2002 YAMAHA BEAR TRACKER 250 engine

7-39
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shift-
ing can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing
control and increasing the possibility of an acci-
dent.
WARNING
_ Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could cause the wheels to stop rotating. _
EE.book Page 39 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

7-57
RIDING DOWNHILL
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your
arms straight. Choose a low gear which will allow
the engine compression to do most of the braking
for you. Improper braking may cause a loss of trac-
tion.
Use caution while descending a hill with loose or
slippery surfaces. Braking ability and traction may
be adversely affected by these surfaces. Improper
braking may also cause a loss of traction.
Whenever possible, ride your ATV straight down-
hill. Avoid sharp angles which could allow the ATV
to tip or roll over. Carefully choose your path and
ride no faster than you will be able to react to ob-
stacles which may appear.
EE.book Page 57 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

8-1
EBU00516
10-PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENTPeriodic inspection, adjustment and lubrication will
keep your machine in the safest and most efficient
condition possible. Safety is an obligation of the
machine owner. The most important points of ma-
chine inspection, adjustment and lubrication are
explained on the following pages.
WARNING
_ Never service an engine while it is running.
Moving parts can catch clothing or parts of the
body, causing injury. Electrical components
can cause shocks or can start fires. Turn off
the engine when performing maintenance un-
less otherwise specified. Have a Yamaha deal-
er perform service if you are not familiar with
machine service. _
EE.book Page 1 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

8-7
EBU00262
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE/LUBRICATION
ITEM ROUTINEINITIAL EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months1
year
Valves*•Check valve clearance.
•Adjust if necessary.
Spark plug•Check condition.
•Adjust gap and clean.
•Replace if necessary.Air filter•Clean.
•Replace if necessary.Every 20~40 hours
(More often in wet or dusty areas.)
Carburetor*•Check idle speed/starter operation.
•Adjust if necessary.Cylinder head breather
system*•Check breather hose for cracks or damage.
•Replace if necessary.Exhaust system*•Check for leakage.
•Retighten if necessary.
•Replace gasket if necessary.Fuel line*•Check fuel hose for cracks or damage.
•Replace if necessary.Engine oil
•Replace (Warm engine before draining).Engine oil filter
•Clean.Engine oil strainer
•Clean.Final gear oil•Check oil level/oil leakage.
•Replace.Front brake*•Check operation/fluid leakage/see NOTE page 8-4.
•Correct if necessary.Rear brake*•Check operation.
•Adjust if necessary.Clutch*•Check operation.
•Adjust if necessary.EE.book Page 7 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

8-13 1. Dipstick 2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Jauge 2. Repère de niveau maximum
3. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Varilla de nivel de aceite 2. Marca de nivel máximo
3. Marca de nivel mínimo
EBU00866
Engine oil
Engine oil level measurement
1. Place the machine on a level place.
2. Warm up the engine for several minutes and
stop it. Wait at least ten minutes for the oil to
drain back into the crankcase before check-
ing the oil level.NOTE:_ Be sure to wait at least ten minutes until the oil lev-
el settles before checking. _3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off with a
clean rag. Insert the dipstick in the filler hole
without screwing it in.
4. Remove the dipstick and inspect the oil level.
5. The oil level should be between the maxi-
mum and minimum marks. If the level is low,
add oil to raise it to the proper level.CAUTION:_ Make sure no foreign material enters the
crankcase. _
EE.book Page 13 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

8-15 1. Drain bolt 2. O-ring
3. Compression spring 4. Oil strainer
1. Boulon de vidange 2. Joint torique
3. Ressort de compression 4. Crépine d’huile
1. Perno de drenaje 2. Junta tórica
3. Muelle de compresión 4. Tamiz de aceite
Engine oil replacement and oil filter element
cleaning
1. Place the machine on a level place.
2. Warm up the engine for several minutes and
stop it.
3. Place a container under the engine.
4. Remove the dipstick and drain bolt to drain
the oil.CAUTION:_ When removing the drain bolt, the compres-
sion spring, oil strainer and O-ring will fall out.
Take care not to lose these parts. _
EE.book Page 15 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

8-17 1. Oil filter cover
2. Oil filter
3. O-ring
1. Couvercle du filtre à huile
2. Filtre à huile
3. Joint torique
1. Tapa del filtro de aceite
2. Filtro de aceite
3. Junta tórica
5. Remove the oil filter cover and oil filter.
6. Clean the oil strainer and oil filter with solvent.
7. Inspect the O-ring and replace if damaged.
8. Install the oil filter, O-ring, and oil filter cover.
9. Replace the oil strainer, compression spring,
O-ring and drain bolt. Then, tighten the drain
bolt and oil filter cover bolts to the specified
torques.CAUTION:_ Before installing the drain bolt, be sure to in-
stall the O-ring, compression spring and oil
strainer. _10. Fill the engine with oil and install the dipstick.Tightening torque:
Drain bolt (engine):
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf)
Oil filter cover bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf)
EE.book Page 17 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM

8-19
CAUTION:_ Be sure no foreign material enters the crank-
case. _11. Warm up the engine for several minutes at
idle speed. Check for oil leakage while warm-
ing up.CAUTION:_ If oil leakage is found, stop the engine immedi-
ately and check for the cause. _
Recommended oil:
See page 10-2.
Oil quantity:
Periodic oil change:
1.5 L
With oil filter replacement:
1.6 L
Total amount:
1.8 L
EE.book Page 19 Monday, June 25, 2001 2:27 PM