2009 YAMAHA VMAX check engine

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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.
NOTICE

ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
EAU19907
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.
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.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge 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.
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9 ft·lbf)
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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8. Install the engine oil drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
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.
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.
TIP

After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.
NOTICE

ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
1. Torque wrench
Tightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 30 ft·lbf)
1

Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
4.30 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.70 L (4.97 US qt, 4.14 Imp.qt)
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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11. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.

EAU46572
Final gear oil
The final gear case must be checked
for oil leakage before each ride. If any
leakage is found, have a Yamaha deal-
er check and repair the vehicle. In addi-
tion, the final gear oil must be checked
and changed as follows at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
WARNING

EWA10370

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the final gear case.

Make sure that no oil gets on the
tire or wheel.
To check the final gear oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
TIP


The final gear oil level must be
checked on a cold engine.

Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the oil level.2. Loosen the final gear oil check bolt
until oil flows out.
3. If no oil flows out, remove the final
gear oil filler bolt. (See steps 3–4
under “To change the final gear oil”
for oil filler bolt removal.)
4. Pour the recommended type of oil
in the final gear oil filler hole until it
flows out of the oil check bolt hole.
5. Install the final gear oil filler bolt
and final gear oil check bolt, and
then tighten them to their specified
torques.
1. Final gear oil drain bolt
2. Final gear oil check bolt
3. Final gear oil drain bolt washer
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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.
EAU46690
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.3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap guard by re-
moving the bolt, and then remove
the reservoir cap.
4. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap.
WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is
hot.
[EWA15161]

NOTICE:
If coolant is
not available, use distilled wateror soft tap water instead. 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 cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]

5. Install the coolant reservoir cap
guard by installing the bolt.
EAU46422
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowling A. (See
page 6-6.)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir cap guard
3. Bolt
4. Maximum level mark
5. Minimum level mark2
1
5 4
3

Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)

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11. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
12. Install the coolant drain bolt.
TIP

Check the O-ring for damage and re-
place it if necessary.
13. Hold the vehicle upright, and pour
the specified amount of the recom-
mended coolant into the radiator
and reservoir.
NOTICE:
Failing to
hold the vehicle upright when
filling the radiator with coolant
may cause air to be trapped in
the cooling system.
[ECA16540]
14. Install the coolant reservoir cap,
and then install the reservoir cap
guard by installing the bolt.
15. Install the radiator cap.
16. Start the engine, let it idle for sev-
eral minutes, and then turn it off.
17. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap.
18. Check the coolant level in the res-
ervoir. If necessary, remove the
coolant reservoir cap guard and
the cap, add coolant to the maxi-mum level mark, and then install
the cap and the cap guard.
19. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
20. Install the air intake duct by install-
ing the bolts.
21. Install the cowling.
1. Coolant drain bolt
1

Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibitors
for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator capacity (including all
routes):
3.75 L (3.96 US qt, 3.30 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)

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EAU36762
Air filter element
The air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
EAU44734
Checking the engine idling
speed
Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, have it corrected by a
Yamaha dealer.
EAU21382
Checking the throttle cable
free play
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
Engine idling speed:
950–1050 r/min
1. Throttle cable free play
1

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EAU21401
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21772
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING

EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING

EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
90–190 kg (198–419 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
Maximum load*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories

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EAU22751
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In
addition, have the oil seals of the brake
and clutch master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake and clutch
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.

Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
EAU23101
Checking and lubricating the
cables
The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
sheath may interfere with proper ca-
ble operation and will cause the in-
ner cable to rust. Replace a
damaged cable as soon as possible
to prevent unsafe conditions.
[EWA10721]

EAU23111
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable
The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil