checking oil YAMAHA YZ250F 2015 Owners Manual

3
PERIODIC CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS.......................................................................... 3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS .................................................................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE................................. 3-7
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE........................................ 3-7
ENGINE............................................................................................................ 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL .......................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLING SYSTEM ....................................................... 3-8
CHANGING THE COOLANT...................................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP ............................................................ 3-9
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP OPENING PRESSURE ...................... 3-9
CHECKING THE COOLANT CIRCULATORY SYSTEM FOR LEAKS .... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER POSITION ...................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER FREE PLAY .................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP FREE PLAY .................................. 3-11
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE CABLE ................................................ 3-12
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT................................................. 3-12
CHECKING THE THROTTLE BODY JOINT ............................................ 3-13
CHECKING THE BREATHER HOSES .................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM..................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE FUEL LINE ................................................................... 3-14
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL..................................................... 3-14
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL ................................................................ 3-15
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED ............................................ 3-16
ADJUSTING THE VALVE CLEARANCE ................................................. 3-17
CHASSIS........................................................................................................ 3-21
BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM .......................................................... 3-21
CHECKING THE BRAKE HOSE .............................................................. 3-22
ADJUSTING THE FRONT BRAKE .......................................................... 3-22
ADJUSTING THE REAR BRAKE ............................................................. 3-23
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ................................................. 3-23
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PADS ................................................... 3-25
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PAD INSULATOR ................................ 3-26
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.................................................. 3-26
ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN SLACK ................................................ 3-27
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................... 3-28
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTECTOR GUIDE .......................... 3-28
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND DUST SEAL ................ 3-28
AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK .................................................... 3-28
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK LEGS .................................................. 3-29
CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION ........................................... 3-30
CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION ................................................... 3-30
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY ................... 3-30
CHECKING THE TIRES ........................................................................... 3-32
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE SPOKES ....................................... 3-32
CHECKING THE WHEELS ...................................................................... 3-33

ENGINE
3-13
4. Check:
• Air filter element
Damage  Replace.
5. Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil to the ele-
ment
TIP
Squeeze out the excess oil. Element should be
wet but not dripping.
6. Install:
• Air filter guide “1” (to the air filter element)
• Air filter element “2”
• Air filter mounting bolt “3”
7. Install:
• Air filter case cover “1”
TIP
Align the air filter case cover groove “a” with the
air filter case edge “b”.
8. Install:
• Fuel tank cap cover
EAS1SM5082
CHECKING THE THROTTLE BODY JOINT
1. Check:
• Throttle body joint
Refer to “CHECKING THE THROTTLE
BODY JOINT” on page 7-8.
EAS1SM5083CHECKING THE BREATHER HOSES
1. Check:
• Breather hose “1”
Crack/damage  Replace.
Loose connection  Connect properly.
ECA14920
NOTICE
Make sure the cylinder head breather hose
is routed correctly.
EAS1SM5084CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
1. Remove:
• Exhaust pipe protector
2. Check:
• Exhaust pipe 1
• Exhaust pipe 2
• Silencer
Crack/damage  Replace.
Refer to “ENGINE REMOVAL” on page 5-1.
• Exhaust gas
Leaks  Replace the gasket.
Refer to “ENGINE REMOVAL” on page 5-1.
3. Check:
• Tightening torques Oil application quantify
50 g
Air filter mounting bolt
2.0 Nm (0.20 m·kgf, 1.4 ft·lbf)
T R..
31
2
a
b 1
Exhaust pipe bolt 1 and nut “1”
20 Nm (2.0 m·kgf, 14 ft·lbf)
Exhaust pipe 1 and exhaust pipe
2 bolt “2”
12 Nm (1.2 m·kgf, 8.7 ft·lbf)
Exhaust pipe 2 and silencer bolt
“3”
12 Nm (1.2 m·kgf, 8.7 ft·lbf)
Silencer and silencer bracket bolt
“4”
30 Nm (3.0 m·kgf, 22 ft·lbf)
1
T R..

