2008 YAMAHA YZ450F oil

4-17
CAMSHAFTS
Measurement steps:
a. Install the camshaft onto the cylin-
der head.
b. Position a strip of Plastigauge
®
"1" onto the camshaft.
c. Install the clip, dowel pins and
camshaft caps.
• Tighten the bolts (camshaft cap) in
a crisscross pattern from innermost
to outer caps.
• Do not turn the camshaft when
measuring clearance with the Plas-
tigauge
®.
d. Remove the camshaft caps and
measure the width of the Plasti-
gauge
® "1".
5. Measure:
• Camshaft outside diameter "a"
Out of specification
→Replace
the camshaft.
Within specification
→Replace
camshaft case and camshaft
caps as a set.CHECKING THE CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Camshaft sprocket "1"
Wear/damage
→Replace the
camshaft assembly and timing
chain as a set.
CHECKING THE
DECOMPRESSION SYSTEM
1. Check:
• Decompression system
Checking steps:
a. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam "1" moves
smoothly.
b. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam lever pin "2"
projects from the camshaft.
CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN
TENSIONER
1. Check:
• While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver "1" and wind the ten-
sioner rod up fully clockwise.
• When releasing the screwdriver
by pressing lightly with fingers,
make sure that the tensioner rod
will come out smoothly.
• If not, replace the tensioner as-
sembly.INSTALLING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Install:
• Exhaust camshaft "1"
• Intake camshaft "2"
Installation steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the camshafts.
• Apply the engine oil on the decom-
pression system.
b. Align the T.D.C. mark "a" on the
rotor with the align mark "b" on the
crankcase cover when piston is at
T.D.C. on compression stroke.
c. Fit the timing chain "3" onto both
camshaft sprockets and install the
camshafts on the cylinder head.
The camshafts should be installed
onto the cylinder head so that the
punch mark "c" on the exhaust cam-
shaft and the punch mark "d" on the
intake camshaft must align with the
cylinder head surface, as shown in
the illustration.
Camshaft-to-cap clear-
ance:
0.028–0.062 mm
(0.0011–0.0024 in)
:0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Camshaft outside diame-
ter:
21.959–21.972 mm
(0.8645–0.8650 in)

4-18
CAMSHAFTS
Do not turn the crankshaft during
the camshaft installation. Damage
or improper valve timing will re-
sult.
d. Install the clips, camshaft caps "4"
and bolts (camshaft cap) "5".
• Before removing the clips, cover the
cylinder head with a clean rag to
prevent the clips from into the cylin-
der head cavity.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the thread of the bolts (camshaft
cap).
• Tighten the bolts to the specified
torque in two or three steps in the
proper tightening sequence as
shown.
The bolts (camshaft cap) must be
tightened evenly, or damage to the
cylinder head, camshaft caps, and
camshaft will result.
2. Install:
• Timing chain tensioner
Installation steps:
a. While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver and wind the tension-
er rod up fully clockwise.b. With the rod fully wound and the
chain tensioner UP mark "a" fac-
ing upward, install the gasket "1",
the timing chain tensioner "2", and
the gasket "3", and tighten the bolt
"4" to the specified torque.
c. Release the screwdriver, check
the tensioner rod to come out and
tighten the gasket "5" and the cap
bolt "6" to the specified torque.
3. Turn:
• Crankshaft
Counterclockwise several turns.
4. Check:
• Rotor T.D.C. mark
Align with the crankcase align
mark.
• Camshaft match marks
Align with the cylinder head sur-
face.
Out of alignment
→Adjust. Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (timing chain ten-
sioner):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Tensioner cap bolt:
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)

4-24
VALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
4. Measure:
• Margin thickness "a"
Out of specification
→Replace.
5. Measure:
• Runout (valve stem)
Out of specification
→Replace.
• When installing a new valve always
replace the guide.
• If the valve is removed or replaced
always replace the oil seal.
6. Eliminate:
• Carbon deposits
(from the valve face and valve
seat)
7. Inspect:
• Valve seat
Pitting/wear
→Reface the valve
seat.
8. Measure:
• Valve seat width "a"
Out of specification
→Reface the
valve seat.
Measurement steps:
a. Apply Mechanic's blueing dye
(Dykem) "b" to the valve face.
b. Install the valve into the cylinder
head.
c. Press the valve through the valve
guide and onto the valve seat to
make a clear pattern.
d. Measure the valve seat width.
Where the valve seat and valve
face made contact, blueing will
have been removed.
e. If the valve seat is too wide, too
narrow, or the seat is not cen-
tered, the valve seat must be re-
faced.
9. Lap:
• Valve face
• Valve seat
After refacing the valve seat or re-
placing the valve and valve guide, the
valve seat and valve face should be
lapped.
Lapping steps:
a. Apply a coarse lapping compound
to the valve face.
Do not let the compound enter the gap between the valve stem and
the guide.
b. Apply molybdenum disulfide oil to
the valve stem.
c. Install the valve into the cylinder
head.
d. Turn the valve until the valve face
and valve seat are evenly pol-
ished, then clean off all of the
compound.
For best lapping results, lightly tap
the valve seat while rotating the valve
back and forth between your hands.
e. Apply a fine lapping compound to
the valve face and repeat the
above steps.
After every lapping operation be sure
to clean off all of the compound from
the valve face and valve seat.
f. Apply Mechanic's blueing dye
(Dykem) to the valve face.
g. Install the valve into the cylinder
head.
h. Press the valve through the valve
guide and onto the valve seat to
make a clear pattern.
i. Measure the valve seat width
again. If the valve seat width is out
of specification, reface and relap
the valve seat.
Margin thickness:
Intake:
1.0 mm (0.039 in)
:0.85 mm
(0.033 in)
Exhaust:
1.0 mm (0.039 in)
:0.85 mm
(0.033 in)
Runout limit:
0.01 mm (0.0004 in)
Valve seat width:
Intake:
0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–
0.0433 in)
:1.6 mm
(0.0630 in)
Exhaust:
0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–
0.0433 in)
:1.6 mm
(0.0630 in)

4-25
VALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
CHECKING THE VALVE SPRINGS
1. Measure:
• Valve spring free length "a"
Out of specification
→Replace.
2. Measure:
• Compressed spring force "a"
Out of specification
→Replace.
b. Installed length
3. Measure:
• Spring tilt "a"
Out of specification
→Replace.CHECKING THE VALVE LIFTERS
1. Inspect:
• Valve lifter
Scratches/damage
→Replace
both lifters and cylinder head.
INSTALLING THE VALVES
1. Apply:
• Molybdenum disulfide oil
Onto the valve stem and valve
stem seal.
2. Install:
• Valves "1"
• Valve spring seats "2"
• Valve stem seals "3"
• Valve springs "4"
• Valve spring retainers "5"
• Make sure that each valve is in-
stalled in its original place, also re-
ferring to the painted color as
follows.
Intake (middle) "a": blue
Intake (right/left) "b": gray
Exhaust "c": brown
• Install the valve springs with the
larger pitch "d" facing upward.
e. Smaller pitch3. Install:
• Valve cotters
While compressing the valve spring
with a valve spring compressor "1" in-
stall the valve cotters.
4. To secure the valve cotters onto
the valve stem, lightly tap the
valve tip with a piece of wood.
Hitting the valve tip with excessive
force could damage the valve.
5. Install:
• Adjusting pad "1"
• Valve lifter "2"
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the valve stem end.
• Apply the engine oil on the valve lift-
ers.
• Valve lifter must turn smoothly
when rotated with a finger.
• Be careful to reinstall valve lifters
and pads in their original place.
Free length (valve
spring):
Intake:
37.03 mm (1.46 in)
: 36.03 mm
(1.42 in)
Exhaust:
37.68 mm (1.48 in)
: 36.68 mm
(1.44 in)
Compressed spring
force:
Intake:
111.3–127.9 N at 27.87
mm (11.3–13.0 kg at
27.87 mm, 24.91–
28.66 lb at 1.10 in)
Exhaust:
127.4–146.4 N at 27.38
mm (13.0–14.9 kg at
27.38 mm, 28.66–
32.85 lb at 1.08 in)
Spring tilt limit:
Intake:
2.5°/1.61 mm (0.063
in)
Exhaust:
2.5°/1.65 mm (0.065
in)
Valve spring compres-
sor:
YM-4019/90890-04019

4-28
CYLINDER AND PISTON
3. Measure:
• Ring end gap
Out of specification
→Replace.
You cannot measure the end gap on
the expander spacer of the oil control
ring. If the oil control ring rails show
excessive gap, replace all three rings.
CHECKING THE PISTON PIN
1. Inspect:
• Piston pin
Blue discoloration/grooves
→Re-
place, then inspect the lubrication
system.
2. Measure:
• Piston pin-to-piston clearance
Measurement steps:
a. Measure the outside diameter
(piston pin) "a".
If out of specification, replace the
piston pin.
b. Measure the inside diameter (pis-
ton) "b".c. Calculate the piston pin-to-piston
clearance with the following for-
mula.
d. If out of specification, replace the
piston.
INSTALLING THE PISTON RING
AND PISTON
1. Install:
•Piston ring
Onto the piston.
• Be sure to install the piston rings so
that the manufacturer's marks or
numbers are located on the upper
side of the rings.
• Lubricate the piston and piston
rings liberally with engine oil.
2. Position:
•Top ring
• 2nd ring
• Oil ring
Offset the piston ring end gaps as
shown.
a. Top ring end
b. 2nd ring end
c. Oil ring end (upper)
d. Oil ring
e. Oil ring end (lower)
3. Install:
•Piston "1"
• Piston pin "2"
• Piston pin clip "3"
• Apply engine oil onto the piston pin
and piston.
• Be sure that the arrow mark "a" on
the piston points to the exhaust side
of the engine.
• Before installing the piston pin clip,
cover the crankcase with a clean
rag to prevent the piston pin clip
from falling into the crankcase.
• Install the piston pin clips with their
ends facing downward.
INSTALLING THE CYLINDER
1. Install:
• Dowel pins
• Cylinder gasket "1"
• Cylinder "2"
Install the cylinder with one hand
while compressing the piston rings
with the other hand.
• Pass the timing chain "3"
through the timing chain cavity.
• Be careful not to damage the tim-
ing chain guide "4" during instal-
lation.
2. Install:
• Bolt (cylinder) End gap:
Standard
Top
ring0.20–0.30
mm (0.008–
0.012 in)0.55 mm
(0.022 in)
2nd
ring0.35–0.50
mm (0.014–
0.020 in)0.85 mm
(0.033 in)
Oil
ring0.20–0.50
mm (0.01–
0.02 in)—
Outside diameter (piston
pin):
17.991–18.000 mm
(0.7083–0.7087 in)
Inside diameter (piston):
18.004–18.015 mm
(0.7088–0.7093 in)
Piston pin-to-piston clearance =
Inside diameter (piston) "b" -
Outside diameter (piston pin)
"a"
Piston pin-to-piston
clearance:
0.004–0.024 mm
(0.00016–0.00094 in)
:0.07 mm (0.003
in)
Bolt (cylinder):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
New

4-29
CLUTCH
CLUTCH
REMOVING THE CLUTCH
Order Part name Q'ty Remarks
Drain the engine oil. Refer to "CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL"
section in the CHAPTER 3.
Brake pedal Refer to "ENGINE REMOVAL" section.
Clutch cable Disconnect at engine side.
1 Clutch cover 1
2 Gasket 1
3 Dowel pin 2
4 Clutch spring 6
5 Pressure plate 1
6 Push rod 1 1
7 Circlip 1
8 Washer 1
9 Bearing 1
10 Ball 1
11 Push rod 2 1
12 Clutch plate 7
13 Friction plate 8

4-31
CLUTCH
REMOVING THE CLUTCH BOSS
1. Remove:
•Nut "1"
• Lock washer "2"
• Clutch boss "3"
Straighten the lock washer tab and
use the clutch holding tool "4" to hold
the clutch boss.
A. For USA and CDN
B. Except for USA and CDN
CHECKING THE CLUTCH
HOUSING AND BOSS
1. Inspect:
• Clutch housing "1"
Cracks/wear/damage
→Replace.
• Clutch boss "2"
Scoring/wear/damage
→Re-
place.
CHECKING THE PRIMARY DRIVEN
GEAR
1. Check:
• Circumferential play
Free play exists
→Replace.
• Gear teeth "a"
Wear/damage
→Replace.CHECKING THE CLUTCH
SPRINGS
1. Measure:
• Clutch spring free length "a"
Out of specification
→Replace
springs as a set.
CHECKING THE FRICTION
PLATES
1. Measure:
• Friction plate thickness
Out of specification
→Replace
friction plate as a set.
Measure at all four points.
CHECKING THE CLUTCH PLATES
1. Measure:
• Clutch plate warpage
Out of specification
→Replace
clutch plate as a set.
Use a surface plate "1" and thick-
ness gauge "2".
CHECKING THE PUSH LEVER
SHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Push lever shaft "1"Wear/damage
→Replace.
CHECKING THE PUSH ROD
1. Inspect:
• Push rod 1 "1"
• Bearing "2"
• Washer "3"
• Push rod 2 "4"
•Ball "5"
Wear/damage/bend
→Replace.
INSTALLING THE PUSH LEVER
SHAFT
1. Install:
• Push lever shaft "1"
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the oil seal lip.
• Apply the engine oil on the push le-
ver shaft.
INSTALLING THE CLUTCH
1. Install:
• Primary driven gear "1"
• Thrust washer "2"
• Clutch boss "3"
Apply the engine oil on the primary
driven gear inner circumference.
2. Install:
• Lock washer "1" Clutch holding tool:
YM-91042/90890-04086
Clutch spring free
length:
50.0 mm (1.97 in)
: 49.0 mm (1.93
in)
Friction plate thickness:
2.92–3.08 mm (0.115–
0.121 in)
: 2.8 mm (0.110
in)
Warp limit:
0.1 mm (0.004 in)

4-32
CLUTCH
• Nut (clutch boss) "2"
Make sure to tighten to specifica-
tion; otherwise, it may damage the
other part that is fastened togeth-
er.
• Install the lock washer with its con-
caves fitted over the convexes of
the clutch boss.
• Use the clutch holding tool "3" to
hold the clutch boss.
A. For USA and CDN
B. Except for USA and CDN
3. Bend the lock washer "1" tab.
4. Install:
• Friction plate "1"
• Clutch plate "2"
• Install the clutch plates and friction
plates alternately on the clutch
boss, starting with a friction plate
and ending with a friction plate.
• Apply the engine oil on the friction
plates and clutch plates.
5. Install:
•Bearing "1"
• Washer "2"
• Circlip "3"
To push rod 1 "4".
Apply the engine oil on the bearing
and washer.
6. Install:
• Push rod 2 "1"
• Ball "2"
• Push rod 1 "3"
Apply the engine oil on the push rod
1, 2 and ball.
7. Install:
• Pressure plate "1"
8. Install:
• Clutch spring
• Bolt (clutch spring)
Tighten the bolts in stage, using a
crisscross pattern.
9. Install:
• Gasket (clutch cover) "1"
• Dowel pin "2"
10. Install:
• Clutch cover "1"
• Bolt (clutch cover)
Tighten the bolts in stage, using a
crisscross pattern.
Nut (clutch boss):
75 Nm (7.5 m•kg, 54
ft•lb)
Clutch holding tool:
YM-91042/90890-04086
Bolt (clutch spring):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (clutch cover):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)