2003 YAMAHA YZ250F coolant level

1 - 14
GEN
INFO
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
WARNING
Never start or run the engine in a closed
area. The exhaust fumes are poisonous;
they can cause loss of consciousness and
death in a very short time. Always operate
the machine in a well-ventilated area.
CAUTION:
The carburetor on this machine has a
built-in accelerator pump. Therefore,
when starting the engine, do not operate
the throttle or the spark plug will foul.
Unlike a two-stroke engine, this engine
cannot be kick started when the throttle is
open because the kick starter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open the air/
fuel mixture may be too lean for the
engine to start.
Before starting the machine, perform the
checks in the pre-operation check list.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral.
4. Fully open the cold starter knob 1.
5. Kick the kickstarter crank.
WARNING
Do not open the throttle while kicking the
kickstarter crank. Otherwise, the kick-
starter may kick back.
STARTING AND BREAK-IN

3 - 2
INSP
ADJ
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
SHIFT FORK, SHIFT CAM, GUIDE BAR
Inspect
● Inspect wear
ROTOR NUT
Retighten
● ●
EXHAUST PIPE, SILENCER, PRO-
TECTOR
Inspect and retighten
Clean
Replace
● ●
●
● * Whichever comes first
CRANK
Inspect and clean
● ●
CARBURETOR
Inspect, adjust and clean
● ● When using a high-pres-
sure washer, make sure
that water does not enter
the accelerator pump.
SPARK PLUG
Inspect and clean
Replace
● ●
●
DRIVE CHAIN
Lubricate, slack, alignment
Replace
● ●
● Use chain lube
Chain slack: 40 ~ 50 mm
(1.6 ~ 2.0 in)
COOLING SYSTEM
Check coolant level and leakage
Check radiator cap operation
Replace coolant
Inspect hoses
● ●
●
●
● Every two years
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS
Retighten
● ● Refer to “STARTING
AND BREAK-IN” section
in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate
Replace
● ●
● Use foam air-filter oil or
equivalent oil
OIL FILTER
Replace
●●
OIL STRAINER (frame)
Clean
●
FRAME
Clean and inspect
● ●
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect
● ●
BRAKES
Adjust lever position and pedal height
Lubricate pivot point
Check brake disc surface
Check fluid level and leakage
Retighten brake disc bolts, caliper
bolts, master cylinder bolts and union
bolts
Replace pads
Replace brake fluid
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
● Every one year ItemAfter
break-inEvery
race
Every
third
(or
500 km)Every
fifth
(or
1,000 km)As re-
quiredRemarks
3

3 - 4
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

3 - 5
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

3 - 6
INSP
ADJ
COOLANT REPLACEMENT
COOLANT REPLACEMENT
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot.
CAUTION:
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 engine.
2. Remove:
Coolant drain bolt 1
3. Remove:
Radiator cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling system
with clean tap water.
5. Install:
Copper washer
Coolant drain bolt
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
6. Fill:
Radiator
Engine
To specified level.
Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene glycol
anti-freeze containing anti-
corrosion for aluminum engine
Coolant 1 and water (soft water) 2
mixing ratio:
50 %/50 %
Coolant capacity:
0.9 L (0.79 Imp qt, 0.95 US qt)

3 - 7
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.

3 - 8
INSP
ADJRADIATOR CAP OPENING PRESSURE INSPECTION/
COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION
RADIATOR CAP OPENING PRESSURE
INSPECTION
1. Attach:
Radiator cap tester 1 and adapter 2
NOTE:
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
3Radiator cap
2. Apply the specified pressure.
3. Inspect:
Pressure
Impossible to maintain the specified
pressure for 10 seconds → Replace.
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-01325
Radiator cap tester adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Radiator cap opening pressure:
110 kPa (1.1 kg/cm2, 15.6 psi)
COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION
1. Inspect:
Coolant level
2. Attach:
Radiator cap tester 1 and adapter 2
3. Apply the specified pressure.
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-01325
Radiator cap tester adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Standard pressure:
180 kPa (1.8 kg/cm2, 25.6 psi)

4 - 58
ENG
OIL FILTER ELEMENT, WATER PUMP AND RIGHT
CRANKCASE COVER
REMOVAL POINTS
Impeller shaft
1. Remove:
Impeller 1
Washer 2
Impeller shaft 3
NOTE:
Hold the impeller shaft on its width across the
flats a with spanners, etc. and remove the
impeller.
EC4G3210
Oil seal
NOTE:
It is not necessary to disassemble the water
pump, unless there is an abnormality such as
excessive change in coolant level, discolora-
tion of coolant, or milky transmission oil.
1. Remove:
Bearing 1
2. Remove:
Oil seal 1
INSPECTION
Oil delivery pipe
1. Inspect:
Oil delivery pipe 1
Bend/damage → Replace.
Clogged → Blow.