clock YAMAHA YZ450F 2012 Owners Manual

2-5
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Stem-to-guide clearance (IN) 0.010–0.037 mm (0.0004–0.0015 in) 0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Stem-to-guide clearance (EX) 0.020–0.047 mm (0.0008–0.0019 in) 0.10 mm (0.004
in)
Stem runout limit ---- 0.01 mm
(0.0004 in)
Valve seat width (IN) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve spring:
Free length (IN) 40.76 mm (1.60 in) 39.76 mm (1.57
in)
Free length (EX) 37.01mm (1.46 in) 36.01 mm (1.42
in)
Set length (valve closed) (IN) 34.78 mm (1.37 in) ----
Set length (valve closed) (EX) 30.83 mm (1.21 in) ----
Compressed force (installed) (IN) 178–204 N at 34.78 mm (18.2–20.8 kg at
34.78 mm, 40.01–45.86 lb at 1.37 in)----
Compressed force (installed) (EX) 124–142 N at 30.83 mm (12.6–14.5 kg at
30.83 mm, 27.88–31.92 lb at 1.21 in)----
Tilt limit* (IN) ---- 2.5°/1.8 mm
(2.5°/0.071 in)
Tilt limit* (EX) ---- 2.5°/1.6 mm
(2.5°/0.063 in)
Direction of winding (top view) (IN) Clockwise ----
Direction of winding (top view) (EX) Clockwise ----Item Standard Limit

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)

3-10
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)

3-11
ENGINE
3. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Turn the starter knob/idle screw
"1" until the specified engine idling
speed is obtained.
Using the digital tachometer, mea-
sure the engine speed with the detec-
tor "c" pinched in the high tension
cord "2" of the ignition coil.
ADJUSTING THE VALVE
CLEARANCE
• This section is intended for those
who have basic knowledge and skill
concerning the servicing of Yama-
ha motorcycles (e.g., Yamaha deal-
ers, service engineers, etc.) Those
who have little knowledge and skill
concerning servicing are requested
not to undertake inspection, adjust-
ment, disassembly, or reassembly
only by reference to this manual. It
may lead to servicing trouble and
mechanical damage.
• The valve clearance should be ad-
justed when the engine is cool to
the touch.
1. Remove:
•Seat
Refer to "SEAT AND SIDE COV-
ERS" section in the CHAPTER 4.
•Fuel tank
Refer to "FUEL TANK" section in
the CHAPTER 6.
2. Remove:
• Spark plug
• 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 alignment mark "a" on
the rotor with the alignment mark
"b" on the crankcase cover.
Make sure that the alignment mark
"c" on the exhaust camshaft sprocket
and the alignment mark "d" on the in-
take camshaft sprocket are aligned
with the edge of the cylinder head.
c. Measure the valve clearance "e"
using a feeler gauge "1".
Record the measured reading if the
clearance is incorrect.
Digital tachometer:
YU-39951-B/90890-
06760
To increase the engine idling
speed→Turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw
counterclockwise "a".
To decrease the engine idling
speed→Turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw
clockwise "b".
Engine idling speed:
1,900–2,100 r/min
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)

3-17
CHASSIS
a. Lower level
A. Front
B. Rear
CHECKING THE SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Sprocket teeth "a"
Excessive wear→Replace.
Replace the drive sprocket, rear
wheel sprocket and drive chain as a
set.
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 direction6. 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". Drive chain length (15
links):
: 242.9 mm
(9.563 in)
Drive chain lubricant:
SAE 10W-40 motor oil
or suitable chain lubri-
cants
Drive chain slack:
50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 in)
To tighten→Turn the adjuster "3"
counterclockwise.
To loosen→Turn the adjuster "3"
clockwise and push wheel for-
ward.

4-7
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:
• O-ring "1"
• Pipe 1 "2"
• Radiator hose 1 "3"
• O-ring "4"
• Pipe 2 "5"
• Radiator hose 3 "6"• Radiator hose 4 "7"
2. Install:
• Grommet "1"
Face the smaller portion "a" of the
grommet inward.
3. Install:
• Radiator hose 2 "1"
• Left radiator "2"
4. Install:
• Radiator breather hose "1"
• Right radiator "2"
Refer to "CABLE ROUTING DIA-
GRAM" section in the CHAPTER
2.5. Install:
• Radiator guard "1"
First fit the inner hook portion "a" and
then the outer one "b" onto the radia-
tor.
6. Install:
• Bolt (radiator guard) "1"
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)
Bolt (radiator guard) "1":
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)

4-10
CAMSHAFTS
REMOVING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw
"2"
2. Align:
• Alignment mark
Checking steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
b. Align the alignment mark "a" on
the rotor with the alignment mark
"b" on the crankcase cover.
Make sure that the alignment mark
"c" on the exhaust camshaft sprocket
and the alignment mark "d" on the in-
take camshaft sprocket are aligned
with the edge of the cylinder head.
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 discolor-
ation → Replace.
2. Measure:
• Cam lobe length "a" and "b"
Out of specification → Replace.3. Measure:
• Runout (camshaft)
Out of specification → Replace.
Cam lobes length:
Intake "a":
37.750–37.850 mm
(1.4862–1.4902 in)
:
37.650 mm (1.4823 in)
Intake "b":
28.129–28.229 mm
(1.1072–1.1114 in)
:
28.029 mm (1.1035 in)
Exhaust "a":
33.540–33.640 mm
(1.3205–1.3244 in)
:
33.440 mm (1.3165 in)
Exhaust "b":
24.769–24.869 mm
(0.9752–0.9791 in)
:
24.669 mm (0.9712 in)
Runout (camshaft):
Less than 0.03 mm
(0.0012 in)

4-11
CAMSHAFTS
4. Measure:
• Camshaft-to-cap clearance
Out of specification → Measure
camshaft outside diameter.
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
Plastigauge
®.
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" proj-
ects 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.
• Fill the cylinder head with engine oil
up to the tops "a" of the valve lifters.
b. Align the alignment mark "a" on
the rotor with the alignment mark
"b" on the crankcase cover.
The alignment mark "a" on the ro-
tor is there for camshaft installa-
tion. This alignment mark is
stamped 23° ATDC.
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)

4-12
CAMSHAFTS
c. Fit the timing chain "3" onto both
camshaft sprockets and install the
camshafts on the cylinder head.
Make sure that the alignment mark
"c" on the exhaust camshaft sprocket
and the alignment mark "d" on the in-
take camshaft sprocket are aligned
with the edge of the cylinder head.
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 installing the clips, cover the
cylinder head with a clean rag to
prevent the clips from into the cylin-
der head cavity.
• 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:
• Alignment 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)

4-40
KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT SHAFT
REMOVING THE KICK SHAFT
ASSEMBLY
1. Remove:
• Kick shaft assembly "1"
Unhook the torsion spring "2" from
the hole "a" in the crankcase.
REMOVING THE SHIFT GUIDE
AND SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
1. Remove:
• Bolt (shift guide)
• Shift guide "1"
• Shift lever assembly "2"
The shift lever assembly is disassem-
bled at the same time as the shift
guide.
REMOVING THE SEGMENT
1. Remove:
• Bolt (segment) "1"
• Segment "2"
Turn the segment counterclockwise
until it stops and loosen the bolt.
If the segment gets an impact, it
may be damaged. Take care not to
give an impact to the segment
when removing the bolt.
CHECKING THE KICK SHAFT AND
RATCHET WHEEL
1. Check:
• Ratchet wheel "1" smooth move-
ment
Unsmooth movement→Replace.
• Kick shaft "2"
Wear/damage→Replace.
• Spring "3"
Broken→Replace.
CHECKING THE KICK GEAR, KICK
IDLE GEAR AND RATCHET
WHEEL
1. Inspect:
• Kick gear "1"
• Kick idle gear "2"
• Ratchet wheel "3"
• Gear teeth "a"
• Ratchet teeth "b"
Wear/damage→Replace.
CHECKING THE SHIFT SHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Shift shaft "1"
Bend/damage→Replace.
• Spring "2"
Broken→Replace.CHECKING THE SHIFT GUIDE AND
SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
1. Inspect:
• Shift guide "1"
• Shift lever "2"
•Pawl "3"
• Pawl pin "4"
• Spring "5"
Wear/damage→Replace.
CHECKING THE STOPPER LEVER
1. Inspect:
• Stopper lever "1"
Wear/damage → Replace.
• Torsion spring "2"
Broken → Replace.
INSTALLING THE SEGMENT
1. Install:
• Segment "1"
• Bolt (segment)
Align the notch "a" on the segment
with the pin "b" on the shift cam.
If the segment gets an impact, it
may be damaged. Take care not to
give an impact to the segment
when tightening the bolt.
Bolt (segment):
30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22
ft•lb)