check engine YAMAHA YZ250F 2008 User Guide

3-7
ENGINE
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.
ΠDo not apply pressure more than
specified pressure.
• Radiator should be filled fully.
4. Inspect: •Pressure
Impossible 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. Turn the adjuster "2" until free play "a" is within the specified lim-
its.
c. Tighten the locknuts.
ΠBefore adjustment, expose the ad-
juster by moving the boot "3" and
cap "4" away.
• Make minute adjustment on the le- ver side using the adjuster "5".
• After adjustment, check proper op-
eration of clutch lever.
3. Install:•Cap "1"
•Boot "2"
Place the tip "a" of the cap in the boot.
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE
CABLE FREE PLAY
1. Check:• Throttle grip free play "a"
Out of specification
→Adjust.
2. Adjust: • Throttle grip free play
Throttle grip free play adjustment
steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the specified free play is obtained.
d. Tighten the locknut.
Before adjusting the throttle cable
free play, the engine idle speed
should be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle cable
free play, start the engine and turn
the handlebar to right and left and
make sure that the engine idling
does not run faster.
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE
1. Remove: • Cover (throttle cable cap) "1"
• Cover (grip cap) "2"
• Throttle grip cap "3"
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: 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)Throttle grip free play
"a":3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)
Locknut: 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)

3-8
ENGINE
2. Apply:• Lithium soap base greaseOn the throttle cable end "a".
3. Install: • Throttle grip cap
• Screw (throttle grip cap)
• Cover (grip cap)
• Cover (throttle cable cap)
ADJUSTING THE HOT STARTER
LEVER FREE PLAY
1. Check: • Hot starter lever free play "a"Out of specification
→Adjust.
2. Adjust: • Hot starter lever free play
Hot starter lever free play adjust-
ment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Turn the adjuster "2" until free play "a" is within the specified lim-
its.
c. Tighten the locknut.
After adjustment, check proper oper-
ation of hot starter.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT
Proper air filter maintenance is the
biggest key to preventing premature
engine wear and damage.
Never run the engine without the
air filter element in place; this
would allow dirt and dust to enter
the engine and cause rapid wear
and possible engine damage.
1. Remove: •Seat
• Fitting bolt "1"
•Washer "2"
• Air filter element "3"
• Air filter guide "4"
2. Clean: • Air filter elementClean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remove 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.
3. Inspect:• Air filter element
Damage
→Replace.
4. Apply: • Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil
to the element
Squeeze out the excess oil. Element
should be wet but not dripping.
5. Install:• Air filter guide "1"
Align the projection "a" on filter guide
with the hole "b" in air filter element.
6. Apply:• Lithium soap base grease On the matching surface "a" on air
filter element.
7. Install: • Air filter element "1"
• Washer
• Fitting bolt
Align the projection "a" on filter guide
with the hole "b" in air filter case.
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.
Screw (throttle grip cap):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Hot starter lever free play
"a": 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in)
Locknut: 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Fitting bolt:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)

3-9
ENGINE
(For USA and CDN)
• Do not add any chemical addi-tives. 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)
• Do not add any chemical addi-tives or use oils with a grade of
CD "a" or higher.
• Do not use oils labeled "ENERGY CONSERVING II" "b" or higher.
Engine oil also lubricates the
clutch and additives could cause
clutch slippage.
• Do not allow foreign material 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: • Lower 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. 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)
Recommended oil:
Yamalube 4,
SAE10W30 or
SAE20W40
Yamalube 4-R,
SAE10W50
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA
Recommended oil: SAE10W30,
SAE10W40,
SAE15W40, SAE20W40
or SAE20W50
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA
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)

3-10
ENGINE
• Oil hose clamp
9. Install: • Copper washer
• Oil filter element drain bolt
• Crankcase oil drain bolt
• Oil tank drain bolt
• Lower 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.
ADJUSTING THE PILOT SCREW
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. Adjust the pilot screw. Refer to "ADJUSTING THE PI-
LOT SCREW" section.
b. 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".
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)
Lower engine guard: 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil quantity: Periodic oil change:1.05 L (0.92 Imp qt,
1.11 US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment: 1.15 L (1.01 Imp qt,
1.22 US qt)
Total amount:
1.30 L (1.14 Imp qt,
1.37 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)
Pilot screw (example): 2-3/8 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:1,900–2,100 r/min

3-11
ENGINE
ADJUSTING THE VALVE
CLEARANCE
•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 tankRefer to "SEAT, FUEL TANK
AND SIDE COVERS" section in
the CHAPTER 4.
2. Remove: • Spark plug
• Cylinder head coverRefer to "CAMSHAFTS" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
3. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw "2"
• O-ring
4. Check: • Valve clearance
Out 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 that 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.
5. Adjust:• Valve clearance
Adjustment steps:
a. Remove the camshaft (intake and exhaust).
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
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.
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)
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

3-17
CHASSIS
CHECKING THE DRIVE CHAIN
1. Measure:• Drive chain length (15 links) "a"Out of specification
→Replace.
• While measuring the drive chain
length, push down on the drive
chain to increase its tension.
• Measure the length between drive
chain roller "1" and "16" as shown.
• Perform this measurement at two or three different places.
2. Remove:
• Master link clip
•Joint "1"
• Drive chain "2"
3. Clean: • Drive chain
Place it in kerosene, and brush off
as much dirt as possible. Then re-
move the drive chain from the ker-
osene and dry the drive chain.
4. Check: • Drive chain stiffness "a"
Clean and oil the drive chain and hold as illustrated.
Stiff
→Replace the drive chain.
5. Install: • Drive chain "1"
• Joint "2"
• Master link clip "3"
Be sure to install the master link
clip to the direction as shown.
a. Turning direction
6. Lubricate: • Drive chain
ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN
SLACK
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Check:
• Drive chain slack "a"Above the seal guard installation
bolt.
Out of specification
→Adjust.
Before checking and/or adjusting, ro-
tate the rear wheel through several
revolutions and check the slack sev-
eral times to find the tightest point.
Check and/or adjust the drive chain
slack with the rear wheel in this "tight chain" position.
3. Adjust:
• Drive chain slack
Drive chain slack adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the axle nut "1" and lock- nuts "2".
b. Adjust the drive chain slack by
turning the adjusters "3".
c. Turn each adjuster exactly the same amount to maintain correct
axle alignment. (There are marks
"a" on each side of the drive chain
puller alignment.)
Turn the adjuster so that the drive
chain is in line with the sprocket, as
viewed from the rear.
Too small drive chain slack will
overload the engine and other vital
parts; keep the slack within the
specified limits.
d. Tighten the axle nut while pushing down the drive chain.
e. Tighten the locknuts.
Drive chain length (15
links): : 242.9 mm
(9.563 in)
Drive chain lubricant:SAE 10W-30 motor oil
or suitable chain lubri-
cants
Drive chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in)
To tighten→Turn the adjuster "3"
counterclockwise.
To loosen
→Turn the adjuster "3"
clockwise and push wheel for-
ward.
Axle nut:125 Nm (12.5 m•kg, 90
ft•lb)
Locknut: 19 Nm (1.9 m•kg, 13
ft•lb)

3-18
CHASSIS
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK
1. Inspect:• Front fork smooth actionOperate the front brake and
stroke the front fork.
Unsmooth action/oil leakage
→
Repair or replace.
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL
SEAL AND DUST SEAL
1. Remove: •Protector
• Dust seal "1"
Use a thin screw driver, and be care-
ful not to damage the inner fork tube
and dust seal.
2. Clean:• Dust seal "a"
•Oil seal "b"
•Clean the dust seal and oil seal af-
ter every run.
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the inner tube.
RELIEVING THE FRONT FORK
INTERNAL PRESSURE
If the front fork initial movement feels
stiff during a run, relieve the front fork
internal pressure.
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing a suitable stand under the engine.
2. Remove the air bleed screw "1" and release the internal pressure
from the front fork.
3. Install: • Air bleed screw
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
REBOUND DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust: • Rebound damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION: This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
COMPRESSION DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:• Compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION: This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:• Swingarm smooth action
Abnormal noise/unsmooth action
→Grease the pivoting points or
repair the pivoting points.
Damage/oil leakage
→Replace.
Air bleed screw:
1 Nm (0.1 m•kg, 0.7
ft•lb)
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position 20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position: 11 clicks out
* 10 clicks out
* For EUROPE
Stiffer "a" →Increase the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position 20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position: 9 clicks out
* 10 clicks out
* For EUROPE

3-20
CHASSIS
• STANDARD POSITION:This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the high compression
damping adjuster.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER HIGH COMPRESSION
DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:• High compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION: This is the position which is back
by the specific number of turns
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the adjuster body.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE
1. Measure:
• Tire pressureOut of specification
→Adjust.
•Check the tire while it is cold.
• Loose bead stoppers allow the tire
to slip off its position on the rim
when the tire pressure is low.
• A tilted tire valve stem indicates that
the tire slips off its position on the
rim.
• If the tire valve stem is found tilted,
the tire is considered to be slipping
off its position. Correct the tire posi-
tion.
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE
SPOKES
1. Inspect:• Spokes "1"Bend/damage
→Replace.
Loose spoke
→Retighten.
2. Tighten: •Spokes
Be sure to retighten these spokes be-
fore and after break-in. After a prac-
tice or a race check spokes for
looseness.
CHECKING THE WHEELS
1. Inspect:
• Wheel runoutElevate the wheel and turn it.
Abnormal runout
→ Replace.
2. Inspect: • Bearing free play
Exist play
→Replace.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE
STEERING HEAD
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing a suitable stand under the engine.
2. Check:
• Steering stemGrasp the bottom of the forks and
gently rock the fork assembly
back and forth.
Free play
→Adjust steering head.
Standard position:
About 8 clicks out
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the high
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the high
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position 2 turns out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
About 1-1/2 turns out
Standard tire pressure: 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2,
15 psi)
Spokes: 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2
ft•lb)

3-23
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
CHECKING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Remove:• Spark plug
2. Inspect:
• Electrode "1"Wear/damage
→Replace.
• Insulator color "2"
Normal condition is a medium to
light tan color.
Distinctly different color
→Check
the engine condition.
When the engine runs for many hours
at low speeds, the spark plug insula-
tor will become sooty, even if the en-
gine and carburetor are in good
operating condition.
3. Measure: • Plug gap "a"Use a wire gauge or thickness
gauge.
Out of specification
→Regap.
4. Clean the plug with a spark plug cleaner if necessary.
5. Tighten: • Spark plug
• Before installing a spark plug, clean the gasket surface and plug sur-
face.
• Finger-tighten "a" the spark plug before torquing to specification "b".
CHECKING THE IGNITION TIMING
1. Remove:• Timing mark accessing screw "1" 2. Attach:
• Timing light
• Inductive tachometerTo the ignition coil lead (orange
lead"1").
3. Adjust: • Engine idling speedRefer to "ADJUSTING THE EN-
GINE IDLING SPEED" section.
4. Check: • Ignition timing
Visually check the stationary
pointer "a" is within the firing
range "b" on the rotor.
Incorrect firing range
→Check ro-
tor and pickup assembly.
5. Install: • Timing mark accessing screw
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–
0.031 in)
Spark plug: 13 Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4
ft•lb)
Timing light:YM-33277-A/90890-
03141

4-6
RADIATOR
HANDLING NOTE
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator are
hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam
may be blown out under pressure,
which could cause serious injury.
When the engine has cooled, open
the radiator cap by the following
procedure:
Place a thick rag, like a towel, over
the radiator cap, slowly rotate the
cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent. This procedure allows any re-
sidual pressure to escape. When
the hissing sound has stopped,
press down on the cap while turn-
ing counterclockwise and remove
it.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR
1. Inspect:• Radiator core "1"Obstruction
→Blow out with com-
pressed air through rear of the ra-
diator.
Bent fin
→Repair/replace.
INSTALLING THE RADIATOR
1. Install: • O-ring "1"
• Radiator pipe 1 "2"
• Bolt (radiator pipe) "3"
Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the O-ring.
2. Install:• Radiator breather hose "1"
• Radiator hose 2 "2"
• Radiator hose 3 "3"
• Radiator hose 4 "4"
To right radiator "5". 3. Install:
• Right radiator "1"
• Bolt (right radiator) "2"
• Radiator hose 3 "3"Refer to "CABLE ROUTING DIA-
GRAM" section in the CHAPTER
2.
4. Install: • Left radiator "1"
• Bolt (left radiator) "2"
• Radiator hose 1 "3"
Refer to "CABLE ROUTING DIA-
GRAM" section in the CHAPTER
2.
5. Tighten: • Radiator hose clamp "4"
6. Install: • Radiator guard "1"
First fit the inner hook portion "a" and
then the outer one "b" onto the radia-
tor.
Bolt (radiator pipe): 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (right radiator):10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (left radiator): 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Radiator hose 1: 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Radiator hose clamp: 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)