2008 YAMAHA TMAX engine

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU19642
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
NOTE:

If a torque wrench is not available wheninstalling a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR7E
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (12.5 m·kgf, 9 ft·lbf)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU19858
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on the center-
stand.
CAUTION:

ECA11290
The engine must be cold before pro-
ceeding with the oil level check, oth-
erwise the check will result in a false
reading.
NOTE:

Make sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt to the side can result in a
false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for two
minutes, and then turn it off.
3. Wait two minutes until the oil set-tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-left side of the crank-
case.
NOTE:

The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolt to drain the oil from
the crankcase.
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
32

1. Engine oil filler cap
1

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5. Check the washer and O-ring for
damage and replace them if nec-
essary.
NOTE:

Skip steps 6–8 if the oil filter cartridge is
not being replaced.
6. Remove the oil filter cartridge with
an oil filter wrench.
NOTE:

An oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.
7. Apply a thin coat of engine oil to
the O-ring of the new oil filter car-
tridge.
NOTE:

Make sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.
8. Install the new oil filter cartridge,
and then tighten it to the specified
torque with a torque wrench.
1. Engine oil drain bolt
1

1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. O-ring
3. Washer
12
3

1. Oil filter wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
2
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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9. Install the engine oil drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
10. Add the specified amount of the
recommended engine oil, and then
install and tighten the oil filler cap.
NOTE:

Be sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.
CAUTION:

ECA11620

In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
11. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
12. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
13. Reset the oil change indicator.
(See page 3-9.)
NOTE:

If the engine oil is changed before the
oil change indicator comes on (i.e. be-
fore the periodic oil change interval has
been reached), the indicator must be
reset after the oil change for the next
1. Torque wrench
Tightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12.3 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 31.1 ft·lbf)
1

Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
2.80 L (2.96 US qt) (2.46 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
2.90 L (3.07 US qt) (2.55 Imp.qt)
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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8. If the chain drive oil is below the
minimum level mark, add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.
9. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler
hole, and then tighten the oil filler
cap.
CAUTION:

ECA15010

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the chain drive case.

Make sure that no oil gets on the
tire or wheel.
10. Check the chain drive case for oil
leakage. If leakage is found, check
for the cause.11. Install the panel.
EAU20070
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.
EAU42831
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
NOTE:


The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.

Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level through
the check window.
NOTE:

The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
1
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3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, lift up the
right floorboard mat as shown.
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cov-er by removing the screw.
5. Open the reservoir cap, add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark,
and then close the reservoir cap.
CAUTION:

ECA10471

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.

If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion.

If water has been added to the
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
3. Coolant level check window
1. Right floorboard mat
3
1
2
1

1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Screw
12

1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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9coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of

the coolant will be reduced.
WARNING

EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
6. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the screw.
7. Place the right floorboard mat in
the original position.
NOTE:


The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.

If the engine overheats, see page
6-35 for further instructions.
EAU45020
Replacing the air filter element
The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
To replace the air filter element
1. Remove panels C and D. (See
page 6-7.)
2. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws.
3. Pull the air filter element out.4. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case.
CAUTION:

ECA10480

Make sure that the air filter ele-
ment is properly seated in the
air filter case.

The engine should never be op-
erated without the air filter ele-
ment installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.
5. Install the air filter case cover by in-
stalling the screws.
6. Install the panels.
1. Screw
2. Air filter case cover
2
1
1

1. Air filter element
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU33482
Adjusting the engine idling
speed
The engine idling speed must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted as
follows at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
The engine should be warm before
making this adjustment.
1. Remove panel F. (See page 6-7.)
2. Check the engine idling speed
and, if necessary, adjust it to spec-
ification by turning the idle adjust-
ing screw. To increase the engine
idling speed, turn the screw in di-
rection (a). To decrease the en-
gine idling speed, turn the screw in
direction (b).
NOTE:

If the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
3. Install the panel.
EAU21382
Checking the throttle cable
free play
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
1. Idle adjusting screw
Engine idling speed:
1100–1300 r/min
1(a) (b)

1. Throttle cable free play
1