lock YAMAHA YZ450F 2008 User Guide

3-7
ENGINE
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE
1. Remove:
• Cover (throttle cable cap) "1"
• Cover (grip cap) "2"
• Throttle grip cap "3"
2. Apply:
• Lithium soap base grease
On 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 element
Clean 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.
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)

3-10
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 tank
Refer to "SEAT, FUEL TANK
AND SIDE COVERS" section in
the CHAPTER 4.
2. Remove:
• Spark plug
• Engine upper bracket
• Hot starter plunger
Refer to "CARBURETOR" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
• Cylinder head cover
Refer 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- Valve clearance (cold):
Intake valve:
0.10–0.15 mm
(0.0039–0.0059 in)
Exhaust valve:
0.20–0.25 mm
(0.0079–0.0098 in)
Pad rangePad Availability:
25 increments
No.
120–
No.
2401.20
mm–
2.40
mmPads are avail-
able in 0.05 mm
increments
Last digit of pad
numberRounded valve
0, 1 or 2 0
4, 5 or 6 5
8 or 9 10

3-13
CHASSIS
CHASSIS
BLEEDING THE HYDRAULIC
BRAKE SYSTEM
Bleed the brake system if:
•The system has been disassem-
bled.
• A brake hose has been loosened
or removed.
• The brake fluid is very low.
• The brake operation is faulty.
A dangerous loss of braking per-
formance may occur if the brake
system is not properly bled.
1. Remove:
• Brake master cylinder cap
• Diaphragm
• Reservoir float (front brake)
• Protector (rear brake)
2. Bleed:
• Brake fluid
Air bleeding steps:
a. Add proper brake fluid to the res-
ervoir.
b. Install the diaphragm. Be careful
not to spill any fluid or allow the
reservoir to overflow.
c. Connect the clear plastic tube "2"
tightly to the caliper bleed screw
"1".
A. Front
B. Rear
d. Place the other end of the tube
into a container.
e. Slowly apply the brake lever or
pedal several times.
f. Pull the lever in or push down on
the pedal. Hold the lever or pedal
in position.
g. Loosen the bleed screw and allow
the lever or pedal to travel to-
wards its limit.
h. Tighten the bleed screw when the
lever or pedal limit has been reached; then release the lever or
pedal.
i. Repeat steps (e) to (h) until of the
air bubbles have been removed
from the system.
If bleeding is difficult, it may be nec-
essary to let the brake fluid system
stabilize for a few hours. Repeat the
bleeding procedure when the tiny
bubbles in the system have disap-
peared.
j. Add brake fluid to the level line on
the reservoir.
Check the operation of the brake
after bleeding the brake system.
3. Install:
• Protector (rear brake)
• Reservoir float (front brake)
• Diaphragm
• Brake master cylinder cap
ADJUSTING THE FRONT BRAKE
1. Check:
• Brake lever position "a"
2. Remove:
• Brake lever cover
3. Adjust:
• Brake lever position
Brake lever position adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Turn the adjusting bolt "2" until the
lever position "a" is within speci-
fied position.c. Tighten the locknut.
Be sure to tighten the locknut, as it
will cause poor brake perfor-
mance.
4. Install:
• Brake lever cover
ADJUSTING THE REAR BRAKE
1. Check:
• Brake pedal height "a"
Out of specification
→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Brake pedal height
Pedal height adjustment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Turn the adjusting nut "2" until the
pedal height "a" is within specified
height.
c. Tighten the locknut.
• Adjust the pedal height between
the maximum "A" and the mini-
mum "B" as shown. (In this ad-
justment, the bolt "3" end "b"
should protrude out of the
threaded portion "4" but not be
less than 2 mm (0.08 in) "c" away
from the brake pedal "5").
• After the pedal height adjust-
ment, make sure that the rear
brake does not drag.
Bleed screw:
6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3
ft•lb)
Brake lever position "a":
Standard posi-
tionExtent of ad-
justment
95 mm (3.74 in)86–105 mm
(3.39–4.13 in)
Locknut:
5 Nm (0.5 m •kg, 3.6
ft•lb)
Brake pedal height "a":
5 mm (0.20 in)

3-16
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
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER SPRING PRELOAD
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing
the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Rear frame
3. Loosen:
• Locknut "1"
4. Adjust:
• Spring preload
By turning the adjuster "2".
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud
from around the locknut and adjust-
er before adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed)
changes 1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjuster.
• The I.D. mark "b" is marked at the
end of the spring.
• The standard length and extent of
adjustment vary according to the
quantity of I.D. marks.
Never attempt to turn the adjuster
beyond the maximum or minimum
setting.
5. Tighten:
• Locknut
6. Install:
• Rear frame (upper)
• Rear frame (lower)
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER 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.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the bracket.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER LOW COMPRESSION
DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Low compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1". Stiffer
→Increase the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2" in.)
Softer
→Decrease the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2"
out.)
Spring length (installed)
"a":
Standard
lengthExtent of ad-
justment
One I.D. mark
267 mm
(10.51 in)
*262 mm
(10.31 in)
Two I.D. marks
273 mm
(10.75 in)
*268 mm
(10.55 in)
Three I.D.
marks
264.5 mm
(10.41 in)
*259.5 mm
(10.22 in)255.5–273.5
mm (10.06–
10.77 in)
261.5–279.5
mm (10.30–
11.00 in)
253.0–271.0
mm (9.96–10.67
in)
* For EUROPE
Rear frame (upper):
38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27
ft•lb)
Rear frame (lower):
32 Nm (3.2 m•kg, 23
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
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
About 12 clicks out
* About 6 clicks out
* For EUROPE
Stiffer "a"
→Increase the low
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b"
→Decrease the low
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)

3-20
CHASSIS
3. Check:
• Steering smooth action
Turn the handlebar lock to lock.
Unsmooth action
→Adjust steer-
ing ring nut.
4. Adjust:
• Steering ring nut
Steering ring nut adjustment
steps:
a. Remove the number plate.
b. Remove the handlebar and upper
bracket.
c. Loosen the steering ring nut "1"
using the steering nut wrench "2".
d. Tighten the steering ring nut "3"
using steering nut wrench "4".
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the thread of the steering stem.
• Set the torque wrench to the steer-
ing nut wrench so that they form a
right angle.
e. Loosen the steering ring nut one
turn.
f. Retighten the steering ring nut us-
ing the steering nut wrench.
Avoid over-tightening.
g. Check the steering stem by turn-
ing it lock to lock. If there is any
binding, remove the steering stem
assembly and inspect the steer-
ing bearings.
h. Install the washer "5", upper
bracket "6", washer "7", steering
stem nut "8", handlebar "9", han-
dlebar upper holder "10" and
number plate "11".
• The handlebar upper holder should
be installed with the punched mark
"a" forward.
• Install the handlebar so that the
marks "b" are in place on both
sides.
• Install the handlebar so that the pro-
jection "c" of the handlebar upper
holder is positioned at the mark on
the handlebar as shown.
• Insert the end of the fuel breather
hose "12" into the hole in the steer-
ing stem.
First tighten the bolts on the front
side of the handlebar upper holder,
and then tighten the bolts on the
rear side.
Steering nut wrench:
YU-33975/90890-01403
Steering nut wrench:
YU-33975/90890-01403
Steering ring nut (initial
tightening):
38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27
ft•lb)
Steering ring nut (final
tightening):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Steering stem nut:
145 Nm (14.5 m•kg, 105
ft•lb)
Handlebar upper holder:
28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20
ft•lb)
Pinch bolt (upper brack-
et):
21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15
ft•lb)
Number plate:
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)

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:
• Pipe 1 "1"
• Radiator hose 1 "2"
• Pipe 2 "3"
• Radiator hose 3 "4"
• Radiator hose 4 "5"2. Install:
• Radiator hose 2 "1"
• Left radiator "2"
3. Install:
• Radiator breather hose "1"
• Right radiator "2"
Refer to "CABLE ROUTING DIA-
GRAM" section in the CHAPTER
2.
4. Install:
• Radiator guard "1"
First fit the inner hook portion "a" and
then the outer one "b" onto the radia-
tor.
Pipe 1:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Radiator hose 1:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Pipe 2:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Radiator hose 3:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Radiator hose 4:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Radiator hose 2:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Left radiator:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Right radiator:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)

4-16
CAMSHAFTS
REMOVING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw
"2"
2. Align:
• T.D.C. mark
With align mark.
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.
3. Remove:
• Timing chain tensioner cap bolt
"1"
• Timing chain tensioner "2"
• Gasket4. Remove:
• Bolt (camshaft cap) "1"
• Camshaft cap "2"
• Clip
Remove the bolts (camshaft cap) in a
crisscross pattern, working from the
outside in.
The bolts (camshaft cap) must be
removed evenly to prevent dam-
age to the cylinder head, cam-
shafts or camshaft caps.
5. Remove:
• Exhaust camshaft "1"
• Intake camshaft "2"
Attach a wire "3" to the timing chain to
prevent it from falling into the crank-
case.
CHECKING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Cam lobe
Pitting/scratches/blue discolora-
tion
→Replace.
2. Measure:
• Cam lobe length "a" and "b"
Out of specification
→Replace.3. Measure:
• Runout (camshaft)
Out of specification
→Replace.
4. Measure:
• Camshaft-to-cap clearance
Out of specification
→Measure
camshaft outside diameter.
Cam lobes length:
Intake "a":
31.200–31.300 mm
(1.2283–1.2323 in)
:
31.100 mm (1.2244 in)
Intake "b":
22.550–22.650 mm
(0.8878–0.8917 in)
:
22.450 mm (0.8839 in)
Exhaust "a":
30.900–31.000 mm
(1.2165–1.2205 in)
:
30.800 mm (1.2126 in)
Exhaust "b":
22.468–22.568 mm
(0.8846–0.8885 in)
:
22.368 mm (0.8806 in)
Runout (camshaft):
Less than 0.03 mm
(0.0012 in)

4-17
CAMSHAFTS
Measurement steps:
a. Install the camshaft onto the cylin-
der head.
b. Position a strip of Plastigauge
®
"1" onto the camshaft.
c. Install the clip, dowel pins and
camshaft caps.
• Tighten the bolts (camshaft cap) in
a crisscross pattern from innermost
to outer caps.
• Do not turn the camshaft when
measuring clearance with the Plas-
tigauge
®.
d. Remove the camshaft caps and
measure the width of the Plasti-
gauge
® "1".
5. Measure:
• Camshaft outside diameter "a"
Out of specification
→Replace
the camshaft.
Within specification
→Replace
camshaft case and camshaft
caps as a set.CHECKING THE CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Camshaft sprocket "1"
Wear/damage
→Replace the
camshaft assembly and timing
chain as a set.
CHECKING THE
DECOMPRESSION SYSTEM
1. Check:
• Decompression system
Checking steps:
a. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam "1" moves
smoothly.
b. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam lever pin "2"
projects from the camshaft.
CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN
TENSIONER
1. Check:
• While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver "1" and wind the ten-
sioner rod up fully clockwise.
• When releasing the screwdriver
by pressing lightly with fingers,
make sure that the tensioner rod
will come out smoothly.
• If not, replace the tensioner as-
sembly.INSTALLING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Install:
• Exhaust camshaft "1"
• Intake camshaft "2"
Installation steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the camshafts.
• Apply the engine oil on the decom-
pression system.
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.
c. Fit the timing chain "3" onto both
camshaft sprockets and install the
camshafts on the cylinder head.
The camshafts should be installed
onto the cylinder head so that the
punch mark "c" on the exhaust cam-
shaft and the punch mark "d" on the
intake camshaft must align with the
cylinder head surface, as shown in
the illustration.
Camshaft-to-cap clear-
ance:
0.028–0.062 mm
(0.0011–0.0024 in)
:0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Camshaft outside diame-
ter:
21.959–21.972 mm
(0.8645–0.8650 in)

4-18
CAMSHAFTS
Do not turn the crankshaft during
the camshaft installation. Damage
or improper valve timing will re-
sult.
d. Install the clips, camshaft caps "4"
and bolts (camshaft cap) "5".
• Before removing the clips, cover the
cylinder head with a clean rag to
prevent the clips from into the cylin-
der head cavity.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the thread of the bolts (camshaft
cap).
• Tighten the bolts to the specified
torque in two or three steps in the
proper tightening sequence as
shown.
The bolts (camshaft cap) must be
tightened evenly, or damage to the
cylinder head, camshaft caps, and
camshaft will result.
2. Install:
• Timing chain tensioner
Installation steps:
a. While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver and wind the tension-
er rod up fully clockwise.b. With the rod fully wound and the
chain tensioner UP mark "a" fac-
ing upward, install the gasket "1",
the timing chain tensioner "2", and
the gasket "3", and tighten the bolt
"4" to the specified torque.
c. Release the screwdriver, check
the tensioner rod to come out and
tighten the gasket "5" and the cap
bolt "6" to the specified torque.
3. Turn:
• Crankshaft
Counterclockwise several turns.
4. Check:
• Rotor T.D.C. mark
Align with the crankcase align
mark.
• Camshaft match marks
Align with the cylinder head sur-
face.
Out of alignment
→Adjust. Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (timing chain ten-
sioner):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Tensioner cap bolt:
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)