light YAMAHA YZ450F 2003 Owners Manual

ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS
(Refer to the illustration)
Illustrated symbols
1
to
7
are designed as
thumb tabs to indicate the chapter’s number
and content.
1
General information
2
Specifications
3
Regular inspection and adjustments
4
Engine
5
Chassis
6
Electrical
7
Tuning
Illustrated symbols
8
to
D
are used to identify
the specifications appearing in the text.
8
With engine mounted
9
Special tool
0
Filling fluid
A
Lubricant
B
Tightening
C
Specified value, Service limit
D
Resistance (
Ω
), Voltage (V), Electric current (A)
Illustrated symbols
E
to
H
in the exploded
diagrams indicate grade of lubricant and loca-
tion of lubrication point.
E
Apply engine oil
F
Apply molybdenum disulfide oil
G
Apply lightweight lithium-soap base grease
H
Apply molybdenum disulfide grease
Illustrated symbols
I
to
J
in the exploded
diagrams indicate where to apply a locking
agent and where to install new parts.
IApply locking agent (LOCTITE®)
JUse new one 12
34
56
78
90
AB
CD
EF
GH
IJ
GEN
INFOSPEC
INSP
ADJENG
CHAS–+ELEC
TUN
T R..
EM
BM
New

GEN
INFO

1 - 1
DESCRIPTION
EC100000
GENERAL INFORMATION
EC110000
DESCRIPTION
1
Clutch lever
2
Hot starter lever
3
Front brake lever
4
Throttle grip
5
Radiator cap
6
Fuel tank cap
7
“ENGINE STOP” button
8
Kick starter
9
Fuel tank
0
Radiator
A
Coolant drain bolt
B
Rear brake pedal
C
Valve joint
D
Fuel cock
E
Cold starter knob
F
Drive chain
G
Air cleaner
H
Shift pedal
I
Oil dipstick
J
Front fork
NOTE:


The machine you have purchased may differ
slightly from those shown in the following.

Designs and specifications are subject to
change without notice.

1 - 4
GEN
INFO

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EC132000
ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS
1. We recommend to use Yamaha genuine
parts for all replacements. Use oil and/or
grease recommended by Yamaha for
assembly and adjustment.
EC133000
GASKETS, OIL SEALS AND O-RINGS
1. All gaskets, oil seals, and O-rings should
be replaced when an engine is over-
hauled. All gasket surfaces, oil seal lips,
and O-rings must be cleaned.
2. Properly oil all mating parts and bearings
during reassembly. Apply grease to the
oil seal lips.
EC134000
LOCK WASHERS/PLATES AND COTTER
PINS
1. All lock washers/plates
1
and cotter pins
must be replaced when they are
removed. Lock tab(s) should be bent
along the bolt or nut flat(s) after the bolt
or nut has been properly tightened.
EC135001
BEARINGS AND OIL SEALS
1. Install the bearing(s)
1
and oil seal(s)
2
with their manufacturer’s marks or num-
bers facing outward. (In other words, the
stamped letters must be on the side
exposed to view.) When installing oil
seal(s), apply a light coating of light-
weight lithium base grease to the seal
lip(s). Oil the bearings liberally when
installing.
CAUTION:

Do not use compressed air to spin the
bearings dry. This causes damage to the
bearing surfaces.

GEN
INFO
1 - 8
SPECIAL TOOLS
YU-33975, 90890-01403 Ring 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 Yamaha 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-4116, 90890-04116
YM-4097, 90890-04097Valve guide remover
Intake 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
Exhaust 5.0 mm (0.20 in)
This tool is needed to remove and install the valve
guide.YM-4116
YM-409790890-04116
90890-04097
Part number Tool name/How to use Illustration

1 - 10
GEN
INFO
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EC150000
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EC151000
“ENGINE STOP” BUTTON
The “ENGINE STOP” button 1 is located on
the left handlebar. Continue pushing the
“ENGINE STOP” button till the engine comes
to a stop.
EC152000
CLUTCH LEVER
The clutch lever 1 is located on the left han-
dlebar; it disengages or engages the clutch.
Pull the clutch lever to the handlebar to disen-
gage the clutch, and release the lever to
engage the clutch. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth starts.
EC153000
SHIFT PEDAL
The gear ratios of the constant-mesh 4 speed
transmission are ideally spaced. The gears
can be shifted by using the shift pedal 1 on
the left side of the engine.
EC154000
KICK STARTER
Rotate the kick starter 1 away from the
engine. Push the starter down lightly with your
foot until the gears engage, then kick smoothly
and forcefully to start the engine. This model
has a primary kick starter so the engine can be
started in any gear if the clutch is disengaged.
In normal practices, however, shift to neutral
before starting.
1
EC155001
THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip 1 is located on the right han-
dlebar; it accelerates or decelerates the
engine. For acceleration, turn the grip toward
you; for deceleration, turn it away from you.

GEN
INFO
1 - 13
DECOMPRESSION LEVER
DECOMPRESSION LEVER
An auto decompression device is standard equipment on the machine. There is no need to operate
the decompression lever in normal use because the auto decompression device is working.
Use the decompression lever when the engine fails to start or when you want to step down the kick
starter with a lighter force.
For engine starting failure, refer to “STARTING AND BREAK-IN”.
Installation (Supplied for Europe and optional for other destinations)
For installation, follow the steps below.
Order Part name Q’ty Remarks
1 Oil seal 1
2 Torsion spring 1
3 Decompression shaft 1
4 Decompression cable guide 1
5 Flange bolt 1 M 6 × 1.0 [L=14 mm (0.55 in)]
6 Decompression cable 1
7 Decompression lever 1
8 Boot 1
9 Decompression lever holder (upper) 1
10 Collar 1
11 Panhead screw 1 M 5 × 0.8 [L=20 mm (0.79 in)]
12 Nut 1 M 5 × 0.8
13 Decompression lever holder (lower) 1
14 Hexagon bolt 2 M 5 × 0.8 [L=16 mm (0.63 in)]
14
13
11
10 8
7
9
12 6
5
4
1
2
3
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m •
kg, 7.2 ft • Ib)
T R..7 Nm (0.7 m •
kg, 5.1 ft • Ib)
T R..4 Nm (0.4 m •
kg, 2.9 ft • Ib)
B
B
B
B
BE

1 - 24
GEN
INFO
CLEANING AND STORAGE
8. Automotive wax may be applied to all
painted or chromed surfaces. Avoid com-
bination cleaner-waxes, as they may con-
tain abrasives.
9. After completing the above, start the
engine and allow it to idle for several min-
utes.
EC1B2001
STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60 days or
more, some preventive measures must be
taken to avoid deterioration. After cleaning the
machine thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank, fuel lines, and the
carburetor float bowl.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a table-
spoon of SAE 10W-30 motor oil in the
spark plug hole, and reinstall the plug.
With the engine stop switch pushed in,
kick the engine over several times to coat
the cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it thor-
oughly with solvent, and lubricate it.
Reinstall the chain or store it in a plastic
bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the wheels off
the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe
outlet to prevent moisture from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a humid
or salt-air environment, coat all exposed
metal surfaces with a film of light oil. Do
not apply oil to rubber parts or the seat
cover.
NOTE:
Make any necessary repairs before the
machine is stored.

2 - 24
SPECCABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1Master cylinder
2Brake hose holder
3Brake hoseÅInstall the brake hose so that its
pipe portion directs as shown and
lightly touches the projection on
the caliper.
ıPass the brake hose into the
brake hose holders.
ÇIf the brake hose contacts the
spring (rear shock absorber), cor-
rect its twist.
ÎInstall the brake hose so that its
pipe portion directs as shown and
lightly touches the projection on
the master cylinder.

3 - 14
INSP
ADJ
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
4. Inspect:
Oil level
Oil level should be between maximum
a and minimum b marks.
Oil level low → Add oil to proper level.
NOTE:
When inspecting the oil level, do not screw the
oil level gauge into the oil tank.
Insert the gauge lightly.
(For USA and CDN)
CAUTION:
Do not add any chemical additives.
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)
CAUTION:
Do not add any chemical additives or use
oils with a grade of CD a or higher.
Do not use oils labeled “ENERGY CON-
SERVING II” b or higher. Engine oil also
lubricates the clutch and additives could
cause clutch slippage.
Do not allow foreign materials to enter the
crankcase.
Recommended oil:
At 5 ˚C (40 ˚F) or higher Å
Yamalube 4 (20W-40) or SAE
20W-40 type SG motor oil
(Non-Friction modified)
At 15 ˚C (60 ˚F) or lower ı
Yamalube 4 (10W-30) or SAE
10W-30 type SG motor oil
(Non-Friction modified)
and/or
Yamalube 4-R (15W-50)
(Non-Friction modified)
Recommended oil:
Refer to the following chart for
selection of oils which are suited
to the atmospheric temperatures.
Recommended engine oil classi-
fication:
API STANDARD:
API “SG” or higher grade
(Designed primarily for motor-
cycles)
a
b
-20
-4-10
140
3010
5020
6830
8640 50
104
122°CTemp.
°F
10W-30
10W-40
20W-40
20W-50
15W-40
a
b

3 - 17
INSP
ADJ
PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT
12. Check:
Oil pressure
Checking steps:
Slightly loosen the oil gallery bolt 1.
Start the engine and keep it idling until oil
starts to seep from the oil gallery bolt. If no
oil comes out after one minute, turn the
engine off so it will not seize.
Check oil passages, oil filter and oil pump
for damage or leakage.
Start the engine after solving the prob-
lem(s) and recheck the oil pressure.
Tighten the oil gallery bolt to specification.
T R..
Oil gallery bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m • kg, 7.2 ft • lb)
PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT
1. Adjust:
Pilot screw 1
Adjusting steps:
NOTE:
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 num-
ber as the factory-set number of turns out.
Turn in the pilot screw until it is lightly
seated.
Turn out the pilot screw by the factory-set
number of turns.
Pilot screw:
2 turns out (example)