2009 YAMAHA TDM 900 maintenance

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU18712
Removing and installing
cowlings and panels
The cowlings and panels shown need
to be removed to perform some of the
maintenance jobs described in this
chapter. Refer to this section each time
a cowling or panel needs to be re-
moved and installed.
EAU18991
Cowlings A and B
To remove one of the cowlings
Remove the cowling screws and the
quick fastener, and then pull the cowl-
ing off as shown.
TIP

The quick fastener is removed by push-
ing the center pin in with a screwdriver,
and then pulling the fastener out.
1. Cowling A
2. Panel A
2
1

1. Cowling B
2. Panel B2
1

1. Screw
2. Quick fastener
1. Quick fastener (after removal)
2. Quick fastener (before installation)
1
1
1
2
12

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To install the cowling
Place the cowling in the original posi-
tion, and then install the screws and the
quick fastener.TIP

To install the quick fastener, push the
center pin out so that it will protrude
from the fastener head, insert the fas-
tener into the cowling, and then push
the protruding pin in until it is flush with
the fastener head.
EAU19171
Panels A and B
To remove one of the panels
1. Remove the corresponding cowl-
ing A or B. (See page 6-6.)
2. Remove the seat. (See
page 3-16.)
3. Remove the screw, and then take
the panel off.To install the panel
1. Place the panel in the original po-
sition, and then install the screw.
2. Install the seat and the cowling.

EAU19642
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.
1. Screw
1. Panel A
1
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIP

If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
EAU19835
Engine oil and oil filter
element
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for 15
minutes, and then turn it off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in and with the arrow
mark pointing upward as shown),
and then remove it again to check
the oil level.
WARNING! Never re-
move the engine oil tank cap af-
ter high-speed operation,
otherwise hot engine oil could

Specified spark plug:
NGK/DPR8EA-9
DENSO/X24EPR-U9
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1

Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
17.5 Nm (1.75 m·kgf, 12.7 ft·lbf)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9spout out and cause damage or
injury. Always let the engine oil
cool down sufficiently before re-
moving the oil tank cap.

[EWA10361]
NOTICE:
Do not operate the ve-
hicle until you know that the en-
gine oil level is sufficient.
[ECA10011]

TIP

The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
5. Install the oil filler cap.
TIP

●
The engine oil tank is located be-
hind the cylinders.
●
The engine oil should be between
the minimum and maximum level
marks.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolts to drain the oil from
the crankcase.
TIP

Skip steps 5–7 if the oil filter element is
not being replaced.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1

1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Dipstick
3. Maximum level mark
4. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
4

1. Engine oil drain bolt A
1

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5. Remove the oil filter element cover
by removing the bolts.
6. Remove and replace the oil filter
element and O-rings.7. Install the oil filter element cover by
installing the bolts, then tightening
them to the specified torque.
TIP

Make sure that the O-rings are properly
seated.
8. Install the engine oil drain bolts,
and then tighten them to the spec-
ified torques.
9. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIP

Be sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.
NOTICE

ECA11620
●
In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.
●
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
1. Engine oil drain bolt B
2. Oil filter element cover
3. Bolt
1. Oil filter element
2. O-ring
12
2
3
1
2

Tightening torque:
Oil filter element cover bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Tightening torques:
Engine oil drain bolt A:
35 Nm (3.5 m·kgf, 25 ft·lbf)
Engine oil drain bolt B:
30 Nm (3.0 m·kgf, 21.7 ft·lbf)
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter element replace-
ment:
3.80 L (4.02 US qt, 3.34 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement:
3.90 L (4.12 US qt, 3.43 Imp.qt)

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10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
11. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.

EAU20070
Coolant
The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU38583
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
TIP

●
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.
●
Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
TIP

The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
For TDM900
For TDM900A
3. If the coolant is at or below the
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2

1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Maximum level mark
2. Coolant reservoir
3. Minimum level mark
1 2
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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minimum level mark, remove pan-
el B for TDM900 or panel A for
TDM900A (See page 6-6.), re-
move the reservoir cap, add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark,
and then install the reservoir cap
and the panel.
WARNING! Re-
move only the coolant reservoir
cap. Never attempt to remove
the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.

[EWA15161]

NOTICE:
If
coolant is not available, use dis-
tilled water or soft tap water in-
stead. Do not use hard water or
salt water since it is harmful to
the engine. If water has been
used instead of coolant, replace
it with coolant as soon as possi-
ble, otherwise the cooling sys-
tem will not be protected
against frost and corrosion. If
water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be re-
duced.
[ECA10472]

For TDM900
For TDM900A
EAU27054
Replacing the air filter element
The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the seat. (See
page 3-16.)
2. Remove cowlings A and B as well
as panels A and B. (See
page 6-6.)
3. Remove the fuel tank bolts.
TIP

For TDM900, skip steps 4 and 12.
1. Coolant reservoir cap
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1
1

1. Bolt
1

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4. Remove the rear brake fluid reser-
voir holder by removing the bolt.
For TDM900A
5. Lift the fuel tank away from the air
filter case, but do not disconnect
the fuel hoses.
6. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws.7. Pull the air filter element out.
8. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case.
NOTICE:
Make
sure that the air filter element is
properly seated in the air filtercase. The engine should never
be operated without the air filter
element installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.

[ECA10481]

9. Install the air filter case cover by in-
stalling the screws.
10. Place the fuel tank in its original
position. Make sure that the fuel
hoses are properly connected and
routed, and are not pinched. Be
sure to place the fuel tank breath-
er/overflow hose in its original po-
sition.
WARNING! Before
installing the fuel tank, make
sure that the fuel hoses are not
damaged. If any fuel hose is
damaged, do not start the en-
gine but have a Yamaha dealer
replace the hose, otherwise fuel
may leak, creating a fire haz-
ard.
[EWA11331]

1. Rear brake fluid reservoir
2. Rear brake fluid reservoir holder
3. Bolt
12
3

1. Air filter case cover
2. Screw
1. Air filter element
1 2
2 21