2008 YAMAHA YZ450F fuel pressure

1-2
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION
There are two significant reasons for
knowing the serial number of your
machine:
1. When ordering parts, you can
give the number to your Yamaha
dealer for positive identification of
the model you own.
2. If your machine is stolen, the au-
thorities will need the number to
search for and identify your ma-
chine.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number "1"
is stamped on the right of the steering
head pipe.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The engine serial number "1" is
stamped into the elevated part of the
right-side of the engine.
MODEL LABEL
The model label "1" is affixed to the
frame under the rider's seat. This in-
formation will be needed to order
spare parts.
INCLUDED PARTS
DETACHABLE SIDESTAND
This sidestand "1" is used to support
only the machine when standing or
transporting it.
• Never apply additional force to
the sidestand.
• Remove this sidestand before
starting out.
VALVE JOINT
This valve joint "1" prevents fuel from
flowing out and is installed to the fuel
tank breather hose.
In this installation, make sure the
arrow faces the fuel tank and also
downward.
SPARK PLUG WRENCH
This spark plug wrench "1" is used to
remove and install the spark plug.
NIPPLE WRENCH
This nipple wrench "1" is used to
tighten the spoke.
JET NEEDLE PULL-UP TOOL
The jet needle pull-up tool "1" is used
to pull the jet needle out of the carbu-
retor.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL
AND DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove all dirt, mud, dust, and
foreign material before removal
and disassembly.
• When washing the machine with
high pressured water, cover the
parts follows.
Silencer exhaust port
Side cover air intake port
Water pump housing hole at the
bottom
Drain hole on the cylinder head
(right side)
2. Use proper tools and cleaning
equipment. Refer to "SPECIAL
TOOLS" section.
3. When disassembling the ma-
chine, keep mated parts together.
They include gears, cylinders,
pistons, and other mated parts
that have been "mated" through
normal wear. Mated parts must
be reused as an assembly or re-
placed.
4. During the machine disassembly,
clean all parts and place them in
trays in the order of disassembly.
This will speed up assembly time

1-12
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine
will enhance its appearance, maintain
good overall performance, and ex-
tend the life of many components.
1. Before washing the machine,
block off the end of the exhaust
pipe to prevent water from enter-
ing. A plastic bag secured with a
rubber band may be used for this
purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively
greasy, apply some degreaser to
it with a paint brush. Do not apply
degreaser to the chain, sprockets,
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off
with a garden hose; use only
enough pressure to do the job.
Excessive hose pressure may
cause water seepage and contami-
nation of wheel bearings, front
forks, brakes and transmission
seals. Many expensive repair bills
have resulted from improper high
pressure detergent applications
such as those available in coin-op-
erated car washers.
4. After the majority of the dirt has
been hosed off, wash all surfaces
with warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Use an old toothbrush to
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediate-
ly with clean water, and dry all
surfaces with a soft towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, re-
move excess water from the
chain with a paper towel and lubri-
cate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl uphol-
stery cleaner to keep the cover
pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied
to all painted or chromed surfac-
es. Avoid combination cleaner-
waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start
the engine and allow it to idle for
several minutes.
STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60
days or more, some preventive mea-
sures must be taken to avoid deterio-
ration. After cleaning the machine
thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank, fuel lines, and the carburetor float bowl.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a ta-
blespoon of SAE 10W-30 motor
oil in the spark plug hole, and re-
install the plug. With the engine
stop switch pushed in, kick the en-
gine over several times to coat the
cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it
thoroughly with solvent, and lubri-
cate it. Reinstall the chain or store
it in a plastic bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust
pipe outlet to prevent moisture
from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a
humid or salt-air environment,
coat all exposed metal surfaces
with a film of light oil. Do not apply
oil to rubber parts or the seat cov-
er.
Make any necessary repairs before
the machine is stored.

2-2
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Fuel:
Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 7.0 L (1.54 Imp gal, 1.85 US gal)
Carburetor:
Type FCR-MX39
Manufacturer KEIHIN
Spark plug:
Type/manufacturer CR8E/NGK (resistance type)
Gap 0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc
Transmission:
Primary reduction system Gear
Primary reduction ratio 61/23 (2.652)
Secondary reduction system Chain drive
Secondary reduction ratio 49/13 (3.769)
Transmission type Constant mesh, 5-speed
Operation Left foot operation
Gear ratio:
1st 27/14 (1.929)
2nd 23/15 (1.533)
3rd 23/18 (1.278)
4th 24/22 (1.091)
5th 20/21 (0.952)
Chassis: USA, CDN, AUS, NZ, ZA EUROPE
Frame type Semi double cradle
←
Caster angle 26.9° 26.7°
Trail 115.2 mm (4.54 in) 113.8 mm (4.48 in)
Tire:
Type With tube
Size (front) 80/100-21 51M
Size (rear) 120/80-19 63M (For USA, CDN, ZA, AUS, NZ)
110/90-19 62M (For EUROPE)
Tire pressure (front and rear) 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2, 15 psi)
Brake:
Front brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right hand operation
Rear brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right foot operation
Suspension:
Front suspension Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm (link type monocross suspension)
Shock absorber:
Front shock absorber Coil spring/oil damper
Rear shock absorber Coil spring/gas, oil damper

3-4
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCETHROTTLE, CONTROL CABLE
Check routing and connection
●●Yamaha cable lube or SAE 10W-30
motor oil
Lubricate
●●
HOT STARTER, CLUTCH LEVER
Inspect free play
●
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-5 – 6
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.P.1-8
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.P.3-8 – 9
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-6
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-6 – 7
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-13 – 15
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-16
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-19
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-19 – 20
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-17 – 19
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 mounted and has no cracks. P.4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-15 – 16
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-21
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-11
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-3
SettingsIs 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.7-1 – 10

3-9
ENGINE
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-
er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked
or damaged, replace them with a
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil
filter element cover.
5. Install:
• Gaskets
• Oil filter drain bolt
• Drain bolt (right crankcase)
• Drain bolt (left crankcase)
6. Fill:
• Engine oil7. Install:
• Oil filler cap
8. Inspect:
• Engine (for oil leaks)
• Oil level
Refer to "ENGINE OIL LEVEL IN-
SPECTION".
CHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check:
• Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure
check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling
until oil starts to seep from the oil
pressure check bolt. If no oil
comes out after one minute, turn
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump
for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the
problem(s) and recheck the oil
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check
bolt.
ADJUSTING THE PILOT SCREW
1. Adjust:
• Pilot screw "1"
Adjustment steps:
To optimize the fuel flow at a smaller
throttle opening, each machine's pilot
screw has been individually set at the
factory. Before adjusting the pilot
screw, turn it in fully and count the
number of turns. Record this number
as the factory-set number of turns
out.
a. Turn in the pilot screw until it is
lightly seated.
b. Turn out the pilot screw by the
factory-set number of turns.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING
SPEED
1. Start the engine and thoroughly
warm it up.
2. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Adjust the pilot screw.
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE PI-
LOT SCREW" section.
b. Turn the throttle stop screw "1"
until the specified engine idling
speed.
Using a digital engine tachometer for
idle speed adjustment, detect the en-
gine idling speed by bringing the
sensing element "c" of the engine ta-
chometer close to the ignition coil "2".
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil filter drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Drain bolt (right crank-
case):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Drain bolt (left crank-
case):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil quantity:
Periodic oil change:
0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt,
1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27
US qt)
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Pilot screw (example):
1-1/2 turns out
Digital tachometer:
YU-39951-B/90890-
06760
To increase idle speed
→Turn the
throttle stop screw "1" in "a".
To decrease idle speed
→Turn
the throttle stop screw "1" out
"b".
Engine idling speed:
1,900–2,100 r/min

7-1
ENGINE
TUNING
ENGINE
CARBURETOR SETTING
• The air/fuel mixture will vary de-
pending on atmospheric conditions.
Therefore, it is necessary to take
into consideration the air pressure,
ambient temperature, humidity,
etc., when adjusting the carburetor.
• Perform a test run to check for prop-
er engine performance (e.g., throt-
tle response) and spark plug(-s)
discoloration or fouling. Use these
readings to determine the best pos-
sible carburetor setting.
It is recommended to keep a record of
all carburetor settings and external
conditions (e.g., atmospheric condi-
tions, track/surface conditions, lap
times) to make future carburetor set-
ting easier.
• The carburetor is a part of the
fuel line. Therefore, be sure to in-
stall it in a wellventilated area,
away from flammable objects
and any sources of fire.
• Never look into the carburetor in-
take. Flames may shoot out from
the pipe if the engine backfires
while it is being started. Gasoline
may be discharged from the ac-
celerator pump nozzle when the
carburetor has been removed.
• The carburetor is extremely sen-
sitive to foreign matter (dirt,
sand, water, etc.). During instal-
lation, do not allow foreign mat-
ter to get into the carburetor.
• Always handle the carburetor
and its components carefully.
Even slight scratches, bends or
damage to carburetor parts may
prevent the carburetor from
functioning correctly. Carefully
perform all servicing with the ap-
propriate tools and without ap-
plying excessive force.
• When the engine is stopped or
when riding at no load, do not
open and close the throttle un-
necessarily. Otherwise, too
much fuel may be discharged,
starting may become difficult or
the engine may not run well.
• After installing the carburetor,
check that the throttle operates correctly and opens and closes
smoothly.
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS AND
CARBURETOR SETTINGS
The air density (i.e., concentration of
oxygen in the air) determines the rich-
ness or leanness of the air/fuel mix-
ture.
• Higher temperature expands the air
with its resultant reduced density.
• Higher humidity reduces the
amount of oxygen in the air by so
much of the water vapor in the
same air.
• Lower atmospheric pressure (at a
high altitude) reduces the density of
the air.
EFFECT OF SETTING PARTS IN
RELATION TO THROTTLE VALVE
OPENING
A. Closed
B. Fully open
1. Pilot screw/pilot jet
2. Throttle valve cutaway
3. Jet needle
4. Main jetCONSTRUCTION OF
CARBURETOR AND SETTING
PARTS
The FLATCR carburetor has a prima-
ry main jet. This type of main jet is
perfect for racing machines since it
supplies an even flow of fuel, even at
full load. Use the main jet and the jet
needle to set the carburetor.
The FLATCR carburetor is manufac-
tured with a pilot screw. The pilot
screw adjustment ranges from fully
closed throttle to 1/4 open throttle.
1. Jet needle
2. Pilot air jet
3. Needle jet
4. Main jet
5. Pilot jet
6. Pilot screw
ADJUSTING THE MAIN JET
The richness of the air-fuel mixture at
full throttle can be set by changing the
main jet "1".
If the air-fuel mixture is too rich or too
lean, the engine power will drop, re-
sulting in poor acceleration.
Effects of changing the main jet
(reference)
A. Idle
B. Fully open
1. #162
2. #158 Air
tem
p.Hu-
midi-
tyAir
pres-
sure
(alti-
tude)Mix-
tureSet-
ting
High HighLow
(high)Rich-
erLean-
er
Low LowHigh
(low)Lean-
erRich-
er
Standard main jet #160