2003 YAMAHA YZ450F engine

3 - 1
INSP
ADJ

MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
EC300000
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind
that such factors as weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the
required maintenance and lubrication intervals. If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in
maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
ItemAfter
break-inEvery
race
Every
third
(or
500 km)Every
fifth
(or
1,000 km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace
●

●

OIL FILTER
Clean
●●

VALVES
Check the valve clearances
Inspect
Replace
●

●

●

●
The engine must be cold.
Check the valve seats
and valve stems for wear.
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect
Replace
●

●
Check the free length and
the tilt.
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect
Replace
●

●
Check for scratches and
wear.
CAMSHAFTS
Inspect
Replace
●

●
Inspect the camshaft sur-
face.
Inspect the decompres-
sion system
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
Inspect
Replace
●

●
Check for wear on the
teeth and for damage.
PISTON
Inspect
Clean
Replace
●

●

●

●
Inspect crack
Inspect carbon deposits
and eliminate them.
PISTON RING
Inspect
Replace
●

●

●
Check ring end gap
PISTON PIN
Inspect
Replace
●

●

CYLINDER HEAD
Inspect and clean
●
Inspect carbon deposits
and eliminate them.
Change gasket
CYLINDER
Inspect and clean
Replace
●

●
Inspect score marks
Inspect wear
CLUTCH
Inspect and adjust
Replace
●

●

●
Inspect housing, friction
plate, clutch plate and
spring
TRANSMISSION
Inspect
Replace bearing
●

●

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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 filler 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.1-17
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and
frame oil line for leakage.P.3-13 ~ 17
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
ChainCheck chain slack and alignment. Check that the chain is lubri-
cated 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.—
Muffler Check that the muffler is tightly mounted and has no cracks.—
Sprocket Check that the driven 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.1-22
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 ~ 21

3 - 5
INSP
ADJ
EC350000
ENGINE
EC351011
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
ENGINE/COOLANT LEVEL INSPECTION

3 - 6
INSP
ADJ
COOLANT REPLACEMENT
EC353011
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:
Engine guard 1
Coolant drain bolt 2
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
Engine guard
Bolt (engine guard)
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:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
New
T R..10 Nm (1.0 m · kg, 7.2 ft · lb)
T R..34 Nm (3.4 m · kg, 24 ft · lb)

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 - 10
INSP
ADJTHROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT/
THROTTLE LUBRICATION
EC35A001
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 cable cap 3
2. Apply:
Lithium soap base grease
On the throttle cable end a.
3. Install:
Throttle cable cap
Screw (throttle cable cap)
Cover (grip cap)
Cover (throttle cable cap)
T R..4 Nm (0.4 m · kg, 2.9 ft · lb)

3 - 11
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.
EC35G040
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
Filter guide 4

3 - 13
INSP
ADJ
7. Install:
Air filter element 1
Washer
Fitting bolt
NOTE:
Align the projection a on filter guide with the
hole b in air filter case.
T R..2 Nm (0.2 m · kg, 1.4 ft · lb)
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
1. Stand the motorcycle on a level surface.
NOTE:
When checking the oil level make sure that
the motorcycle is upright.
Place the motorcycle on a suitable stand.
WARNING
Never remove the oil tank cap just after
high speed operation. The heated oil could
spurt out. causing danger. Wait until the oil
cools down to approximately 70 ˚C (158 ˚F).
2. Idle the engine more than 3 minutes
while keeping the motorcycle upright.
Then stop the engine and inspect the oil
level.
3. Remove:
Oil tank cap 1
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION