter case.
T R..2 Nm (0.2 m · kg, 1.4 ft · lb)
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
1. Start the engine, warm it up for several
minutes, and then turn off the engine and
wait for five minutes.
2. Place the machine on a level place and
hold it up on upright position by placing
the suitable stand under the engine.
3. Remove:
Oil tank cap 1
1
4. Inspect:
Oil level
Oil level should be between maximum
a and minimum b marks.
Oil level is low → Add oil to proper
level.
NOTE:
When inspecting the oil level, do not screw the
oil tank cap into the oil tank. Insert the gauge
lightly.
a
b
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION

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ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
(For USA and CDN)
CAUTION:
Do not add any chemical additives.
Engine oil also lubricates the clutch and
additives could cause clutch slippage.
Do not allow foreign material to enter the
crankcase.
(Except for USA and CDN)
CAUTION:
Do not add any chemical additives or use
oils with a grade of CD a or higher.
Do not use oils labeled “ENERGY CON-
SERVING II” b or higher. Engine oil also
lubricates the clutch and additives could
cause clutch slippage.
Do not allow foreign materials to enter the
crankcase.
5. Install:
Oil tank cap
6. Start the engine and let it warm up for
several minutes.
7. Turn off the engine and inspect the oil
level once again.
NOTE:
Wait a few minutes until the oil settles before
inspecting the oil level.
Recommended oil:
At 5 ˚C (40 ˚F) or higher Å
Yamalube 4 (20W-40) or SAE
20W-40 type SG motor oil (Non-
Friction modified)
At 15 ˚C (60 ˚F) or lower ı
Yamalube 4 (10W-30) or SAE
10W-30 type SG motor oil (Non-
Friction modified)
and/or
Yamalube 4-R (15W-50)
(Non-Friction modified)
Recommended oil:
Refer to the following chart for
selection of oils which are suited
to the atmospheric temperatures.
Recommended engine oil classi-
fication:
API STANDARD:
API “SG” or higher grade
(Designed primarily for motor-
cycles)
-20
-4-10
140
3010
5020
6830
8640 50
104
122°CTemp.
°F
10W-30
10W-40
20W-40
20W-50
15W-40
a
b

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ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT
ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT
1. Start the engine and warm it up for sev-
eral 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 position by placing the
suitable stand under the engine.
3. Place a suitable container under the
engine.
4. Remove:
Oil tank cap 1
Oil filler cap 2
Frame oil drain bolt 3
Crankcase oil drain bolt 4
Oil filter element drain bolt 5
Drain the crankcase and oil tank
(frame) of its oil.
1
5. Remove:
Lower engine bracket
Oil hose clamp 1
Bolt (oil hose) 2
Oil hose 3
Oil strainer (frame) 4
6. Inspect:
Oil strainer (frame)
Clogged → Blow.

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ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT
7. If the oil filter is to be replaced during this
oil change, remove the following parts
and reinstall them.
8. Install:
Copper washer 1
Oil strainer (frame) 2
Oil hose 3
Bolt (oil hose) 4
Oil hose clamp 5
Lower engine bracket
9. Install:
Copper washer
Oil filter element drain bolt
Crankcase oil drain bolt
Frame oil drain bolt
10. Fill:
Engine oil
11. Check:
Oil leakage
12. Install:
Oil tank cap
13. Check:
Engine oil level Replacement steps:
Remove the oil filter element cover 1 and
oil filter element 2.
Check the O-rings 3, if cracked or dam-
aged, replace them with a new one.
Install the oil filter element and oil filter ele-
ment cover.
T R..
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m • kg, 7.2 ft • lb)
Oil quantity:
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Periodic oil change:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06 US qt)
With oil filter replacement:
1.1 L (0.97 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
T R..70 Nm (7.0 m · kg, 50 ft · lb)
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..2 Nm (0.2 m · kg, 1.4 ft · lb)
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..20 Nm (2.0 m · kg, 14 ft · lb)
T R..23 Nm (2.3 m · kg, 17 ft · lb)

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OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION
1. Check:
Oil pressure
Checking steps:
Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt
1.
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.
Check oil passages and oil pump for dam-
age or leakage.
Start the engine after solving the prob-
lem(s) and recheck the oil pressure.
Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
T R..
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m • kg, 7.2 ft • lb)
PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT
1. Adjust:
Pilot screw 1
Adjustment steps:
NOTE:
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 num-
ber as the factory-set number of turns out.
Turn in the pilot screw until it is lightly
seated.
Turn out the pilot screw by the factory-set
number of turns.
Pilot screw:
1-5/8 turns out (example)
OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION/
PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT

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VALVE CLEARANCE INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT
Install the new pads 3 and the valve lift-
ers 4.
NOTE:
Apply the engine oil on the valve lifters.
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.
Install the camshafts (exhaust and intake).
Refer to “CAMSHAFTS” section in the
CHAPTER 4.

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DRIVE CHAIN SLACK ADJUSTMENT
5. Install:
Drive chain 1
Joint 2
Master link clip 3
CAUTION:
Be sure to install the master link clip to the
direction as shown.
aTurning direction
6. Lubricate:
Drive chain
Drive chain lubricant:
SAE 10W-30 motor oil or suit-
able chain lubricants
DRIVE CHAIN SLACK ADJUSTMENT
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing the
suitable stand under the engine.
2. Check:
Drive chain slack a
Above the seal guard installation bolt.
Out of specification → Adjust.
NOTE:
Before checking and/or adjusting, rotate the
rear wheel through several revolutions and
check the slack several times to find the tight-
est point. Check and/or adjust the drive chain
slack with the rear wheel in this “tight chain”
position.
Drive chain slack:
40 ~ 50 mm (1.6 ~ 2.0 in)