engine YAMAHA YZ450F 2012 Owner's Manual

2-23
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Tension pipe
2. Coolant temperature sensor
coupler
3. Front engine bracket
4. Fuel pump coupler
5. Fuel pump
6. Intake air temperature sensor
coupler
7. Radiator hose 2
8. Radiator breather hose
9. Radiator hose 1
10. Radiator hose 4
11. Radiator pipe 2
12. Radiator hose 3
13. Cylinder head breather hose
14. Frame
15. ECU (electronic control unit)
16. ECU bracket
17. Main harness
18. AC magneto lead
19. Throttle position sensor lead
20. Condenser lead
21. Coolant temperature sensor
lead
22. Ignition coil lead
23. CondenserA. Fasten the wire harness at the
positioning tape to the ECU
bracket with a plastic locking tie.
Face the buckle of the plastic
locking tie downward, and then
cut off the excess end of the tie.
B. Install the cover onto the wire
harness coupler.
C. Route the condenser lead, throt-
tle position sensor lead, coolant
temperature sensor lead, igni-
tion coil lead, and AC magneto
lead under radiator hose 2.
D. Connect the vacuum hose to the
atmospheric pressure sensor,
and then fasten the hose with
the clamp. Make sure to face the
moving part of the sensor rear-
ward.
E. After connecting the condenser
coupler, install the coupler cover
onto the coupler.
F. After connecting the throttle po-
sition sensor coupler, install the
coupler cover onto the coupler.
G. Fasten the AC magneto lead,
condenser lead, throttle position
sensor lead, coolant tempera-
ture sensor lead, and ignition
coil lead to the frame with the
plastic band, making sure to po-
sition the band between the igni-
tion coil bracket and the tension
pipe. Face the buckle of the
plastic band to the right with the
end pointing rearward.
H. Point the end of the vacuum
hose rearward.
I. Fit the bracket into the hole in
the rubber portion of the con-
denser.
J. Fasten the radiator breather
hose to the frame with the plas-
tic band, making sure to position
the band above the front engine
bracket. Face the buckle of the
plastic band outward with the
end pointing rearward.
K. After connecting the coolant
temperature sensor coupler, in-
stall the coupler cover onto the
coupler.L. Route the radiator breather hose
between the down tubes.
M. Fasten the fuel hose and fuel
pump lead with the plastic band,
making sure to position the band
between the bend in the fuel
hose protector and the end of
the protector. Point the end of
the plastic band upward.
N. Insert the projection on the joint
coupler into the hole in the
bracket, and then install the cou-
pler cover onto the coupler.
O. Route the atmospheric pressure
sensor lead, intake air pressure
sensor lead, intake air tempera-
ture sensor lead, fuel injector
lead, and fuel pump lead above
radiator hose 2. Position the
joint coupler above radiator
hose 2.
P. Route the radiator breather hose
to the inside of radiator hose 1
and the front engine bracket.
Q. Hose installation position
(1.3–3.3 mm, 0.05–0.13 in)
R. Clip installation position (0–2.0
mm, 0–0.08 in)
S. Install the washer so that it con-
tacts the bolt head.
T. Install the collar so that the
flange on the collar contacts the
ECU bracket.
U. 6 mm (0.24 in) or less

2-26
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Throttle cable
2. Clutch cable
3. Clamp
4. Engine stop switch lead
5. Hose guide
6. Main harnessA. Route the clutch cable to the
rear of the number plate band.
B. Fasten the engine stop switch
lead to the handlebar.
C. Route the brake hose to the
front of the number plate.
D. Pass the clutch cable through
the cable guide on the number
plate.

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals.
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine performance. The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is
required by reference to the list below..
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances●●The engine must be cold.
Inspect●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace●
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace●
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON PIN
Inspect●
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
3

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate●●Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace●
OIL FILTER
Replace●●
ENGINE GUARD
Replace●Breakage
FRAME
Clean and inspect●●
FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP
inspect●●
FUEL HOSE
Inspect●
Replace●Every four years
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●
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
Inspect and adjust●●
Lube●(After
rain
ride)●Molybdenum disulfide grease
Retighten●●
DRIVE CHAIN GUIDE AND
ROLLERS
Inspect●● 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.1-17
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.3-8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-14 – 17
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.3-21
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 – 4
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.1-19
Lead connectorsCheck that the AC magneto, ECU and ignition coil are connected
tightly.P.1-10 – 11
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.8-1 – 5

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. RadiatorCHANGING 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.
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:
1.13 L (0.99 Imp qt, 1.19
US qt)

3-7
ENGINE
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
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
• Radiator hose joint
Coolant leakage → Repair or re-
place.
• Radiator hose
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" Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Radiator cap opening
pressure:
108–137 kPa (1.08–1.37
kg/cm
2, 15.4–19.5 psi)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Standard pressure:
196 kPa (1.96 kg/cm2,
27.9 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)

3-8
ENGINE
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP
FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Throttle grip free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Adjustment steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the
specified free play is obtained.
d. Tighten the locknut.
Prior to adjusting throttle grip free
play, the engine idling speed should
be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle grip
free play, turn the handlebar to the
right and to the left to ensure that
this does not cause the engine
idling speed to change.
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)
CHECKING THE THROTTLE
VALVE PULLY COVER DRAIN
HOSE
Drain the water that stays in the throt-
tle valve pulley cover after a machine
wash or a rainy weather ride.
1. Drain the water by picking up the
flat portion of the lower end "a" of
the drain hose.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT
1. Remove:
•Seat
2. Remove the fuel tank bolt (front)
"1" and lift the fuel tank.
Hold the fuel tank in position by the
use of the fuel tank holding cable "2".
3. Remove:
• Mounting bolt for air filter case
cover4. Loosen and release the binder "1"
and lift the air filter case lid.
Hold the air filter case lid by the use of
the binder.
5. Remove:
• Air filter guide
• Air filter element "1"
Do not remove the thin sheet (air
filter element 2) “2” under the air
filter element unless it is dirty. It is
there to prevent foreign matter
from dropping into the throttle
body. If the thin sheet must be re-
moved for cleaning, lift it carefully
to avoid loosening the dirt, and
then temporarily block the throttle
body opening with a clean, lint-free
cloth.
6. 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.
7. Inspect:
• Air filter element
Damage → Replace. Throttle grip free play
"a":
3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)
Screw (throttle grip cap):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)

3-9
ENGINE
8. Apply:
• Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil
to the element
Squeeze out the excess oil. Element
should be wet but not dripping.
9. If the thin sheet (air filter element
2) is dirty with mud etc., clean the
thin sheet (air filter element 2) by
the following steps.
Cleaning steps:
a. Remove the air filter element 2
"1".
b. Clean the air filter element 2 with
solvent.
After cleaning, remove the remaining
solvent by squeezing the element.
Do not twist the element when
squeezing the element.
c. Inspect the air filter element 2.
Damage → Replace.
d. Install the air filter element 2.
10. Install:
• Air filter element "1"
• Air filter guide "2"
•Binder
11. Install:
• Mounting bolt for air filter case
cover12. Install:
• Fuel tank bolt (front)
CHECKING THE THROTTLE BODY
JOINT
1. Remove:
•Seat
• Air scoop (left/right)
•Fuel tank
• Air filter
2. Check:
• Throttle body joint "1"
Cracks/damage → Replace.
3. Install:
• Air filter
•Fuel tank
• Air scoop (left/right)
•Seat
CHECKING THE FUEL LINE
1. Remove:
•Seat
•Fuel tank
• Air scoop (left/right)
• Air filter case
• Cover
2. Check:
• Fuel hose "1"
Cracks/damage → Replace.
Loose connection → Reconnect.
3. Install:
• Cover
• Air filter case
• Air scoop (left/right)
•Fuel tank
•Seat
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
1. Stand the machine on a level sur-
face.
• When checking the oil level make
sure that the machine is upright.
• Place the machine on a suitable
stand.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
2–3 minutes at engine idling
speed, and then stop the engine
and wait approximately 1 minute.
3. Inspect:
• Oil level
Make sure that the engine oil level
is between the maximum level
line "a" and minimum level line "b"
shown for the oil level check win-
dow.
Above the upper limit "a"→Check
that no oil comes out when the
check bolt "1" for the oil quantity
upper limit is removed.
If any engine oil comes out, drain
it until its last drop is out.
Below the level mark "b"→Add
sufficient oil and idle run the en-
gine, and after stopping the en-
gine, recheck through the oil
inspection window that the oil is at
the specified level.
• Check the oil quantity within 5 min-
utes after the engine is shut off.
Over 5 minutes, idle the engine
again and recheck the oil quantity.
• Do not leave the check bolt for the
oil quantity upper limit removed.
Otherwise, the oil level drops with
time in the engine, allowing the oil
to flow out.
• Engine oil also luburicates the
clutch and the wrong oil types or
additives could cause clutch
slippage. Therefore, do not add
any chemical additives or use en-
gine oils with a grade of CD or
higher and do not use oils la-
beled "ENERGY CONSERVING
II".
• Do not allow foreign material to
enter the crankcase.
Oil application quantify:
35 g
Mounting bolt for air filter
case cover:
5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6
ft•lb)
Fuel tank bolt (front):
9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5
ft•lb)

3-10
ENGINE
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
1. Start the engine and let it warm up
for several minutes.
2. Stop the engine and place an oil
pan under the drain bolt.
3. Remove:
• Oil filler cap "1"
• Drain bolt (with gasket) "2"
• Drain bolt (with gasket) "3"
Drain the engine oil.
4. If the oil filter is to be replaced dur-
ing this oil change, remove the fol-
lowing parts and reinstall them.
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-
er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked
or damaged, replace them with a
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil
filter element cover.
5. Install:
• Gaskets
• Oil drain bolt (oil pan)
• Oil drain bolt (oil tank)
6. Fill:
• Engine oil
7. Install:
• Oil filler cap
8. Inspect:
• Engine (for oil leaks)
• Oil levelCHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check:
• Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure
check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling
until oil starts to seep from the oil
pressure check bolt. If no oil
comes out after one minute, turn
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump
for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the
problem(s) and recheck the oil
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check
bolt.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING
SPEED
• Because the air pressure is lower at
high altitudes, the air-fuel mixture
will become richer. If the engine
idling speed is low, turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw a few
clicks counterclockwise to increase
the idling speed.
• Before adjusting the engine idling
speed, make sure that the com-
pression pressure is within specifi-
cation and that the air filter element
is not clogged.
• Adjust the engine idling speed with
the starter (choke) knob/idling
screw pushed in completely.
1. Start the engine and warm it up
until the engine oil has reached
the specified temperature.
2. Use a temperature probe tester
"1" and contact it to the drain bolt
thread. Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
Recommended engine
oil type
SAE10W-30, SAE 10W-
40, SAE10W-50, SAE
15W-40, SAE 20W-40 or
SAE 20W-50
Recommended engine
oil grade
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil drain bolt (oil pan):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil drain bolt (oil tank):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil quantity:
Periodic oil change:
0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt,
1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27
US qt)
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil temperature:
55.0–65.0 °C
(131–149°F)