ENGINE
3-14
4. Install:
• Exhaust pipe protector
EAS1SM5085CHECKING THE FUEL LINE
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
• Air scoop (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
2. Check:
• Fuel hose “1”
Crack/damage  Replace.
Loose connection  Connect properly.3. Install:
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
• Air scoop (left/right)
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
EAS1SM5086CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
2. Start the engine, warm this up for 2–3 min-
utes, and then stop the engine and wait
about 5 minute.
3. Check:
• Oil level
The engine oil level should be between the
minimum level mark “a” and maximum level
mark “b”.
Below the minimum level mark  Add the
recommended engine oil to the proper level.
ECA33DD018
NOTICE
• Since engine oil also lubricates the clutch,
the wrong oil types or additives could
cause clutch slippage. Therefore, do not
add any chemical additives.
• Do not allow foreign material to enter the
crankcase. Exhaust pipe protector screw
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
LOCTITE®
2
1
4
3
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1
Recommended brand
YAMALUBE
Recommended engine oil type
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-40,
SAE10W-50, SAE15W-40,
SAE20W-40 or SAE20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
a b

ENGINE
3-16
7. Pour the specified amount of engine oil into
the oil filler cap hole.
8. Install:
• Oil filler cap
9. Check:
• Oil level
Refer to “CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL” on page 3-14.
10.Check:
• Engine oil pressure
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt
“1”.
EWA
WARNING
When the engine is started with the check
bolt removed, oil will spout; therefore, al-
ways loosen it before the checkup.
Start the engine and keep it idling until oil
starts to seep from the oil pressure check
bolt.
EWA
WARNING
Always keep the engine idling speed during
the checkup without increasing the engine
speed.
ECA
NOTICE
If no engine oil seeps out after one minute,
immediately turn the engine off so it will not
seize.
b. If no engine oil seeps out, check the engine
oil for leaks, and the engine oil passage and
the oil pump for damage.
c. Check the oil pressure again.
d. Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
EAS1SM5088ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED
TIP
• Because the air pressure is lower at high alti-
tudes, the air-fuel mixture will become richer.
If the idling speed is low, turn the starter knob/
idle screw a few clicks counterclockwise to in-
crease the speed before the adjustment.
• Before adjusting the engine idling speed,
make sure that the air filter element is not
clogged, the engine compression is proper,
and the throttle grip free play is proper.
• Adjust the engine idling speed with the starter
knob/idle screw pushed in completely.
1. Start the engine, and warm this up until the
oil has reached the specified temperature.
2. Attach the pocket tester with temperature
probe “1” to the oil drain bolt. Engine oil quantity
Without oil filter element replace-
ment
0.71 L (0.75 US qt, 0.62 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replace-
ment
0.73 L (0.77 US qt, 0.64 Imp.qt)
Quantity (disassembled)
0.90 L (0.95 US qt, 0.79 Imp.qt)
1
Oil pressure check bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Oil temperature
55–65 °C (131–149 °F)
T R..
1

CHASSIS
3-28
EAS1SM5100CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Inner tube
Damage/scratches  Replace.
• Front fork leg (s)
Oil leaks between inner tube and outer tube
 Replace the oil seal.
3. Hold the vehicle upright and apply the front
brake.
4. Check:
• Front fork operation
Push down hard on the handlebar several
times and check if the front fork rebounds
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “FRONT FORK” on page 4-37.
EAS1SM5101CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTEC-
TOR GUIDE
1. Check:
• Protector guide “1”
Out of specification  Replace.
TIP
The protector guide reaches the limit of its use
when it is worn down to the same height “a” as
of the outer tube circumference.
EAS1SM5102
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL
AND DUST SEAL
1. Remove:
•Protector
• Dust seal “1”
ECA?
NOTICE
Be careful not to damage the dust seal and
the inner tube by a driver.
2. Clean:
• Dust seal “a”
• Oil seal “b”
TIP
• Clean the dust seal and oil seal after every
run.
• Apply lithium-soap-based grease on the inner
tube.
EAS1SM5103AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK
TIP
If the front fork initial movement feels stiff dur-
ing a run, relieve the front fork internal pres-
sure.
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
EWA@
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Remove the air bleed screw “1” and release
the internal pressure from the front fork.
1
a
1
LS
a
b

CHASSIS
3-30
EAS1SM5105CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION
1. Check:
• Swingarm smooth action
• Swingarm free play
Refer to “SWINGARM” on page 4-60.
EAS1SM5106CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA@
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly
Gas leaks/oil leaks  Replace the rear
shock absorber assembly.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
3. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly smooth ac-
tion
• Rear suspension link smooth action
Sit astride the seat and shake your body up
and down several times to check whether
the rear shock absorber assembly operates
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
EAS1SM5107ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORB-
ER ASSEMBLY
Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel off
the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
Spring preload
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.1. Remove:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
2. Adjust:
• Spring preload
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Loosen the locknut “1”.
b. Loosen the adjuster “2” until there is some
clearance between the spring and the ad-
juster.
c. Measure the spring free length “a”.
d. Turn the adjuster in the direction of “b” or “c”
to make an adjustment.
TIP
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud from
around the locknut and adjusting ring before
adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed) changes
1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjusting ring.
Direction “b”
Spring preload is increased (suspen-
sion is harder).
Direction “c”
Spring preload is decreased (suspen-
sion is softer).
Spring installed length “d”
Minimum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 1.5 mm (0.06 in) from
its free length.
STD
Position in which the spring is
turned in 10 mm (0.39 in) from its
free length.
Maximum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 18 mm (0.71 in) from its
free length.

FRONT WHEEL
4-4
EAS1SM5124REMOVING THE FRONT WHEEL
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Remove:
• Front wheel
EAS1SM5125CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL
1. Check:
• Front wheel axle
Roll the front wheel axle on a flat surface.
Bends  Replace.
EWA13460
WARNING
Do not attempt to straighten a bent wheel
axle.
2. Check:
•Tire (s)
• Front wheel
Damage/wear  Replace.
Refer to “CHECKING THE TIRES” on page
3-32 and “CHECKING THE WHEELS” on
page 3-33.
3. Check:
• Spokes
Bend/damage  Replace.
Loose  Tighten.
Tap the spokes with a screwdriver.
TIP
A tight spoke will emit a clear, ringing tone; a
loose spoke will sound flat.
4. Tighten:
• Spokes
Refer to “CHECKING AND TIGHTENING
THE SPOKES” on page 3-32.
TIP
After tightening the spokes, measure the wheel
runout.
5. Measure:
• Wheel radial runout “a”
• Wheel lateral runout “b”
Out of specification  Repair/replace.
6. Check:
•Collars
Damage/wear  Replace.
7. Check:
• Bearing
Front wheel turns roughly or is loose  Re-
place the wheel bearings.
• Oil seals
Damage/wear  Replace.
Spokes
2.5 Nm (0.25 m·kgf, 1.8 ft·lbf)
Radial wheel runout limit
2.0 mm (0.08 in)
Lateral wheel runout limit
2.0 mm (0.08 in)
T R..
ab

REAR WHEEL
4-8
EAS1SM5130REMOVING THE REAR WHEEL
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel
off the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Remove:
• Rear wheel axle nut “1”
3. Loosen:
• Locknut “2”
4. Tighten:
• Adjusting bolt “3”
5. Remove:
• Rear wheel axle
• Rear wheel
TIP
• Push the rear wheel forward and remove the
drive chain from the rear wheel sprocket.
• Do not depress the brake pedal with the rear
wheel removed.
EAS1SM5131CHECKING THE REAR WHEEL
1. Check:
• Rear wheel axle
• Rear wheel
• Bearing
• Oil seals
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL”
on page 4-4.
2. Check:
•Tire (s)
• Rear wheel
Damage/wear  Replace.
Refer to “CHECKING THE TIRES” on page
3-32 and “CHECKING THE WHEELS” on
page 3-33.
3. Check:
• Spokes
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL”
on page 4-4.4. Measure:
• Radial wheel runout
• Lateral wheel runout
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL”
on page 4-4.
EAS1SM5132DISASSEMBLING THE REAR WHEEL
1. Remove:
• Oil seals
• Bearing
Refer to “DISASSEMBLING THE FRONT
WHEEL” on page 4-5.
EAS1SM5133CHECKING AND REPLACING THE REAR
WHEEL SPROCKET
1. Check:
• Rear wheel sprocket
More than 1/4 tooth wear “a”  Replace the
rear wheel sprocket and the drive sprocket
as a set.
Bent tooth  Replace the rear wheel
sprocket and the drive sprocket as a set.
2. Replace:
• Rear wheel sprocket
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the self-locking nuts and the rear
wheel sprocket.
b. Clean the rear wheel drive hub with a clean
cloth, especially the surfaces that contact
the sprocket.
c. Install the new rear wheel sprocket.
3
12
Radial wheel runout limit
2.0 mm (0.08 in)
Lateral wheel runout limit
2.0 mm (0.08 in)
b. Correct
1. Drive chain roller
2. Rear wheel sprocket
Rear wheel sprocket self-locking
nut
42 Nm (4.2 m·kgf, 30 ft·lbf)
T R..

FRONT BRAKE
4-17
3. Install:
• Brake caliper piston “1”
TIP
Apply the brake fluid on the piston outer sur-
face.
ECA33DD047
NOTICE
• Install the piston with its side “a” facing
the brake caliper.
• Never force to insert.
EAS1SM5144INSTALLING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER
1. Install:
• Front brake caliper bracket
• Front brake caliper
(temporarily)
• Copper washers
• Brake hose
• Union bolt
EWA13530
WARNING
Proper brake hose routing is essential to in-
sure safe vehicle operation.
ECA14170
NOTICE
Make sure that the pipe portion “a” of the
brake hose touches the projection “b” on
the brake caliper.2. Install:
• Front brake caliper
• Brake pad spring
• Brake pad
• Brake pad pin
• Brake hose holder
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE
PADS” on page 3-23.
3. Tighten:
• Brake hose holder mounting bolt “1”
TIP
Make sure that the brake hose holder “2” is in-
stalled with its upper end “a” aligned with the
paint “b” on the brake hose.
4. Pour brake fluid to the brake master cylinder
reservoir up to the specified level.
EWA13090
WARNING
• Use only the designated brake fluid. Other
brake fluids may cause the rubber seals to
deteriorate, causing leakage and poor
brake performance.
• Refill with the same type of brake fluid that
is already in the system. Mixing brake flu-
ids may result in a harmful chemical reac-
tion, leading to poor brake performance.
• When refilling, be careful that water does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir. Water
will significantly lower the boiling point of
the brake fluid and could cause vapor
lock.
ECA13540
Front brake caliper bracket
28 Nm (2.8 m·kgf, 20 ft·lbf)
Brake hose union bolt
30 Nm (3.0 m·kgf, 22 ft·lbf)
1
a
1
New
T R..
a
b
Brake pad pin
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Brake hose holder mounting bolt
9 Nm (0.9 m·kgf, 6.5 ft·lbf)
Recommended brake fluid
DOT 4
T R..
T R..
2
1 b
a

FRONT BRAKE
4-20
3. Pour brake fluid to the brake master cylinder
reservoir up to the specified level.
EWA13540
WARNING
• Use only the designated brake fluid. Other
brake fluids may cause the rubber seals to
deteriorate, causing leakage and poor
brake performance.
• Refill with the same type of brake fluid that
is already in the system. Mixing brake flu-
ids may result in a harmful chemical reac-
tion, leading to poor brake performance.
• When refilling, be careful that water does
not enter the brake master cylinder reser-
voir. Water will significantly lower the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid and could
cause vapor lock.
ECA13540
NOTICE
Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces
and plastic parts. Therefore, always clean
up any spilt brake fluid immediately.
4. Bleed:
• Brake system
Refer to “BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYS-
TEM” on page 3-21.
5. Check:
• Brake fluid level
The minimum level mark “a” or below 
Add.
Refer to “CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL” on page 3-26.6. Check:
• Brake lever free play
Refer to “ADJUSTING THE FRONT
BRAKE” on page 3-22.
• Brake lever operation
A softy or spongy feeling  Bleed the brake
system.
Refer to “BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYS-
TEM” on page 3-21. Recommended brake fluid
DOT 4