2012 YAMAHA YZ250F engine oil

2-10
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ELECTRICAL
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
Item Standard Limit
Ignition system:
Advancer type Electrical ----
CDI:
Magneto-model (stator)/manufacturer 17D-51/YAMAHA ----
Charging coil 1 resistance (color) 720–1,080 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F)
(Green–Brown)----
Charging coil 2 resistance (color) 44–66 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (Black–Pink) ----
Pickup coil resistance (color) 248–372 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) (White–Red) ----
CDI unit-model/manufacturer 17D-90/YAMAHA ----
Ignition coil:
Model/manufacturer 5UL-20/DENSO ----
Minimum spark gap 6 mm (0.24 in) ----
Primary coil resistance 0.08–0.10 Ωat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
Secondary coil resistance 4.6–6.8 kΩat 20 °C (68 °F) ----
ItemThread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks
Spark plug M10S 1 13 Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4 ft•lb)
Camshaft cap M6 10 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder head blind plug screw M12 1 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M8 1 15 Nm (1.5 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (bolt) M9 4 38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (nut) M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder head cover M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Balancer weight M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Balancer shaft driven gear M14 1 50 Nm (5.0 m•kg, 36 ft•lb) Lock washer
Timing chain guide (intake side) M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Timing chain tensioner M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Timing chain tensioner cap bolt M6 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Impeller M8 1 14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10 ft•lb)
Radiator hose clamp M6 10 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Coolant drain bolt M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)Copper
washer
Water pump housing M6 4 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Radiator M6 6 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Radiator pipe M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Oil pump cover M4 1 1.7 Nm (0.17 m•kg, 1.2 ft•lb)
Oil pump M6 3 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Oil filter element drain bolt M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)

2-21
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
A. Pass the hot starter cable over
the radiator mounting boss.
B. Pass the throttle position sensor
lead under the hot starter cable.
C. Fasten the throttle position sen-
sor lead and the hot starter ca-
ble.
D. Locate the clamp between the
hot starter cable protector and
rubber cap.
E. Fasten the neutral switch lead
below the oil hose. and pass the
neutral switch lead on the inside
of the oil hose.
F. Pass the neutral switch lead on
the inside of the oil hose.
G. Fasten the neutral switch lead,
CDI magneto lead, and radiator
breather hose onto the frame.
They should all be clamped
above the engine bracket to the
left of the downtube of the
frame. The clamp ends should
face backward and the rest out-
side of the frame.
H. Pass the clutch cable through
the cable guide.
I. Pass the neutral switch lead and
CDI magneto lead behind the
frame.
J. Pass the hot starter cable on the
inside of the cylinder head
breather hose.
K. Fit the coupler projection into the
hole in the cover.
L. Fasten the sub-wire harness on
the CDI unit bracket.
M. Fasten the sub-wire harness at
the position-taped portion.
N. Pass each lead under the
clamp. Locate the CDI magneto
lead on the outside of the igni-
tion coil lead. Locate the throttle
position sensor lead, neutral
switch lead, CDI magneto lead
and ignition coil lead so that they
do not lie one on another.
O. Fasten the sub-wire harness to
the CDI unit bracket with the
clamp ends located under the
bracket.
P. Fasten the neutral switch lead,
throttle position sensor lead,
CDI magneto lead and ignition
coil lead. Fasten them around
the periphery of the recess be-
tween the tension pipe and radi-
ator mounting boss on the
frame.
Q. Locate the clamp ends within
the arrowed range. Assure that
the clamp end does not contact
the cylinder head breather hose.R. Pass the radiator breather hose
on the outside of the CDI mag-
neto lead and neutral switch
lead.
S. Fasten the throttle position sen-
sor lead and hot starter cable.
Fasten them between the cylin-
der head breather hose and
throttle position sensor tube
clamp. Fasten the clamp with its
ends toward the right-side of the
frame and cut off the other end
with 3 to 5 clamp holes left in it.
T. Locate the radiator breather
hose end above the down tube
and between the oil hose and
engine guard.
U. Fasten the neutral switch lead
above the oil hose, and pass the
neutral switch lead on the inside
of the oil hose.

