check engine YAMAHA YZ250F 2003 Owners Manual

IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED STRICTLY
FOR COMPETITION USE, ONLY ON A
CLOSED COURSE. It is illegal for this
machine to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on public lands
may also be illegal. Please check local regula-
tions before riding.
1. THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OPERATED
BY AN EXPERIENCED RIDER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this
machine at maximum power until you
are totally familiar with its character-
istics.
2. THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO BE
RIDDEN BY THE OPERATOR ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on this
machine.
3. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
APPAREL.
When operating this machine, always
wear an approved helmet with gog-
gles or a face shield. Also wear heavy
boots, gloves, and protective cloth-
ing. Always wear proper fitting cloth-
ing that will not be caught in any of
the moving parts or controls of the
machine.
4. ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MACHINE
IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the machine
must be properly maintained. Always
perform the pre-operation checks
indicated in this manual. Correcting a
mechanical problem before you ride
may prevent an accident.
5. GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.
Always turn off the engine while refu-
eling. Take care to not spill any gaso-
line on the engine or exhaust system.
Never refuel in the vicinity of an open
flame, or while smoking.
SAFETY INFORMATION

EC0A0000
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION .......................................... 1-1
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION .................... 1-2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ................... 1-3
CHECKING OF CONNECTION ................ 1-6
SPECIAL TOOLS ...................................... 1-7
CONTROL FUNCTIONS ......................... 1-10
FUEL ....................................................... 1-13
STARTING AND BREAK-IN ................... 1-14
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS ..................... 1-18
CLEANING AND STORAGE .................. 1-19
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS .................. 2-1
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS ......... 2-4
GENERAL TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .................................. 2-17
DEFINITION OF UNITS .......................... 2-17
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM ................ 2-18
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPECTION AND
ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS ................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE ............................... 3-4
ENGINE ..................................................... 3-5
CHASSIS ................................................. 3-24
ELECTRICAL .......................................... 3-45

GEN
INFO
1 - 8
SPECIAL TOOLS
YU-33975, 90890-01403 Steering nut wrench
This tool is used when tighten the steering ring nut to
specification.YU-33975 90890-01403
YM-1423, 90890-01423 Damper rod holder
Use this tool to remove and install the damper rod.YM-1423 90890-01423
YM-01442, 90890-01442 Fork seal driver
This tool is used when install the fork oil seal.YM-01442 90890-01442
YU-3112-C, 90890-03112 Pocket tester
Use this tool to inspect the coil resistance, output
voltage and amperage.YU-3112-C 90890-03112
YU-8036-B
90890-03113Inductive tachometer
Engine tachometer
This tool is needed for observing engine rpm.YU-8036-B 90890-03113
YM-33277-A, 90890-03141 Timing light
This tool is necessary for checking ignition timing.YM-33277-A 90890-03141
YM-4019, 90890-04019 Valve spring compressor
This tool is needed to remove and install the valve
assemblies.YM-4019 90890-04019
YM-91042, 90890-04086 Clutch holding tool
This tool is used to hold the clutch when removing or
installing the clutch boss securing nut.YM-91042 90890-04086
YM-4111, 90890-04111
YM-4116, 90890-04116Valve guide remover
Intake 4.0 mm (0.16 in)
Exhaust 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
This tool is needed to remove and install the valve
guide.YM-4111
YM-411690890-04111
90890-04116
Part number Tool name/How to use Illustration

1 - 14
GEN
INFO
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
WARNING
Never start or run the engine in a closed
area. The exhaust fumes are poisonous;
they can cause loss of consciousness and
death in a very short time. Always operate
the machine in a well-ventilated area.
CAUTION:
The carburetor on this machine has a
built-in accelerator pump. Therefore,
when starting the engine, do not operate
the throttle or the spark plug will foul.
Unlike a two-stroke engine, this engine
cannot be kick started when the throttle is
open because the kick starter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open the air/
fuel mixture may be too lean for the
engine to start.
Before starting the machine, perform the
checks in the pre-operation check list.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral.
4. Fully open the cold starter knob 1.
5. Kick the kickstarter crank.
WARNING
Do not open the throttle while kicking the
kickstarter crank. Otherwise, the kick-
starter may kick back.
STARTING AND BREAK-IN

1 - 17
GEN
INFO
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the fuel
tank with the fuel.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks on the
machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine. Check the
idle speed, and check the operation of
the controls and the engine stop switch.
Then, restart the engine and check its
operation within no more than 5 minutes
after it is restarted.
4. Operate the machine in the lower gears
at moderate throttle openings for five to
eight minutes.
5. Check how the engine runs when the
motorcycle is ridden with the throttle 1/4
to 1/2 open (low to medium speed) for
about one hour.
6. Restart the engine and check the opera-
tion of the machine throughout its entire
operating range. Restart the machine
and operate it for about 10 to 15 more
minutes. The machine will now be ready
to race.
CAUTION:
After the break-in or before each race,
you must check the entire machine for
loose fittings and fasteners as per
“TORQUE-CHECK POINTS”.
Tighten all such fasteners as required.
When any of the following parts have
been replaced, they must be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in operation is
necessary.
PISTON, RING, VALVES, CAMSHAFTS
AND GEARS:
These parts require about 30 minutes of
break-in operation at half-throttle or less.
Observe the condition of the engine care-
fully during operation.

GEN
INFO
1 - 18
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
Frame construction
Combined seat and fuel tank
Exhaust system
Engine mounting
Steering Steering stem to
handlebar
Suspension Front Steering stem to front
fork
Rear For link type
Rear Installation of rear
shock absorber
Rear Installation of swing-
arm
Wheel Installation of wheel Front
Rear
Brake Front
Rear
Fuel system
Lubrication systemFrame to rear frame
Fuel tank to frame
Silencer to rear frame
Frame to engine
Engine bracket to engine
Engine bracket to frame
Steering stem to frame
Steering stem to upper bracket
Upper bracket to handlebar
Front fork to upper bracket
Front fork to lower bracket
Assembly of links
Link to frame
Link to rear shock absorber
Link to swingarm
Rear shock absorber to frame
Tightening of pivot shaft
Tightening of wheel axle
Tightening of axle holder
Tightening of wheel axle
Wheel to rear wheel sprocket
Brake caliper to front fork
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to handlebar
Tightening of bleed screw
Brake pedal to frame
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to frame
Tightening of bleed screw
Fuel tank to fuel cock
Tightening of oil hose clamp
NOTE:
Concerning the tightening torque, refer to
“MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS” section
in the CHAPTER 2.

SPEC
2 - 15
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:
- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.Part to be tightened Thread size Q’tyTightening torque
Nm m·kg ft·lb
Nipple (spoke)—72 3 0.3 2.2
Rear wheel sprocket M8 × 1.25 6 42 4.2 30
Rear brake disc cover M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Rear brake caliper protector M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Drive chain puller adjust bolt and locknut M8 × 1.25 2 16 1.6 11
Engine mounting:
Engine and engine bracket (front) M10 × 1.25 1 69 6.9 50
Engine and frame (lower) M10 × 1.25 1 69 6.9 50
Engine bracket and frame M8 × 1.25 6 34 3.4 24
Engine and engine bracket (upper) M10 × 1.25 1 55 5.5 40
Lower engine guard M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Right engine guard M8 × 1.25 2 23 2.3 17
CDI unit bracket M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Pivot shaft and nut M16 × 1.5 1 85 8.5 61
Relay arm and swingarm M14 × 1.5 1 80 8.0 58
Relay arm and connecting rod M14 × 1.5 1 80 8.0 58
Connecting rod and frame M14 × 1.5 1 80 8.0 58
Rear shock absorber and frame M10 × 1.25 1 56 5.6 40
Rear shock absorber and relay arm M10 × 1.25 1 53 5.3 38
Rear frame (upper) M8 × 1.25 1 32 3.2 23
Rear frame (lower) M8 × 1.25 2 29 2.9 21
Swingarm and brake hose holder M5 × 0.8 4 1 0.1 0.7
Swingarm and patch M4 × 0.7 4 2 0.2 1.4
Upper drive chain tensioner M8 × 1.25 1 19 1.9 13
Lower drive chain tensioner M8 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Drive chain support M6 × 1.0 3 7 0.7 5.1
Seal guard and swingarm M5 × 0.8 4 6 0.6 4.3
Fuel tank M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Fuel cock M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Seat set bracket and fuel tank M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Hooking screw (fitting band) and fuel tank M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Radiator cover M6 × 1.0 6 4 0.4 2.9
Front fender M6 × 1.0 4 7 0.7 5.1
Rear fender (front) M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Rear fender (rear) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Side cover M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Seat M8 × 1.25 2 23 2.3 17
Number plate M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1

3 - 1
INSP
ADJ
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
●
●

3 - 4
INSP
ADJ
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

3 - 5
INSP
ADJ
EC350000
ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL INSPECTION
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap 1, drain
bolt and hoses when the engine and radia-
tor are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam
may be blown out under pressure, which
could cause serious injury.
When the engine has cooled, place a thick
towel over the radiator cap, slowly rotate
the cap counterclockwise to the detent.
This procedure allows any residual pres-
sure to escape. When the hissing sound
has stopped, press down on the cap while
turning counterclockwise and remove it.
CAUTION:
Hard water or salt water is harmful to the
engine parts. You may use distilled water, if
you can’t get soft water.
1. Place the machine on a level place, and
hold it in an upright position.
2. Remove:
Radiator cap
3. Check:
Coolant level a
Coolant level low → Add coolant.
1Radiator
1a
ENGINE/COOLANT LEVEL INSPECTION