2008 YAMAHA YZ250F check oil

FOREWARD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha YZ series. This model is
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents
the highest grade of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any
questions about this manual or your
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality.
Therefore, while this manual contains
the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between
your machine and this manual. If you
have any questions concerning this
manual, please consult your Yamaha
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE,
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF
THIS MACHINE.
PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
The Safety Alert Symbol means AT-
TENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Failure to follow WARNING instruc-
tions could result in severe injury or
death to the machine operator, a by-
stander, or a person inspecting or re-
pairing the machine. A CAUTION indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the machine.
A NOTE provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may be illegal. Please
check local regulations before riding.
1. THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OP-
ERATED BY AN EXPERI-
ENCED RIDER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this
machine at maximum power
until you are totally familiar
with its characteristics.
2. THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO BE RIDDEN BY THE OP-
ERATOR ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on
this machine.
3. ALWAYS WEAR PROTEC- TIVE APPAREL.
When operating this ma-
chine, always wear an ap-
proved helmet with goggles
or a face shield. Also wear
heavy boots, gloves, and pro-
tective clothing. Always wear
proper fitting clothing that
will not be caught in any of
the moving parts or controls
of the machine.
4. ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MACHINE IN PROPER
WORKING ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the
machine must be properly
maintained. Always perform
the pre-operation checks in-
dicated in this manual. Cor-
recting a mechanical problem
before you ride may prevent
an accident.
5. GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAM-MABLE.
Always turn off the engine
while refueling. Take care to
not spill any gasoline on the
engine or exhaust system.
Never refuel in the vicinity of
an open flame, or while
smoking.
6. GASOLINE CAN CAUSE IN- JURY.
If you should swallow some
gasoline, inhale excess gaso-
line vapors, or allow any gas-
oline to get into your eyes,
contact a doctor immediately.
If any gasoline spills onto
your skin or clothing, imme-
diately wash skin areas with
soap and water, and change
your clothes.
7. ONLY OPERATE THE MA- CHINE IN AN AREA WITH AD-
EQUATE VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it
run for any length of time in
an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes are poisonous. These
fumes contain carbon mon-
oxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon
monoxide is a dangerous gas
which can cause uncon-
sciousness or can be lethal.
8. PARK THE MACHINE CARE- FULLY; TURN OFF THE EN-
GINE.
Always turn off the engine if
you are going to leave the
machine. Do not park the ma-
chine on a slope or soft
ground as it may fall over.
9. THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE, MUFFLER, AND OIL
TANK WILL BE VERY HOT
AFTER THE ENGINE HAS
BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them
or to allow any clothing item
to contact them during in-
spection or repair.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-1
MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ............. 1-2
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-2
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-2
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION .................. 1-3
SPECIAL TOOLS ............. 1-4
CONTROL FUNCTIONS .. 1-8
STARTING AND
BREAK-IN ........................ 1-8
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-11
CLEANING AND
STORAGE ...................... 1-12
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-3
TIGHTENING
TORQUES ...................... 2-10
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-16
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-18
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-JUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE................ 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS ........................ 3-14
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-23
CHAPTER 4 ENGINE
SEAT, FUEL TANK AND
SIDE COVERS.................. 4-1
EXHAUST PIPE AND
SILENCER ........................ 4-3
RADIATOR ....................... 4-5
CARBURETOR................. 4-7
CAMSHAFTS.................. 4-14
CYLINDER HEAD........... 4-19
VALVES AND VALVE
SPRINGS ........................ 4-21
CYLINDER AND
PISTON ........................... 4-25
CLUTCH ......................... 4-29
OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP ....... 4-34
BALANCER .................... 4-38
OIL PUMP ....................... 4-40
KICK SHAFT AND
SHIFT SHAFT ................. 4-44
CDI MAGNETO............... 4-49
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 4-51
CRANKCASE AND
CRANKSHAFT ............... 4-55
TRANSMISSION, SHIFT
CAM AND SHIFT
FORK .............................. 4-61
CHAPTER 5CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL AND
REAR WHEEL ..................5-1
FRONT BRAKE AND
REAR BRAKE ..................5-6
FRONT FORK ................. 5-16
HANDLEBAR..................5-24
STEERING ......................5-28
SWINGARM ....................5-32
REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER ....................5-37
CHAPTER 6
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS AND
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........6-1
IGNITION SYSTEM...........6-2
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM ...........6-5
CHAPTER 7
TUNING
ENGINE.............................7-1
CHASSIS ..........................7-6

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. Front brake lever
4. Throttle grip
5. Radiator cap
6. Fuel tank cap
7. Engine stop switch
8. Kickstarter crank
9. Fuel tank
10. Radiator
11. Coolant drain bolt
12. Rear brake pedal
13. Valve joint14. Fuel cock
15. Cold starter knob
16. Drive chain
17. Air filter
18. Oil level check window
19. Shift pedal
20. Front fork
1

1-3
CHECKING OF CONNECTION
4. During the machine disassembly, clean all parts and place them in
trays in the order of disassembly.
This will speed up assembly time
and help assure that all parts are
correctly reinstalled.
5. Keep away from fire.
ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS
1. We recommend to use Yamaha genuine parts for all replace-
ments. Use oil and/or grease rec-
ommended by Yamaha for
assembly and adjustment.
GASKETS, OIL SEALS AND O-
RINGS
1. All gaskets, oil seals, and O-rings should be replaced when an en-
gine is overhauled. All gasket sur-
faces, oil seal lips, and O-rings
must be cleaned.
2. Properly oil all mating parts and bearings during reassembly. Ap-
ply grease to the oil seal lips.
LOCK WASHERS/PLATES AND
COTTER PINS
1. All lock washers/plates "1" and cotter pins must be replaced
when they are removed. Lock
tab(s) should be bent along the
bolt or nut flat(s) after the bolt or
nut has been properly tightened.
BEARINGS AND OIL SEALS
1. Install the bearing(s) "1" and oil seal(s) "2" with their manufactur-
er's marks or numbers facing out-
ward. (In other words, the
stamped letters must be on the
side exposed to view.) When in-
stalling oil seal(s), apply a light
coating of lightweight lithium base
grease to the seal lip(s). Oil the
bearings liberally when installing.
Do not use compressed air to spin
the bearings dry. This causes dam- age to the bearing surfaces.
CIRCLIPS
1. All circlips should be inspected
carefully before reassembly. Al-
ways replace piston pin clips after
one use. Replace distorted cir-
clips. When installing a circlip "1",
make sure that the sharp-edged
corner "2" is positioned opposite
to the thrust "3" it receives. See
the sectional view.
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION
Dealing with stains, rust, moisture,
etc. on the connector.
1. Disconnect:ŒConnector
2. Dry each terminal with an air blower.
3. Connect and disconnect the con- nector two or three times.
4. Pull the lead to check that it will not come off.
5. If the terminal comes off, bend up the pin "1" and reinsert the termi-
nal into the connector. 6. Connect:
ŒConnector
The two connectors "click" together.
7. Check for continuity with a tester.
• If there in no continuity, clean the
terminals.
• Be sure to perform the steps 1 to 7 listed above when checking the
wire harness.
• For a field remedy, use a contact re- vitalizer available on the market.
• Use the tester on the connector as
shown.

1-5
SPECIAL TOOLS
Radiator cap tester
YU-24460-01, 90890-01325
Radiator cap tester adapter
YU-33984, 90890-01352These tools are used for checking
the cooling system.
Steering nut wrench
YU-33975, 90890-01403 This tool is used when tighten the
steering ring nut to specification.
Cap bolt wrench
YM-01500, 90890-01500 This tool is used to loosen or tighten
the base valve.
Cap bolt ring wrench
YM-01501, 90890-01501 This tool is used to loosen or tighten
the damper assembly.
Fork seal driver
YM-A0948, 90890-01502 This tool is used when install the fork
oil seal.
Pocket tester
YU-3112-C, 90890-03112 Use this tool to inspect the coil resis-
tance, output voltage and amper-
age.
Tool name/Part number
How to useIllustration

1-11
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
Concerning the tightening torque, refer to "TIGHTENING TORQUES" section in the CHAPTER 2.
Frame constructionFrame to rear frame
Combined seat and fuel tank Fuel tank to frame
Exhaust system Silencer to rear frame
Engine mounting Frame to engine
Engine bracket to engine
Engine bracket to frame
Steering Steering stem to handlebar Steering stem to frame
Steering stem to upper bracket
Upper bracket to handlebar
Suspension Front Steering stem to front fork Front fork to upper bracket
Front fork to lower bracket
Rear For link type Assembly of links
Link to frame
Link to rear shock absorber
Link to swingarm
Installation of rear shock absorber Rear shock absorber to frame
Installation of swingarm Tightening of pivot shaft
Wheel Installation of wheel Front Tightening of wheel axle
Tightening of axle holder
Rear Tightening of wheel axle Wheel to rear wheel sprocket
Brake Front Brake caliper to front fork
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to handlebar
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Rear Brake pedal to frame Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to frame
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Fuel system Fuel tank to fuel cock
Lubrication system Tightening of oil hose clamp

2-10
TIGHTENING TORQUES
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
Pickup coil resistance (color)248–372 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (White–Red) ----
CDI unit-model/manufacturer 5XC-L0/YAMAHA (For USA and CDN) ----
5XC-M0/YAMAHA (For EUROPE, AUS,
NZ and ZA) ----
Ignition coil: Model/manufacturer 5UL-10/DENSO----
Minimum spark gap 6 mm (0.24 in)----
Primary coil resistance 0.08–0.10
Ωat 20 °C (68 °F)----
Secondary coil resistance 4.6–6.8 k
Ωat 20 °C (68 °F)----
Item
StandardLimit
Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
Spark plug M10S × 1.0 1 13 1.3 9.4
Camshaft cap M6 × 1.0 10 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder head blind plug screw M12 × 1.0 1 28 2.8 20
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M8 × 1.25 1 15 1.5 11
Cylinder head (bolt) M9 × 1.25 4 38 3.8 27
Cylinder head (nut) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder head cover M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Cylinder M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer weight M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer shaft driven gear M14 × 1.0 1 50 5.0 36
Timing chain guide (intake side) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Timing chain tensioner M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Timing chain tensioner cap bolt M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Impeller M8 × 1.25 1 14 1.4 10
Radiator hose clamp M6 × 1.0 10 2 0.2 1.4
Coolant drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Water pump housing M6 × 1.0 4 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator M6 × 1.0 6 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator pipe M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil pump cover M4 × 0.7 1 2 0.2 1.4
Oil pump M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Oil filter element drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil filter element cover M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil strainer (crankcase) M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil delivery pipe 1 (M10) M10 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Oil delivery pipe 1 (M8) M8 × 1.25 2 18 1.8 13
Oil hose M6 × 1.0 2 8 0.8 5.8
△Oil hose clamp —1 2 0.2 1.4
Oil strainer (oil tank) M6 × 1.0 1 9 0.9 6.5

2-11
TIGHTENING TORQUES
Oil tank drain boltM8 × 1.25 1 18 1.8 13
Oil tank (upper) M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Oil tank and frame M6 × 1.0 3 9 0.9 6.5
Carburetor joint clamp M4 × 0.7 2 3 0.3 2.2
Air filter joint clamp M6 × 1.0 1 3 0.3 2.2
Throttle cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
Throttle cable (pull) M6 × 1.0 1 4 0.4 2.9
Throttle cable (return) M12 × 1.0 1 11 1.1 8.0
Throttle cable cover M5 × 0.8 2 4 0.4 2.9
Hot starter plunger M12 × 1.0 1 2 0.2 1.4
Hot starter cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
△Air filter case M6 × 1.0 2 8 0.8 5.8
Air filter joint and air filter case M5 × 0.8 1 4 0.4 2.9
Air filter element M6 × 1.0 1 2 0.2 1.4
Exhaust pipe M8 × 1.25 2 20 2.0 14
△Exhaust pipe protector M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
△SilencerM8 × 1.25 2 30 3.0 22
Silencer clamp M8 × 1.25 1 16 1.6 11
Crankcase M6 × 1.0 11 12 1.2 8.7
Crankcase bearing stopper M6 × 1.0 11 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase bearing stopper (crankshaft) M6 × 1.0 4 14 1.4 10
Oil level check window holder M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Left crankcase cover M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Right crankcase cover M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Clutch cover M6 × 1.0 7 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase oil drain bolt M10 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
△Crankshaft end accessing screw M32 × 1.5 1 — — —
△Timing mark accessing screwM14 × 1.5 1 — — —
Drive chain sprocket cover M6 × 1.0 2 8 0.8 5.8
Kick shaft ratchet wheel guide M6 × 1.0 2 12 1.2 8.7
Kickstarter crank M8 × 1.25 1 33 3.3 24
Primary drive gear M18 × 1.0 1 75 7.5 54
Clutch spring M6 × 1.0 5 10 1.0 7.2
Clutch boss M16 × 1.0 1 60 6.0 43
Clutch cable locknut M8 × 1.25 1 7 0.7 5.1
Clutch cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
Push lever shaft M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Drive sprocket M18 × 1.0 1 75 7.5 54
Drive axle oil seal stopper M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Segment M8 × 1.25 1 30 3.0 22
Shift guide M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Stopper lever M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Shift pedal M6 × 1.0 1 12 1.2 8.7
Part to be tightened
Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb