2001 YAMAHA VMAX coolant level

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
Right view11. Fuel tank cap (page 3-7)
12. Battery (page 6-33)
13. Coolant reservoir (page 6-14)
14. Front brake master cylinder reservoir (page 6-27)
15. Main switch (page 3-1)
16. Radiator cap (page 6-16)
17. Radiator (page 6-16)
18. Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-9)
19. Engine oil level check window (page 6-9)
20. Brake pedal (page 3-6)
21. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-27)
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSThe condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
EAU03328
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Front brake
• Check operation, free play, fluid level, and for fluid leakage.
• Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.6-25–6-28
Rear brake6-25–6-28
Clutch• Check operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage.
• Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.6-24, 6-27
Throttle grip and housing• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-21, 6-29
Engine oil• Check oil level.
• Add oil if necessary.6-9–6-12
Coolant• Check coolant level.
• Add coolant if necessary.6-14–6-18
Final gear oil• Check vehicle for leakage. 6-13
Wheels and tires• Check tire air pressure, for wear and damage. 6-21–6-24
Control cables• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-28
Brake and shift pedal
shafts• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-29
Brake and clutch lever
pivots• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-30
Center and sidestand
pivots• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-30
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6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-3
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ..... 6-6
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-7
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .......................... 6-9
Final gear oil ...................................................... 6-13
Coolant .............................................................. 6-14
Cleaning the air filter element ............................ 6-19
Adjusting the carburetors ................................... 6-20
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-20
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-21
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-21
Tires ................................................................... 6-21
Cast wheels ....................................................... 6-24
Clutch lever free play ......................................... 6-24
Adjusting the brake lever free play ..................... 6-25
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-25
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-26
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-26
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-27
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-28
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-28Checking and lubricating the throttle
grip and cable ................................................. 6-29
Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ...................................................... 6-29
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-30
Checking and lubricating the centerstand and
sidestand......................................................... 6-30
Lubricating the rear suspension ........................ 6-31
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-31
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-32
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-33
Battery ............................................................... 6-33
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-37
Replacing the headlight bulb ............................. 6-38
Replacing a turn signal light bulb or the tail/
brake light bulb ................................................ 6-39
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-40
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-41
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-44
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-45
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
10
*Brake hoses• Check for cracks or damage.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
• Replace. Every 4 years
11*Wheels• Check runout and for damage. ÖÖÖÖ
12*Tires• Check tread depth and for damage.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.ÖÖÖÖ
13*Wheel bearings• Check bearings for looseness or damage. ÖÖÖÖ
14*Swingarm• Check swingarm pivoting point for play.ÖÖÖÖ
• Lubricate with molybdenum disulfide grease. Every 50,000 km
15*Steering bearings• Check bearing play and steering for roughness.ÖÖÖÖÖ
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 50,000 km
16*Chassis fasteners• Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly
tightened.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
17 Sidestand/centerstand• Check operation.
• Lubricate.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
18*Sidestand switch• Check operation.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
19*Front fork• Check operation and for oil leakage.ÖÖÖÖ
20*Rear shock absorber
assemblies• Check operation and shock absorbers for oil leakage.ÖÖÖÖ
21*Carburetors• Check engine idling speed, synchronization and starter
operation.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
22 Engine oil• Change.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
23 Engine oil filter cartridge• Replace.ÖÖÖ
24*Cooling system• Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
• Change coolant. Every 3 years NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (´1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
E_3lr.book Page 4 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6
EAU03416
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
If the engine overheats, see page 6-46
for further instructions.
To check the coolant level
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.
2. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-6
for cowling removal and installa-
tion procedures.)
NOTE:@ l
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.
l
Make sure that the motorcycle is
positioned straight up when
checking the coolant level. A slight
tilt to the side can result in a false
reading.
@3. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.NOTE:@ The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks. @4. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap and add
coolant to the maximum level
mark.
5. Install the coolant reservoir cap
and the cowling.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
Coolant reservoir capacity:
0.3 L
E_3lr.book Page 14 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6
EC000080
CAUTION:@ l
If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.
l
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.
l
If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
@
EW000067
WARNING
@ Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap when the engine is hot. @
NOTE:@ The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radiator. If
the engine overheats, see page 6-46
for further instructions. @
EAU03417
To change the coolant
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and let the engine cool if
necessary.
2. Remove cowling A and panel A.
(See pages 6-6 and 6-7 for cowl-
ing and panel removal and instal-
lation procedures.)
3. Place a container under the en-
gine to collect the used coolant.
E_3lr.book Page 15 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
67. Remove the cylinder drain plug
covers on the outside of the cylin-
der blocks by removing the
screws.8. Remove the rubber coolant drain
plugs to drain the coolant from the
engine.
9. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
10. Install the water pump drain bolt,
and then tighten it to the specified
torque.
NOTE:@ Check the washer for damage and re-
place it if necessary. @
11. Install the rubber coolant drain
plugs, and then install the cylinder
drain plug covers.NOTE:@ Check the rubber plugs for damage
and replace them if necessary. @12. Turn the coolant drain cock to
“OFF”.
13. Pour the recommended coolant
into the reservoir to the maximum
level, and then install the cap.
14. Pour the recommended coolant
into the radiator until it is full.
1. Screw (´ 4)
1. Rubber coolant drain plug (´ 4)
Tightening torque:
Water pump drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kg)
E_3lr.book Page 17 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6
EC000080
CAUTION:@ l
If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.
l
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.
l
If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
@15. Install the radiator cap, start the
engine, let it idle for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
16. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap.
17. Check the coolant level in the res-
ervoir. If necessary, remove the
coolant reservoir cap, add coolant
to the maximum level mark, and
then install the cap.
18. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
19. Install the cowling and the panel. Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol
antifreeze containing corrosion
inhibitors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Total amount:
3.05 L
Coolant reservoir capacity:
0.3 L
E_3lr.book Page 18 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM