2008 YAMAHA WR 250F coolant level

1-1
DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Hot starter lever
3. Engine stop switch
4. Multi-function display
5. Main switch
6. Start switch
7. Front brake lever
8. Throttle grip
9. Radiator cap
10. Fuel tank cap
11. Taillight
12. Kickstarter crank
13. Fuel tank 14. Headlight
15. Radiator
16. Coolant drain bolt
17. Rear brake pedal
18. Valve joint
19. Fuel cock
20. Cold starter knob
21. Air cleaner
22. Catch tank
23. Drive chain
24. Oil level check window
25. Shift pedal
26. Front fork
1

1-14
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline the day of a race.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust pipe, etc. have cooled off.
HANDLING NOTE
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 oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
• The carburetor on this machine has a built-in accelerator pump.
Therefore, when starting the en-
gine, 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 be-
cause the kickstarter 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, per- form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
This model is equipped with an igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. The engine
can be started under the following
conditions.
• When the transmission is in neutral.
• When the clutch is disengaged with the transmission in any position.
However, it is recommended to shift
into neutral before starting the en-
gine.
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON".
3. Push on the main switch to "ON".
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
5. Fully open the cold starter knob "1".
6. Start the engine by pushing the start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter crank.
If the engine fails to start by pushing
the start switch, release the switch,
wait a few seconds, and then try
again. Each starting attempt should
be as short as possible to preserve
the battery. Do no t crank the engine
more than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt. If the engine does not start
with the starter motor, try using the
kickstarter crank.
• If the starter moto r will not turn
when pushing the start switch,
stop pushing it immediately and
kick start the engine in order to
avoid the load on the motor.
• Do not open the throttle while
kicking the kickstarter crank.
Otherwise, the kickstarter crank
may kick back.
7. Return the cold starter knob to its original position and run the en-
gine at 3,000–5,000 r/min for 1 or
2 minutes.
Since this model is equipped with an
accelerator pump, if the engine is
raced (the throttle opened and
closed), the air/fuel mixture will be too
rich and the engine may stall. Also
unlike a two-stroke engine, this model
can idle.
Do not warm up th e engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the cold starter knob
and throttle. Pull the hot starter lever
"1" and start the engine by pushing
the start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter crank forcefully with a firm
stroke. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
Restarting an engine after a fall
Pull the hot starter lever and start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.

3-2
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
CLUTCHInspect and adjust ●● Inspect housing, friction plate, clutch
plate and spring.
Replace ●
TRANSMISSION Inspect ●
Replace bearing ●
SHIFT FORK, SHIFT CAM,
GUIDE BAR Inspect ●Inspect wear.
ROTOR NUT Retighten ●●
MUFFLER Inspect and retighten ●●
Clean ●
Replace ●
CRANK Inspect and clean ●●
CARBURETOR Inspect, adjust and clean ●●
AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM Inspect and clean ●● ●●
SPARK PLUG Inspect and clean ●●
Replace ●
DRIVE CHAIN Use chain lube.
Lubricate, slack, alignment ●● Chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in)
Replace ●
COOLING SYSTEM Check coolant level and leakage ●●
Check radiator cap operation ●
Replace coolant ●Every two years
Inspect hoses ●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS Retighten ●● Refer to "STARTING AND BREAK-
IN" section in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER Clean and lubricate ●● Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace ●
OIL FILTER Replace ●●
FRAME Clean and inspect ●●
Item
After
break- in Every
race
Every third
(or 500 km) Every
fifth (or
1,000 km)
As re-
quired Remarks
3

3-5
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation or practice, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEItem RoutinePage
Coolant Check that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage. P.3-9 – 10
Fuel Check that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.
P.1-14
Engine oil Check that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage. P.3-12 – 14
Gear shifter and clutch Check that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly. P.3-10
Throttle grip/Housing Check that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.
P.3-10 – 11
Brakes Check the play of front brake and ef fect of front and rear brake. P.3-17 – 20
Drive chain Check drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly. P.3-20 – 21
Wheels Check for excessive wear and ti
re pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play. P.3-24
Steering Check that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.
P.3-24 – 25
Front forks and rear shock
absorber Check that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-21 – 24
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 pipe Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mount ed and has no cracks. P.3-8 – 9
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-20
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-26
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-16
Lead connectors Check that the AC magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly. P.1-3
Settings Is the machine set suitably for the
condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done? P.4-1 – 9

3-9
ENGINE
CHECKING THE SILENCER AND
EXHAUST PIPE
1. Inspect:• Gasket "1"
Damage →Replace.
INSTALLING THE SILENCER AND
EXHAUST PIPE
1. Install: • Gasket
• Exhaust pipe "1"
• Nut (exhaust pipe) "2"
First, temporarily install both nuts,
then tighten either of these nuts to 13
Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4 ft•lb) and the other
to 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14 ft•lb), and
then come back to the first one and
retighten it to 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb).
2. Install: • Silencer clamp "1"
• Gasket "2"
• Silencer
• Washer "4"
• Bolt (silencer) "5" CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing 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 counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual
pressure to escape. When the
hissing sound has stopped, press
down on the cap while turning
counterclockwise and remove it.
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 po-
sition.
2. Remove: • Radiator cap
3. Check: • Coolant level "a"Coolant level low →Add coolant.
1. Radiator
CHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
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 en- gine. 2. Remove:
• Seat
• Left side cover
3. Remove the catch tank hose from
the catch tank and drain the tank
of its coolant.
4. Remove:
• Coolant drain bolt "1"
5. Remove: • Radiator capDrain the coolant completely.
6. Clean: • Cooling systemThoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
7. Install: • Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
8. Fill: •Radiator
• EngineTo specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im- purities or oil.
Nut (exhaust pipe):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Silencer clamp: 16 Nm (1.6 m•kg, 11
ft•lb)
Bolt (silencer): 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22
ft•lb)
Coolant drain bolt:10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant: High quality ethylene
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti-corrosion
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio: 50%/50%
Coolant capacity: 0.99 L (0.87 Imp qt, 1.05
US qt)

3-10
ENGINE
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be
handled with special care.
• 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.
9. Install:• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up
for a several minutes.
10. Check:
• Coolant levelCoolant level low →Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect: • Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"Crack/damage →Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or
replace.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach: • Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-er "2"
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
3. Radiator cap
2. Apply the specified pressure.
3. Inspect: •PressureImpossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds →
Replace.
CHECKING THE COOLING
SYSTEM
1. Inspect: • Coolant level
2. Attach: • Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
3. Apply the specified pressure.
• Do not apply pressure more than specified pressure.
• Radiator should be filled fully.
4. Inspect: •PressureImpossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds →
Repair.
• Radiator "1"
• Radiator hose joint "2" Coolant leakage →Repair or re-
place.
• Radiator hose "3" Swelling →Replace. ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH CABLE
FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Clutch lever free play "a"Out of specification →Adjust.
2. Adjust: • Clutch lever free play
Clutch lever free play adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the locknuts "1".
b. Adjust the free play by changing their tightening position.
c. Tighten the locknuts.
• Make minute adjustment on the le- ver side using the adjuster "2".
• After adjustment, check proper op- eration of clutch lever.
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE
CABLE FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Throttle grip free play "a"Out of specification →Adjust.
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/cm
2,
15.6 psi)
Radiator cap tester: YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Standard pressure: 180 kPa (1.8 kg/cm
2,
25.6 psi)
Clutch lever free play "a"
: 8–13 mm (0.31–0.51 in)
Locknut: 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Throttle grip free play
"a": 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)

5-36
OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
REMOVING THE IMPELLER
SHAFT
1. Remove:• Impeller "1"
• Washer "2"
• Impeller shaft "3"
Hold the impeller shaft on its width
across the flats "a" with spanners,
etc. and remove the impeller.
REMOVING THE OIL SEAL
It is not necessary to disassemble the
water pump, unless there is an abnor-
mality such as excessive change in
coolant level, discoloration of coolant,
or milky transmission oil.
1. Remove:• Bearing "1"
2. Remove: • Oil seal "1"
CHECKING THE OIL DELIVERY
PIPE
1. Inspect: • Oil delivery pipe "1"Bend/damage →Replace.
Clogged →Blow. CHECKING THE IMPELLER SHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Impeller shaft "1"Bend/wear/damage →Replace.
Fur deposits →Clean.
CHECKING THE IMPELLER SHAFT
GEAR
1. Inspect: • Gear teeth "a"Wear/damage →Replace.
CHECKING THE BEARING
1. Inspect: •BearingRotate inner race with a finger.
Rough spot/seizure →Replace.
CHECKING THE OIL SEAL
1. Inspect: • Oil seal "1"Wear/damage →Replace. INSTALLING THE OIL SEAL
1. Install:
• Oil seal "1"
• Apply the lithium soap base grease on the oil seal lip.
• Install the oil seal with its manufac- ture's marks or numbers facing the
right crankcase cover "2".
2. Install:• Bearing "1"
Install the bearing by pressing its out-
er race parallel.
INSTALLING THE IMPELLER
SHAFT
1. Install:• Impeller shaft "1"
• Washer "2"
• Impeller "3"
• Take care so that the oil seal lip is
not damaged or the spring does not
slip off its position.
• When installing the impeller shaft,
apply the lithium soap base grease
on the oil seal lip and impeller shaft.
And install the shaft while turning it.
• Hold the impeller shaft on its width across the flats "a" with spanners,
etc. and install the impeller.
Impeller: 14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10
ft•lb)