2003 YAMAHA YZ250F check engine

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INSP
ADJ
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
EC320000
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 cooling system for leakage.P.3-5 ~ 9
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the
fuel line for leakage.P.1-13
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and
frame oil line for leakage.P.3-13 ~ 16
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-9
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-10
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-24 ~ 30
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive
chain is lubricated properly.P.3-31 ~ 33
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-41 ~ 42
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no
excessive play.P.3-42 ~ 43
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage. P.3-33 ~ 40
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 pipeCheck that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no
cracks.P.4-3
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-31
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-44
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-18
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-6
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs
before racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely
done?P.7-1 ~ 22

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INSP
ADJ
EC350000
ENGINE
COOLANT LEVEL INSPECTION
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap 1, drain
bolt and hoses when the engine and radia-
tor are hot. Scalding 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 counterclockwise to the detent.
This procedure allows any residual pres-
sure to escape. When the hissing sound
has stopped, press down on the cap while
turning counterclockwise and remove it.
CAUTION:
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 position.
2. Remove:
Radiator cap
3. Check:
Coolant level a
Coolant level low → Add coolant.
1Radiator
1a
ENGINE/COOLANT LEVEL INSPECTION

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INSP
ADJ
RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION
CAUTION:
Do not mix more than one type of ethyl-
ene glycol antifreeze containing corro-
sion inhibitors for aluminum engine.
Do not use water containing impurities or
oil.
7. Install:
Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up for a
several minutes.
8. Check:
Coolant level
Coolant level low → Add coolant. Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be han-
dled with special care.
WARNING
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.
EC355000
RADIATOR CAP INSPECTION
1. Inspect:
Seal (radiator cap) 1
Valve and valve seat 2
Crack/damage → Replace.
Exist fur deposits 3 → Clean or
replace.

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INSP
ADJTHROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT/
THROTTLE LUBRICATION
THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
1. Check:
Throttle grip free play a
Out of specification → Adjust.
Throttle grip free play a:
3 ~ 5 mm (0.12 ~ 0.20 in)
2. Adjust:
Throttle grip free play
Throttle grip free play adjustment steps:
Slide the adjuster cover.
Loosen the locknut 1.
Turn the adjuster 2 until the specified free
play is obtained.
Tighten the locknut.
NOTE:
Before adjusting the throttle cable free play,
the engine idle speed should be adjusted.
WARNING
After adjusting, turn the handlebar to
right and left and make sure that the
engine idling does not run faster.
21
THROTTLE LUBRICATION
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)
T R..4 Nm (0.4 m · kg, 2.9 ft · lb)

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INSP
ADJHOT STARTER LEVER ADJUSTMENT/
AIR FILTER CLEANING
HOT STARTER LEVER ADJUSTMENT
1. Check:
Hot starter lever free play a
Out of specification → Adjust.
2. Adjust:
Hot starter lever free play
NOTE:
After adjustment, check proper operation of
hot starter.
Hot starter lever free play a:
3 ~ 6 mm (0.12 ~ 0.24 in)
Hot starter lever free play adjustment
steps:
Loosen the locknut 1.
Turn the adjuster 2 until free play a is
within the specified limits.
Tighten the locknut.
AIR FILTER CLEANING
NOTE:
Proper air filter maintenance is the biggest key
to preventing premature engine wear and
damage.
CAUTION:
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

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INSP
ADJ
ENGINE OIL REPLACEMENT
7. If the oil filter is to be replaced during this
oil change, remove the following parts
and reinstall them.
8. Install:
Copper washer 1
Oil strainer (frame) 2
Oil hose 3
Bolt (oil hose) 4
Oil hose clamp 5
Lower engine bracket
9. Install:
Copper washer
Oil filter element drain bolt
Crankcase oil drain bolt
Frame oil drain bolt
10. Fill:
Engine oil
11. Check:
Oil leakage
12. Install:
Oil tank cap
13. Check:
Engine oil level Replacement steps:
Remove the oil filter element cover 1 and
oil filter element 2.
Check the O-rings 3, if cracked or dam-
aged, replace them with a new one.
Install the oil filter element and oil filter ele-
ment cover.
T R..
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m • kg, 7.2 ft • lb)
Oil quantity:
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Periodic oil change:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06 US qt)
With oil filter replacement:
1.1 L (0.97 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
T R..70 Nm (7.0 m · kg, 50 ft · lb)
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..2 Nm (0.2 m · kg, 1.4 ft · lb)
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..20 Nm (2.0 m · kg, 14 ft · lb)
T R..23 Nm (2.3 m · kg, 17 ft · lb)

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INSP
ADJ
OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION
1. Check:
Oil pressure
Checking steps:
Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt
1.
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.
Check oil passages and oil pump for dam-
age or leakage.
Start the engine after solving the prob-
lem(s) and recheck the oil pressure.
Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
T R..
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m • kg, 7.2 ft • lb)
PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT
1. Adjust:
Pilot screw 1
Adjustment steps:
NOTE:
To optimize the fuel flow at a smaller throttle
opening, each machine’s pilot screw has
been individually set at the factory. Before
adjusting the pilot screw, turn it in fully and
count the number of turns. Record this num-
ber as the factory-set number of turns out.
Turn in the pilot screw until it is lightly
seated.
Turn out the pilot screw by the factory-set
number of turns.
Pilot screw:
1-5/8 turns out (example)
OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION/
PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT

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ADJ
ENGINE IDLING SPEED ADJUSTMENT
1. Start the engine and thoroughly warm it
up.
2. Attach:
Inductive tachometer
To spark plug lead.
3. Adjust:
Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
Adjust the pilot screw.
Refer to “PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT”
section.
Turn the throttle stop screw 1 until the
engine runs at the lowest possible speed.
To increase idle speed → Turn the throt-
tle stop screw 1 in a.
To decrease idle speed → Turn the throt-
tle stop screw 1 out b.
Inductive tachometer:
YU-8036-B
Engine tachometer:
90890-03113
Engine idling speed:
1,900 ~ 2,100 r/min
VALVE CLEARANCE INSPECTION AND
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE:
The valve clearance should be adjusted
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 CHAP-
TER 4.
2. Drain:
Coolant
Refer to “COOLANT REPLACEMENT”
section.
ENGINE IDLING SPEED ADJUSTMENT/
VALVE CLEARANCE INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT