engine coolant YAMAHA YZ250F 2010 Owners Manual

1-5
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Hot starter lever
3. Front brake lever
4. Throttle grip
5. Radiator cap
6. Fuel tank cap
7. Engine stop switch
8. Kickstarter crank
9. Fuel tank
10. Radiator
11. Coolant drain bolt
12. Rear brake pedal
13. Valve joint14. Fuel cock
15. Cold starter knob
16. Air filter
17. Drive chain
18. Shift pedal
19. Oil level check window
20. Front fork

1-13
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline the day of a race.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust pipe, etc. have cooled off.
HANDLING NOTE
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 oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
• The carburetor on this machine has a built-in accelerator pump.
Therefore, when starting the en-
gine, 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 be-
cause the kickstarter 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, per- form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
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.
Do not open the throttle while kick-
ing the kickstarter crank. Other-
wise, the kickstarter crank may
kick back.
6. Return the cold starter knob to its original position and run the en-
gine at 3,000–5,000 r/min for 1 or
2 minutes.
Since this model is equipped with an
accelerator pump, if the engine is
raced (the throttle opened and
closed), the air/fuel mixture will be too
rich and the engine may stall. Also
unlike a two-stroke engine, this model
can idle.
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the cold starter knob
and throttle. Pull the hot starter lever
"1" and start the engine by kicking
the kickstarter crank forcefully with a
firm stroke. As soon as the engine
starts, release the hot starter lever to
close the air passage. Restarting an engine after a fall
Pull the hot starter lever and start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts,
release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
The engine fails to start
Pull the hot starter lever all the way
out and while holding the lever, kick
the kickstarter crank 10 to 20 times to
clear the engine. Then, restart the en-
gine. Refer to "Restarting an engine
after a fall".
Observe the following break-in
procedures during initial operation
to ensure optimum performance
and avoid engine damage.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.
Thrott
le
grip
oper-
ation* Cold
start- er
knob Hot
start-
er le- ver
Star
ting
a
cold
en-
gine Air tem-
perature =
less than
5 °C (41
°F)
Open
3 or 4 times ON OFF
Air tem-
perature =
more than
5 °C (41
°F) None ON OFF
Air tem-
perature
(normal
tempera-
ture) = be-
tween 5
°C (41 °F)
and 25 °C
(77 °F) None
ON/
OFF OFF
Air tem-
perature =
more than
25 °C (77
°F) None OFF OFF
Starting an en-
gine after a long
period of time None ON OFF
Restarting a
warm engine None OFF ON
Restarting an
engine after a
fall None OFF ON
* Operate the throttle grip before kick
starting.

2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name:YZ250FZ (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ250F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 17D5 (USA,CDN)
17D6 (EUROPE)
17D8 (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, CDN EUROPE AUS, NZ, ZA
Overall length 2,159 mm (85.00
in) 2,168 mm (85.35
in)2,166 mm (85.28
in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.48 in)←←
Overall height 1,303 mm (51.30
in) 1,304 mm (51.34
in)←
Seat height 988 mm (38.90 in) 991 mm (39.02 in) 990 mm (38.98 in)
Wheelbase 1,466 mm (57.72
in) 1,473 mm (57.99
in)←
Minimum ground clearance 375 mm (14.76 in) 377 mm (14.84 in) 376 mm (14.80 in)
Weight: With oil and fuel 102.0 kg (224.9 lb)
Engine: Engine type Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder, forward inclined
Displacement 250 cm
3 (8.80 Imp oz, 8.45 US oz)
Bore × stroke 77.0 × 53.6 mm (3.03 × 2.11 in)
Compression ratio 13.5 : 1
Starting system Kickstarter
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Oil type or grade: Engine oil Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-40, SAE10W-50
SAE15W-40, SAE20W-40 or SAE20W-50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
Oil capacity: Engine oilPeriodic oil change 0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt, 1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replacement 1.05 L (0.92 Imp qt, 1.11 US qt)
Total amount 1.20 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 1.00 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
Fuel: Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 6.4 L (1.4 Imp gal, 1.69 US gal)
2

2-10
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ELECTRICAL
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque ti ghtening after break-in or before each race.
Item StandardLimit
Ignition system: Advancer type Electrical----
CDI: Magneto-model (stator)/manufacturer 17D-50/YAMAHA----
Charging coil 1 resistance (color) 720–1,080 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F)
(Green–Brown) ----
Charging coil 2 resistance (color) 44–66 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (Black–Pink) ----
Pickup coil resistance (color) 248–372 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (White–Red) ----
CDI unit-model/manufacturer 17D-50/YAMAHA (For USA and CDN) ----
17D-60/YAMAHA (Except for USA and
CDN) ----
Ignition coil: Model/manufacturer 5UL-20/DENSO----
Minimum spark gap 6 mm (0.24 in)----
Primary coil resistance 0.08–0.10 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
Secondary coil resistance 4.6–6.8 kΩat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
Spark plug M10S × 1.0 1 13 1.3 9.4
Camshaft cap M6 × 1.0 10 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder head blind plug screw M12 × 1.0 1 28 2.8 20
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M8 × 1.25 1 15 1.5 11
Cylinder head (bolt) M9 × 1.25 4 38 3.8 27
Cylinder head (nut) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder head cover M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer weight M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer shaft driven gear M14 × 1.0 1 50 5.0 36
Timing chain guide (intake side) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Timing chain tensioner M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Timing chain tensioner cap bolt M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Impeller M8 × 1.25 1 14 1.4 10
Radiator hose clamp M6 × 1.0 10 2 0.2 1.4
Coolant drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Water pump housing M6 × 1.0 4 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator M6 × 1.0 6 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator pipe M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil pump cover M4 × 0.7 1 1.7 0.17 1.2
Oil pump M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
COOLING SYSTEMCheck coolant level and leakage ●●
Check radiator cap operation ●
Replace coolant ●Every two years
Inspect hoses ●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS Retighten ●● Refer to "STARTING AND BREAK-
IN" section in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER Clean and lubricate ●● Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace ●
OIL FILTER Replace ●●
OIL STRAINER Clean ●
ENGINE GUARD Replace ●Breakage
FRAME Clean and inspect ●●
FUEL TANK, COCK Clean and inspect ●●
BRAKES Adjust lever position and pedal
height ●●
Lubricate pivot point ●●
Check brake disc surface ●●
Check fluid level and leakage ●●
Retighten brake disc bolts, cali-
per bolts, master cylinder bolts
and union bolts ●●
Replace pads ●
Replace brake fluid ●Every one year
FRONT FORKS Inspect and adjust ●●
Replace oil ●● Suspension oil "S1"
Replace oil seal ●
FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND
DUST SEAL Clean and lube ●● Lithium base grease
PROTECTOR GUIDE Replace ●
Item
After
break- in Every
race
(about 2.5
hours)
Every third
(about 7.5
hours) Every
fifth
(about 12.5
hours)
As re-
quired Remarks

3-5
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
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 RoutinePage
Coolant Check that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage. P.3-6 – 7
Fuel Check that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage. P.1-13
Engine oil Check that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.
P.3-9 – 10
Gear shifter and clutch Check that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly. P.3-7
Throttle grip/Housing Check that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary. P.3-7 – 8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and ef fect of front and rear brake. P.3-14 – 16
Drive chain Check drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.
P.3-17 – 18
Wheels Check for excessive wear and ti
re pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play. P.3-20 – 21
Steering Check that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play. P.3-21 – 22
Front forks and rear shock
absorber Check that they operate smooth
ly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-18 – 20
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 pipe Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks. P.4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear whee l sprocket tightening bolt is not loose.P.3-17
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-23
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-15
Lead connectors Check that the CDI magneto, CDI
unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly. P.1-7
Settings Is the machine set suitably for the
condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done? P.7-1 – 10

3-6
ENGINE
ENGINE
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing 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 counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual
pressure to escape. When the
hissing sound has stopped, press
down on the cap while turning
counterclockwise and remove it.
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 po-
sition.
2. Remove: • Radiator cap
3. Check: • Coolant level "a"Coolant level low →Add coolant.
1. Radiator
CHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
Take care so that coolant does not
splash on painted surfaces. If it
splashes, wash it away with water.
1. Place a container under the en- gine.
2. Remove: • Coolant drain bolt "1"
3. Remove: • Radiator capDrain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling systemThoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install: • Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Fill: • Radiator
•EngineTo specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of
ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im- purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be
handled with special care.
• 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.
7. Install:• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up
for a several minutes.
8. Check:
• Coolant levelCoolant level low →Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect: • Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"Crack/damage →Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or
replace.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach: • Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-er "2"
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant: High quality ethylene
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti -corrosion
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio: 50%/50%
Coolant capacity: 1.00 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter: YU-33984/90890-01352

3-7
ENGINE
3. Radiator cap
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.
• Do not apply pressure more than specified pressure.
• Radiator should be filled fully.
4. Inspect: • PressureImpossible 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 LEVER
POSITION
1. Adjust:
• Clutch lever position
Clutch lever position adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the locknuts "1".
b. Turn the adjusting bolt "2" until the clutch lever position "a" is in the
desiered position .
c. Tighten the locknuts.
2. Adjust: • Clutch cable free play
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE
CLUTCH CABLE FREE PLAY".
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.
• Before 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.
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)
Locknut: 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6
ft•lb)
Clutch lever free play "a"
: 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 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)

4-33
OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
REMOVING THE OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMPOrder Part name Q'ty Remarks Drain the engine oil. Refer to "CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL"
section in the CHAPTER 3.
Drain the coolant. Refer to "CHANGING
THE COOLANT" sec-
tion in the CHAPTER 3.
Radiator hose 3 Disconnect at water pump side.
Exhaust pipe Refer to "EXHAUST PIPE AND SILENCER"
section.
Brake pedal Refer to "ENGINE REMOVAL" section.
Right engine guard
1 Oil filter element cover 1
2 Oil filter element 1
3 Water pump housing 1
4 Oil delivery pipe 1
5 Bolt (oil hose) 1
6 Kickstarter crank 1
7 Right crankcase cover 1
8 Impeller 1 Refer to removal section.