radiator cap YAMAHA YZ250F 2012 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

1-9
SPECIAL TOOLS
Radiator cap tester
YU-24460-01, 90890-01325
Radiator cap tester adapter
YU-33984, 90890-01352These tools are used for checking
the cooling system.
Steering nut wrench
YU-33975, 90890-01403 This tool is used when tighten the
steering ring nut to specification.
Cap bolt wrench
YM-01500, 90890-01500This tool is used to loosen or tighten
the base valve.
Cap bolt ring wrench
YM-01501, 90890-01501This tool is used to loosen or tighten
the damper assembly.
Fork seal driver
YM-A0948, 90890-01502 This tool is used when install the fork
oil seal.
Spoke nipple wrench
YM-01521, 90890-01521 This tool is used to tighten the
spoke.
Pocket tester
YU-3112-C, 90890-03112 Use this tool to inspect the coil resis-
tance, output voltage and amper-
age. Tool name/Part number How to use Illustration

2-8
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSISLubrication system:
Oil filter type Paper type ----
Oil pump type Trochoid type ----
Tip clearance 0.12 mm or less (0.0047 in or less) 0.20 mm (0.008
in)
Side clearance 0.09–0.17 mm (0.0035–0.0067 in) 0.24 mm (0.009
in)
Housing and rotor clearance 0.03–0.10 mm (0.0012–0.0039 in) 0.17 mm
(0.0067 in)
Cooling:
Radiator core size
Width 121.4 mm (4.8 in) ----
Height 235 mm (9.3 in) ----
Thickness 28 mm (1.1 in) ----
Radiator cap opening pressure 110 kPa (1.1 kg/cm
2, 15.6 psi) ----
Radiator capacity (total) 0.64 L (0.56 Imp qt, 0.68 US qt) ----
Water pump
Type Single-suction centrifugal pump ----Item Standard Limit
Item Standard Limit
Steering system:
Steering bearing typeTaper roller bearing ----
Front suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Front fork travel 300 mm (11.8 in)←----
Fork spring free length 454 mm (17.9 in)←449 mm (17.7
in)
Spring rate, STD K = 4.5 N/mm (0.459 kg/
mm, 25.7 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Oil capacity 543 cm
3 (19.1 lmp oz,
18.4 US oz)←----
Oil grade Suspension oil "S1"←----
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.89 in)←----
Front fork top end 5 mm (0.20 in)←----
Rear suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Shock absorber travel 132.0 mm (5.20 in)←----
Spring free length 260 mm (10.24 in)←----
Fitting length 250 mm (9.84 in)←
Preload length
1.5–20 mm (0.06–0.79
in)←----
Spring rate, STD K = 52.0 N/mm (5.30 kg/
mm, 296.8 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Enclosed gas pressure 1,000 kPa (10 kg/cm
2,
142 psi)←----

2-10
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ELECTRICAL
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
Item Standard Limit
Ignition system:
Advancer type Electrical ----
CDI:
Magneto-model (stator)/manufacturer 17D-51/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-90/YAMAHA ----
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) ----
ItemThread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks
Spark plug M10S 1 13 Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4 ft•lb)
Camshaft cap M6 10 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder head blind plug screw M12 1 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M8 1 15 Nm (1.5 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (bolt) M9 4 38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (nut) M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder head cover M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Balancer weight M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Balancer shaft driven gear M14 1 50 Nm (5.0 m•kg, 36 ft•lb) Lock washer
Timing chain guide (intake side) M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Timing chain tensioner M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Timing chain tensioner cap bolt M6 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Impeller M8 1 14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10 ft•lb)
Radiator hose clamp M6 10 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Coolant drain bolt M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)Copper
washer
Water pump housing M6 4 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Radiator M6 6 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Radiator pipe M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Oil pump cover M4 1 1.7 Nm (0.17 m•kg, 1.2 ft•lb)
Oil pump M6 3 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Oil filter element drain bolt M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)

2-20
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Sub-wire harness
2. Hot starter cable
3. Oil hose
4. Neutral switch lead
5. Radiator hose 2
6. Clamp
7. Ignition coil lead
8. CDI magneto lead
9. Neutral switch lead coupler
10. CDI unit lead coupler11. Radiator breather hose
12. Hot starter cable protector
13. Rubber cap
14. Throttle position sensor lead
15. Cylinder head breather hose
16. Throttle position sensor lead
coupler
17. Tension pipe
18. Radiator mounting boss
19. Cylinder head breather hose20. Throttle position sensor tube
clamp
E K
E F GHH
F IJ A
AB
D
D CJ
C
G
B
K
E
M
M
H-H
K-K
E-E
D-D
M-M
F-F
A-A
I
L
L

2-21
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
A. Pass the hot starter cable over
the radiator mounting boss.
B. Pass the throttle position sensor
lead under the hot starter cable.
C. Fasten the throttle position sen-
sor lead and the hot starter ca-
ble.
D. Locate the clamp between the
hot starter cable protector and
rubber cap.
E. Fasten the neutral switch lead
below the oil hose. and pass the
neutral switch lead on the inside
of the oil hose.
F. Pass the neutral switch lead on
the inside of the oil hose.
G. Fasten the neutral switch lead,
CDI magneto lead, and radiator
breather hose onto the frame.
They should all be clamped
above the engine bracket to the
left of the downtube of the
frame. The clamp ends should
face backward and the rest out-
side of the frame.
H. Pass the clutch cable through
the cable guide.
I. Pass the neutral switch lead and
CDI magneto lead behind the
frame.
J. Pass the hot starter cable on the
inside of the cylinder head
breather hose.
K. Fit the coupler projection into the
hole in the cover.
L. Fasten the sub-wire harness on
the CDI unit bracket.
M. Fasten the sub-wire harness at
the position-taped portion.
N. Pass each lead under the
clamp. Locate the CDI magneto
lead on the outside of the igni-
tion coil lead. Locate the throttle
position sensor lead, neutral
switch lead, CDI magneto lead
and ignition coil lead so that they
do not lie one on another.
O. Fasten the sub-wire harness to
the CDI unit bracket with the
clamp ends located under the
bracket.
P. Fasten the neutral switch lead,
throttle position sensor lead,
CDI magneto lead and ignition
coil lead. Fasten them around
the periphery of the recess be-
tween the tension pipe and radi-
ator mounting boss on the
frame.
Q. Locate the clamp ends within
the arrowed range. Assure that
the clamp end does not contact
the cylinder head breather hose.R. Pass the radiator breather hose
on the outside of the CDI mag-
neto lead and neutral switch
lead.
S. Fasten the throttle position sen-
sor lead and hot starter cable.
Fasten them between the cylin-
der head breather hose and
throttle position sensor tube
clamp. Fasten the clamp with its
ends toward the right-side of the
frame and cut off the other end
with 3 to 5 clamp holes left in it.
T. Locate the radiator breather
hose end above the down tube
and between the oil hose and
engine guard.
U. Fasten the neutral switch lead
above the oil hose, and pass the
neutral switch lead on the inside
of the oil hose.

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
COOLING SYSTEM
Check 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● ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks

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 Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-6 – 7
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 oil line
for leakage.P.3-9 – 10
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-7
Throttle grip/HousingCheck 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 effect of front and rear brake. P.3-14 – 16
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-17 – 18
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-20 – 21
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-21 – 22
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly 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 – 6
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel 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 connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-7
SettingsIs 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 cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install:
• Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Fill:
• Radiator
•Engine
To 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 level
Coolant 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:
• Pressure
Impossible 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:
• 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 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
desired 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 GRIP
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)