2008 YAMAHA YFZ450 engine

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EBU24880
Lubricating the drive chain
The drive chain must be cleaned and lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or wet areas.
Service the drive chain as follows.
CAUTION:

ECB00560
The drive chain must be lubricated after wash-
ing the ATV or riding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kerosene and asmall soft brush.
CAUTION:

ECB00570
To prevent damaging the O-rings, do not clean
the drive chain with steam cleaners, high-pres-
sure washers or inappropriate solvents.
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive chain with a
special O-ring chain lubricant.
CAUTION:

ECB00580
Do not use engine oil or any other lubricants
for the drive chain, as they may contain sub-
stances that could damage the O-rings.
EBU24900
Checking and lubricating the cables
The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
1. O-rings
1

Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil

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EBU25781
Troubleshooting charts
Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the ATV.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the ATV.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.

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Engine overheating
WARNING

EWB02290
Wait for the engine and radiator to cool before removing the radiator cap. You could be burned by
hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure. Always put a thick rag over the cap when opening.
Allow any remaining pressure to escape before completely removing the cap.
NOTE:

If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the rec-
ommended coolant as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again, have a
Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.

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EBU25860
CLEANING AND STORAGE
EBU25900
Cleaning
Frequent, thorough cleaning of your ATV will not
only enhance its appearance but will improve its
general performance and extend the useful life of
many components.
1. Before cleaning the ATV:
a. Block off the end of the exhaust pipe to
prevent water entry. A plastic bag and
strong rubber band may be used.
b. Make sure the spark plug and all filler caps
are properly installed.
2. If the engine case is excessively greasy, apply
degreaser with a paint brush. Do not apply de-
greaser to the chain, sprockets or wheel ax-
les.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure to do the job.
CAUTION:

ECB00710
Excessive water pressure may cause water
seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings,
brakes, transmission seals and electrical de-
vices. Many expensive repair bills have result-ed from improper high-pressure detergent
applications such as those available in coin-
operated car washers.
4. Once most of the dirt has been hosed off,
wash all surfaces with warm water and mild,
detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush or bot-
tle brush is handy for hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the ATV off immediately with clean wa-
ter and dry all surfaces with a chamois, clean
towel or soft absorbing cloth.
6. Dry the chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery cleaner
to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive type wax may be applied to all
painted and chrome plated surfaces. Avoid
combination cleaner-waxes. Many contain
abrasives which may mar the paint or protec-
tive finish. When finished cleaning, start the
engine and let it idle for several minutes.WARNING
EWB02310
Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability,

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increasing the chance of an accident. Test the
brakes after washing. Apply the brakes several
times at slow speeds to let friction dry out the
linings.
EBU25932
Storage
Short-term
Always store your ATV in a cool, dry place and, if
necessary, protect it against dust with a porous
cover.
CAUTION:

ECB00720

Storing the ATV in a poorly ventilated room
or covering it with a tarp while it is still wet,
will allow water and humidity to seep in and
cause rust.

To prevent corrosion, avoid damp cellars,
stables (because of the presence of ammo-
nia) and areas where strong chemicals are
stored.
Long-term
Before storing your ATV for several months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the “Cleaning”section of this chapter.
2. Turn the fuel cock lever to “OFF”.
3. Drain the carburetor float chamber by loosen-
ing the drain bolt; this will prevent fuel deposits
from building up. Pour the drained fuel into the
fuel tank.
4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (if
available) to prevent the fuel from deteriorat-
ing.
5. Perform the following steps to protect the cyl-
inder, piston rings, etc. from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap and spark
plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the
spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the spark
plug, and then place the spark plug on the
cylinder head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit sparking during
the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with
the starter. (This will coat the cylinder wall Specified amount:
7.5 ml of stabilizer to each liter of fuel (or 1 oz
of stabilizer to each gallon of fuel)

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EBU25960
SPECIFICATIONS
EBU25975
Dimensions:
Overall length:
1840 mm (72.4 in)
Overall width:
1170 mm (46.1 in)
Overall height:
1090 mm (42.9 in)
Seat height:
810 mm (31.9 in)
Wheelbase:
1280 mm (50.4 in)
Ground clearance:
255 mm (10.0 in)
Minimum turning radius:
3500 mm (138 in)
Weight:
With oil and fuel:
169.0 kg (373 lb)
Engine:
Engine type:
Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement:
Forward-inclined single cylinder
Displacement:
449.0 cm
3

Bore
×
stroke:
95.0
×
63.4 mm (3.74
×
2.50 in)Compression ratio:
11.40 :1
Starting system:
Electric starter
Lubrication system:
Dry sump

Engine oil:
Type:
SAE5W30 or SAE10W30 or SAE10W40 or SAE15W40
or SAE20W40 or SAE20W50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API service SG type or higher, JASO standard MA
-20˚-10˚0˚
10˚20˚30˚40˚50˚C
10W/30
15W/4020W/4020W/50
10W/40
5W/30

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Engine oil quantity:
Without oil filter element replacement:
1.75 L (1.85 US qt) (1.54 Imp.qt)
Quantity in oil tank:
1.55 L (1.64 US qt) (1.36 Imp.qt)
Quantity in crankcase:
0.20 L (0.21 US qt) (0.18 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement:
1.85 L (1.96 US qt) (1.63 Imp.qt)
Quantity in oil tank:
1.55 L (1.64 US qt) (1.36 Imp.qt)
Quantity in crankcase:
0.30 L (0.32 US qt) (0.26 Imp.qt)
Cooling system:
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maximum level mark):
0.29 L (0.31 US qt) (0.26 Imp.qt)
Radiator capacity (including all routes):
1.30 L (1.37 US qt) (1.14 Imp.qt)
Air filter:
Air filter element:
Wet element
Fuel:
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity:
10.0 L (2.64 US gal) (2.20 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
1.9 L (0.50 US gal) (0.42 Imp.gal)
Carburetor:
Manufacturer:
KEIHINType x quantity:
FCR39H x 1
Spark plug (s):
Manufacturer/model:
NGK/CR8E
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Clutch:
Clutch type:
Wet, multiple-disc
Transmission:
Primary reduction system:
Spur gear
Primary reduction ratio:
62/22 (2.818)
Secondary reduction system:
Chain drive
Secondary reduction ratio:
38/14 (2.714)
Transmission type:
Constant mesh 5-speed
Operation:
Left foot operation
1st:
29/12 (2.416)
2nd:
27/14 (1.928)
3rd:
25/16 (1.562)
4th:
23/18 (1.277)

INDEX
A
Accessories and loading ................................................ 6-6
Air filter element, cleaning ............................................ 8-24
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-45
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ....... 8-42
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating ......... 8-43
Brake fluid, changing.................................................... 8-35
Brake fluid level, checking............................................ 8-32
Brake lever ..................................................................... 4-5
Brake lever free play, checking the front ...................... 8-36
Brake light switches ..................................................... 8-39
Brake pads, checking the front and rear ...................... 8-31
Brake pedal .................................................................... 4-5
Brake pedal position, checking .................................... 8-36
Brakes, front and rear .................................................... 5-4
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ................................. 8-41
Carburetor, adjusting.................................................... 8-29
Chassis fasteners........................................................... 5-8
Cleaning ......................................................................... 9-1
Clutch lever .................................................................... 4-5
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ................................... 8-39
Coolant ................................................................. 5-4
,
8-20
Coolant temperature warning light ................................. 4-1
D
Drive chain ..................................................................... 5-5
Drive chain, lubricating ................................................. 8-41
E
Engine break-in .............................................................. 6-5
Engine, cold start ........................................................... 6-1
Engine idling speed ...................................................... 8-30
Engine oil ....................................................................... 5-4
Engine oil and oil filter element .................................... 8-14
Engine, starting a warm ................................................. 6-3
Engine stop switch ......................................................... 4-2
F
Fuel ........................................................................ 4-8
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5-4
Fuel cock ........................................................................ 4-9
Fuel tank cap.................................................................. 4-7
Fuse, replacing............................................................. 8-46
H
Handlebar switches ........................................................ 4-2
Headlight beam, adjusting............................................ 8-49
Headlight bulb, replacing.............................................. 8-47
I
Identification numbers .................................................. 11-1
Indicator light and warning light...................................... 4-1
Instruments, lights and switches .................................... 5-8
K
Key identification number ............................................. 11-1