2012 YAMAHA YFZ450R check engine

8-22
815. Install the engine guard by installing the bolts,
and then tighten them to the specified torque.
NOTICE: Be sure to apply LOCTITE
® to the
engine guard bolts before installing them.
[ECB00371]
EBU29860
Coolant The coolant level should be checked before each
ride. In addition, the coolant must be changed at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. Have a Yamaha dealer
change the coolant. WARNING! Never attempt to
remove the radiator cap when the engine is
hot.
[EWB02670]
EBU27942
To check the coolant level 1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
TIPThe coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.2. Check the coolant level in the coolant reser- voir.TIPThe coolant should be between the minimum and
maximum level marks.
Tightening torque:Engine guard bolt:7 Nm (0.7 m ·kgf, 5.1 ft ·lbf)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
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8
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 8-54 for fur-
ther instructions.EBU26806Cleaning the air filter element The air filter element should be cleaned at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Clean or, if necessary, replace
the air filter element more frequently if you are
riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.TIPThere is a check hose at the bottom of the air filter
case. If dust or water collects in this hose, empty
the hose and clean the air filter element and air fil-
ter case.
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maxi-
mum level mark): 0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
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8-27
8
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 the fuel injection system
with subsequent poor performance and
possible engine overheating.
[ECB00761]
16. Install the air filter case cover by hooking the holders onto the air filter case. 17. Install the seat.
TIPThe air filter element should be cleaned every 20
–
40 hours. It should be cleaned and lubricated more
often if the ATV is operated in extremely dusty ar-
eas. Each time the air filter element maintenance
is performed, check the air inlet of the air filter case
for obstructions. Check the air filter case rubber
joint to the throttle body and the rubber joint mani-
fold fittings for an air-tight seal. Tighten all fittings
securely to avoid the possibility of unfiltered air en-
tering the engine.EBU27703Cleaning the spark arrester Select a well-ventilated area free of combustible
materials and make sure the exhaust and muffler
are cool. 1. Remove the tailpipe bolt.
1. Washer
1
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8-29
8
7. Start the engine and rev it up approximately
twenty times while momentarily creating ex-
haust system back pressure by blocking the
end of the muffler with a shop towel.
8. Stop the engine and allow the exhaust pipe to cool.
9. Check the gasket for damage, and replace it if necessary.
10. Install the gasket and the purging bolt, and then tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
WARNING
EWB02380Never run the engine in an enclosed area when
purging the spark arrester, otherwise it could
cause injury to the eyes, burns, carbon monox-
ide poisoning, possibly leading to death, and
start a fire.
Always let the exhaust system cool prior to
touching exhaust components.
Always wear eye protection, and make sure
no one is behind the ATV.
Make sure there are no combustible materi-
als in the area.EBU29702Adjusting the throttle lever free play The throttle lever free play should be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
1. Purging bolt
2. Gasket
2
1
Tightening torque: Purging bolt:27 Nm (2.7 m ·kgf, 20 ft ·lbf)
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8-30
8The throttle lever free play should measure 2.0
–
4.0 mm (0.08– 0.16 in) as shown. Periodically
check the throttle lever free play and, if necessary,
adjust it as follows. 1. Slide the rubber cover back.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the throttle lever free play, turn the throttle lever free play adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the throttle lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
4. Tighten the locknut. 5. Slide the rubber cover to its original position.
EBU24060Valve 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 inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.EBU29601Brakes Replacement of brake components requires pro-
fessional knowledge. Brake service should be per-
formed by a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB02571Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could lead to a loss in braking ability
and an accident.EBU24130Checking the front and rear brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be checked for
wear at the intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
1. Rubber cover
2. Throttle lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Throttle lever free play
32
4
(a)(b)
1U18P66E0.book Page 30 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM

8-40
8
EBU24882Lubricating the drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or wet areas.
Service the drive chain as follows.NOTICEECB00561The drive chain must be lubricated after wash-
ing the ATV or riding in the rain or wet areas.1. Clean the drive chain with kerosene and asmall soft brush. NOTICE: To prevent dam-
aging the O-rings, do not clean the drive
chain with steam cleaners, high-pressure
washers or inappropriate solvents.
[ECB00571]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive chain with a special O-ring chain lubricant. NOTICE: Do
not use engine oil or any other lubricants
for the drive chain, as they may contain
substances that could damage the O-
rings.
[ECB00581]
EBU24902
Checking and lubricating the cables The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-1. O-rings
1
1
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8-41
8
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
WARNING
EWB02581
Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could
restrict the operation of controls and lead to
an accident or injury.
Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision.
EBU24922Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers The operation of the brake and clutch levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
Brake lever
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or engine oilRecommended lubricants: Brake lever:Silicone grease
Clutch lever: Lithium-soap-based grease
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8-53
8
EBU27693Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition. Have a Yamaha dealer
check the ATV.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the ATV.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
U18P66E0.book Page 53 Monday, May 16, 2011 4:23 PM