2-22
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Radiator hose 2
2. Radiator breather hose
3. Ignition coil
4. Throttle cable (pull)
5. Throttle cable (return)
6. Engine stop switch lead
7. Bracket (CDI unit)
8. CDI unitA. Put a cover over the ignition coil.
B. Pass the throttle cables through
the cable guide.
C. Pass the throttle cable over the
radiator mounting boss. Cross
the throttle cable behind the ra-
diator.
D. Pass the throttle cables on the
outside of the ignition coil.E. Insert the engine stop switch
lead into the CDI unit band.
Align the coupler lower end with
the band lower end.
F. Fit the hole in the CDI unit band
over the CDI unit bracket.
CA
BB
A
C

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals.
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine performance. The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is
required by reference to the list below.
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
Inspect●●
OIL FILTER ELEMENT, OIL
STRAINER
Clean●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances●●The engine must be cold.
Inspect●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace●
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace●
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace●
TIMING CHAIN SPROCKETS,
TIMING CHAIN
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●It is recommended that the piston pin
and ring are also replaced at the same
time.
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●
3

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
COOLING SYSTEM
Check coolant level and leakage●●
Check radiator cap operation●
Replace coolant●Every two years
Inspect hoses●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS
Retighten●●Refer to "STARTING AND BREAK-
IN" section in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate●●Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace●
OIL FILTER
Replace●●
OIL STRAINER
Clean●
ENGINE GUARD
Replace●Breakage
FRAME
Clean and inspect●●
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect●●
BRAKES
Adjust lever position and pedal
height●●
Lubricate pivot point●●
Check brake disc surface●●
Check fluid level and leakage●●
Retighten brake disc bolts, cali-
per bolts, master cylinder bolts
and union bolts●●
Replace pads●
Replace brake fluid●Every one year
FRONT FORKS
Inspect and adjust●●
Replace oil●●Suspension oil "S1"
Replace oil seal●
FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND
DUST SEAL
Clean and lube●●Lithium base grease
PROTECTOR GUIDE
Replace● ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks

3-5
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 MAINTENANCE
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-6 – 7
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.P.1-13
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.P.3-9 – 10
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-7
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-7 – 8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-14 – 16
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-17 – 18
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-20 – 21
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-21 – 22
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-18 – 20
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 – 6
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-17
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-23
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-15
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-7
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

3-6
ENGINE
ENGINE
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which
could cause serious injury. When
the engine has cooled, place a
thick towel over the radiator cap,
slowly rotate the cap counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual
pressure to escape. When the
hissing sound has stopped, press
down on the cap while turning
counterclockwise and remove it.
Hard water or salt water is harmful
to the engine parts. You may use
distilled water, if you can't get soft
water.
1. Place the machine on a level
place, and hold it in an upright po-
sition.
2. Remove:
• Radiator cap
3. Check:
• Coolant level "a"
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
1. Radiator
CHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
Take care so that coolant does not
splash on painted surfaces. If it
splashes, wash it away with water.
1. Place a container under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Coolant drain bolt "1"
3. Remove:
• Radiator cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install:
• Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Fill:
• Radiator
•Engine
To specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of
ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im-
purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be
handled with special care.
• When coolant splashes to your
eye.
Thoroughly wash your eye with
water and see your doctor.
• When coolant splashes to your
clothes.
Quickly wash it away with water
and then with soap.
• When coolant is swallowed.
Quickly make him vomit and take
him to a doctor.
7. Install:
• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up
for a several minutes.
8. Check:
• Coolant level
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect:
• Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"
Crack/damage→Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or
replace.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti-corrosion
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio:
50%/50%
Coolant capacity:
1.00 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352

3-8
ENGINE
2. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Adjustment steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the
specified free play is obtained.
d. Tighten the locknut.
Prior to adjusting throttle grip free
play, the engine idling speed should
be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle grip
free play, turn the handlebar to the
right and to the left to ensure that
this does not cause the engine
idling speed to change.
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE
1. Remove:
• Cover (throttle cable cap) "1"
• Cover (grip cap) "2"
• Throttle grip cap "3"
2. Apply:
• Lithium soap base grease
On the throttle cable end "a".3. Install:
• Throttle grip cap
• Screw (throttle grip cap)
• Cover (grip cap)
• Cover (throttle cable cap)
ADJUSTING THE HOT STARTER
LEVER FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Hot starter lever free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Hot starter lever free play
Hot starter lever free play adjust-
ment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Turn the adjuster "2" until free
play "a" is within the specified lim-
its.
c. Tighten the locknut.
After adjustment, check proper oper-
ation of hot starter.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT
Proper air filter maintenance is the
biggest key to preventing premature
engine wear and damage.
Never run the engine without the
air filter element in place; this
would allow dirt and dust to enter
the engine and cause rapid wear
and possible engine damage.
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Fitting bolt "1"
• Washer "2"
• Air filter element "3"
• Air filter guide "4"
2. Clean:
• Air filter element
Clean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remove the remaining
solvent by squeezing the element.
• Do not twist the element when
squeezing the element.
• Leaving too much of solvent in
the element may result in poor
starting.
3. Inspect:
• Air filter element
Damage→Replace.
4. Apply:
• Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil
to the element
Squeeze out the excess oil. Element
should be wet but not dripping.
5. Install:
• Air filter guide "1"
Align the projection "a" on filter guide
with the hole "b" in air filter element.
Screw (throttle grip cap):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Hot starter lever free play
"a":
3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in)
Locknut:
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)