2012 YAMAHA YFZ450 engine overheat

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EBU17805Indicator light and warning light EBU17860Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.EBU17930Coolant temperature warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs during operation, stop the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so and allow it to
cool down for about 10 minutes. The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked according to the following procedure.
1. Set the engine stop switch to “” and turn
the key to “ON ”.
2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position or pull the clutch lever.
3. Push the start switch. If the warning light does not come on while the start switch is pushed,
have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
NOTICEECB00010
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage to
the engine.
1. Neutral indicator light “N”
2. Coolant temperature warning light “”
12
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WARNING
EWB00220
Always set the parking brake before starting
the engine. The ATV could start moving un-
expectedly if the parking brake is not ap-
plied. This could cause loss of control or a
collision.
Always be sure you have released the park-
ing brake before you begin to ride. The brake
could overheat if you ride the ATV without re-
leasing the parking brake. You could lose
braking performance which could cause an
accident. You could also wear out the brakes
prematurely.EBU18530Shift pedal This ATV is equipped with a constant-mesh 5-
speed transmission. The shift pedal is located on
the left side of the engine and is used in combina-
tion with the clutch when shifting.
1. Parking brake lever (locked position)
1. Parking brake lever (unlocked position)U1PD60E0.book Page 7 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

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Always use the clutch when changing gears.
The engine, transmission and drive train are
not designed to withstand the shock of
forced shifting and can be damaged by shift-
ing without using the clutch.EBU20672Engine break-in TIP
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or
hour meter, follow the figures given in hours.There is never a more important period in the life of
your engine than the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours of riding. For this reason, you should read
the following material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours. The various parts in the engine wear and
polish themselves to the correct operating clear-
ances. During this period, prolonged full-throttle
operation or any condition that might result in en-
gine overheating must be avoided.0
–160 km (0 –100 mi) or 0 –10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Vary
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
160 –320 km (100 –200 mi) or 10 –20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine through the gears freely, but do not use
full throttle at any time.
320 km (200 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICEECB00220If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV.EBU20722Parking When parking the ATV, shift into first gear, stop the
engine, apply the parking brake, and then turn the
fuel cock to “OFF ”.
U1PD60E0.book Page 5 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

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3. If the coolant is at or below the minimum level
mark, remove the coolant reservoir cap, add
coolant or distilled water to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir cap.
NOTICE: If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water instead. Do
not use hard water or salt water since they
are harmful to the engine. If water has
been used instead of coolant, replace it
with coolant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not be pro- tected against frost and corrosion. If water
has been added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the antifreeze con- tent of the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of the coolant
will be reduced.
[ECB01011]
TIP
The radiator fan is automatically switched on or
off according to the coolant temperature in the
radiator.
If the engine overheats, see page 8-58 for fur-
ther instructions.EBU23564To change the coolant
WARNING
EWB01890Wait for the engine and radiator to cool before
removing the radiator cap. You could be
burned by hot fluid and steam blown out under
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
3. Coolant reservoir
4. Coolant reservoir cap
1
2 4
3
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maxi-
mum level mark):
0.29 L (0.31 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
U1PD60E0.book Page 21 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

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14. Install the washer onto the air filter element
frame, and then insert the wing bolt into the
hole in the air filter element frame. NOTICE:
Be sure to install the washer with its
curved side facing outward as shown.
[ECB00453]
15. Insert the air filter element into the air filter case, and then tighten the wing bolt. NOTICE:
Make sure that the air filter element is
properly seated in the air filter case. Never
operate the engine with the air filter ele-
ment removed. This will allow unfiltered air
to enter the engine, causing rapid engine
wear and possible engine damage. Addi-
tionally, operation without the air filter ele-
ment will affect carburetor jetting with
subsequent poor performance and possi-
ble engine overheating.
[ECB00461]
16. Install the air filter case cover by hooking the holders onto the air filter case.
1. Air filter element seat
1
1. Washer
1
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8-58
8Engine overheating
WARNING
EWB02290Wait for the engine and radiator to cool before removing the radiator cap. You could be burned by
hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure. Always put a thick rag over the cap when opening.
Allow any remaining pressure to escape before completely removing the cap.TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the rec-
ommended coolant as soon as possible.Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again, have a
Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
U1PD60E0.book Page 58 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM