2012 YAMAHA YZ250F light

3-23
CHASSIS
LUBRICATION
To ensure smooth operation of all
components, lubricate your machine
during setup, after break-in, and after
every race.
1. All control cable
2. Clutch lever pivot
3. Shift pedal pivot
4. Footrest pivot
5. Throttle-to-handlebar contact
6. Drive chain
7. Tube guide cable winding por-
tion
8. Throttle cable end
9. Clutch cable end
10. Hot starter cable endA. Use Yamaha cable lube or
equivalent on these areas.
B. Use SAE 10W-40 motor oil or
suitable chain lubricants.
C. Lubricate the following areas
with high quality, lightweight lith-
ium-soap base grease.
Wipe off any excess grease, and
avoid getting grease on the brake
discs.

3-24
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
CHECKING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Remove:
• Spark plug
2. Inspect:
• Electrode "1"
Wear/damage→Replace.
• Insulator color "2"
Normal condition is a medium to
light tan color.
Distinctly different color→Check
the engine condition.
When the engine runs for many hours
at low speeds, the spark plug insula-
tor will become sooty, even if the en-
gine and carburetor are in good
operating condition.
3. Measure:
• Plug gap "a"
Use a wire gauge or thickness
gauge.
Out of specification→Regap.
4. Clean the plug with a spark plug
cleaner if necessary.
5. Tighten:
• Spark plug
• Before installing a spark plug, clean
the gasket surface and plug sur-
face.
• Finger-tighten "a" the spark plug
before torquing to specification "b".
CHECKING THE IGNITION TIMING
1. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
2. Attach:
• Timing light
• Digital tachometer
To the ignition coil lead (orange
lead"1").
3. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE EN-
GINE IDLING SPEED" section.
4. Check:
• Ignition timing
Visually check the stationary
pointer "a" is within the firing
range "b" on the rotor.
Incorrect firing range→Check ro-
tor and pickup assembly.
5. Install:
• Timing mark accessing screw Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm
(0.028–0.031 in)
Spark plug:
13 Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4
ft•lb)
Timing light:
YM-33277-A/90890-
03141

4-5
EXHAUST PIPE AND SILENCER
CHECKING THE SILENCER AND
EXHAUST PIPE
1. Inspect:
• Gasket "1"
Damage→Replace.
CHANGING THE SILENCER FIBER
For USA and CDN
1. Remove:
• Rivet "1"
• Inner pipe "2"
• Silencer end cap "3"
Take care not to damage the rivet
fitting holes (ø4.9 mm) "a" in re-
moval.
Pull out the inner pipe while lightly
tapping the stay "b" on the silencer
using a soft hammer.
2. Replace:
• Fiber "1"
• Fiber "2"
• Fiber "3"
Install the fiber 2 to the inner pipe.
Then, after wrapping the fiber 1, as is
vinyl packaged, around fiber 2, se-
cure them using the tape "a".
3. Replace:
• Fiber (silencer end cap)"1"
The edges of the holes "b" in the
partition plate may cause an injury,
so take care not to directly touch it.
• Make cut "a" as shown using scis-
sors and the like.
• Using a stick or the like, stuff the fi-
ber in order of increasing size into
the end cap of the silencer through
hole "b" in the partition plate.
4. Install:
• Inner pipe "1"
• Rivet (front) "2"
• Apply heat resistant sealant along
the plate edge "a" on the inside of
the silencer and also along the si-
lencer edge "b" as shown.
• Take care not to allow the fiber out
of place when installing the inner
pipe.
5. Install:
• Silencer end cap "1"
• Rivet (rear) "2"
Apply heat resistant sealant along the
plate edge "a" on the inside of the si-
lencer and also along the silencer
edge "b" as shown.
Except for USA and CDN
1. Remove:
• Rivet (front) "1"
• Inner pipe "2"
Take care not to damage the rivet
fitting holes (ø4.9 mm) "a" in re-
moval.
Pull out the inner pipe while lightly
tapping the stay "b" on the silencer
using a soft hammer.
2. Replace:
• Fiber "1"
• Fiber "2"
• Fiber "3"
Install the fiber 2 to the inner pipe.
Then, after wrapping the fiber 1, as is
vinyl packaged, around fiber 2, se-
cure them using the tape "a".

4-14
CARBURETOR
• Apply the fluorochemical grease on
the bearings.
• Fit the projection "a" on the throttle
shaft assembly into the slot "b" in
the throttle position sensor.
• Make sure the stopper "c" of the
spring fits into the recess in the car-
buretor.
• Turn the throttle shaft assembly left
while holding down the lever 1 "5"
and fit the throttle stop screw tip "d"
to the stopper "e" of the throttle
shaft assembly pulley.
9. Install:
• Push rod "1"
While holding down the lever 1 "2", in-
sert the push rod farthest into the car-
buretor.
10. Install:
• Starter jet "1"
• Pilot jet "2"
• Spacer "3"
• Needle jet "4"
•Main jet "5"11. Install:
• Needle valve "1"
•Float "2"
• Float pin "3"
• After installing the needle valve to
the float, install them to the carbure-
tor.
• Check the float for smooth move-
ment.
12. Install:
• Pilot screw "1"
• Spring "2"
• Washer "3"
• O-ring "4"
Note the following installation
points:
a. Turn in the pilot screw until it is
lightly seated.
b. Turn out the pilot screw by the
number of turns recorded before
removing.
13. Install:
• O-ring
• Leak jet "1"
• Float chamber "2"
• Bolt (float chamber) "3"
• Cable holder (throttle stop screw
cable) "4"
• Hose holder (carburetor breather hose) "5"
14. Install:
• Diaphragm (accelerator pump)
"1"
• Spring "2"
• O-ring "3"
• Accelerator pump cover "4"
• Hose holder (drain hose) "5"
• Screw (accelerator pump cover)
"6"
Install the diaphragm (accelerator
pump) with its mark "a" facing the
spring.
15. Install:
• Jet needle "1"
•Collar "2"
• Spring "3"
• Needle holder "4"
• Throttle valve plate "5"
To throttle valve "6".
16. Install:
• Throttle valve assembly "1"
• Screw (throttle shaft) "2"
Install the valve lever rollers "3" into
the slits "a" of the throttle valve.
Pilot screw (example):
2 turns out
*2-1/4 turns out
* For EUROPE

4-15
CARBURETOR
17. Install:
• O-ring "1"
• Valve lever housing cover "2"
• Bolt (valve lever housing cover)
"3"
18. Install:
• Carburetor breather hose "1"
Install the carburetor breather hoses
to the carburetor so that the hoses do
not bend near where they are in-
stalled.
ADJUSTING THE ACCELERATOR
PUMP TIMING
Adjustment steps:
In order for the throttle valve height
"a" to achieve the specified value,
tuck under the throttle valve plate "1"
the rod "2" etc. with the same outer di-
ameter as the specified value.
a. Fully turn in the accelerator pump
adjusting screw "3".
b. Check that the link lever "4" has
free play "b" by pushing lightly on
it.c. Gradually turn out the adjusting
screw while moving the link lever
until it has no more free play.
INSTALLING THE CARBURETOR
1. Install:
• Carburetor joint "1"
2. Install:
• Carburetor "1"
Install the projection "a" between the
carburetor joint slots.
3. Install:
• Hot starter plunger "1"
4. Tighten:
• Bolt (carburetor joint) "1"
• Bolt (air filter joint) "2"5. Install:
• Throttle cable (pull) "1"
• Throttle cable (return) "2"
6. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE
THROTTLE GRIP FREE PLAY"
section in the CHAPTER 3.
7. Install:
• Throttle cable cover "1"
• Bolt (throttle cable cover) "2"
8. Install:
• Throttle position sensor lead cou-
pler "1"
• Clamp "2"
Refer to "CABLE ROUTING DIA-
GRAM" section in the CHAPTER
2. Throttle valve height:
0.7 mm (0.028 in)
Carburetor joint:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Hot starter plunger:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Bolt (carburetor joint):
3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (air filter joint):
3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2
ft•lb)
Throttle cable (pull):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Throttle cable (return):
11 Nm (1.1 m•kg, 8.0
ft•lb)
Bolt (throttle cable cov-
er):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)

4-19
CAMSHAFTS
4. Measure:
• Camshaft-to-cap clearance
Out of specification→Measure
camshaft outside diameter.
Measurement steps:
a. Install the camshaft onto the cylin-
der head.
b. Position a strip of Plastigauge
®
"1" onto the camshaft.
c. Install the clip, dowel pins and
camshaft caps.
• Tighten the bolts (camshaft cap) in
a crisscross pattern from innermost
to outer caps.
• Do not turn the camshaft when
measuring clearance with the
Plastigauge
®.
d. Remove the camshaft caps and
measure the width of the Plasti-
gauge
® "1".
5. Measure:
• Camshaft outside diameter "a"
Out of specification→Replace the
camshaft.
Within specification→Replace
camshaft case and camshaft
caps as a set.CHECKING THE CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Camshaft sprocket "1"
Wear/damage→Replace the
camshaft assembly and timing
chain as a set.
CHECKING THE
DECOMPRESSION SYSTEM
1. Check:
• Decompression system
Checking steps:
a. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam "1" moves
smoothly.
b. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam lever pin "2" proj-
ects from the camshaft.
CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN
TENSIONER
1. Check:
• While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver "1" and wind the ten-
sioner rod up fully clockwise.
• When releasing the screwdriver
by pressing lightly with fingers,
make sure that the tensioner rod
will come out smoothly.
• If not, replace the tensioner as-
sembly.INSTALLING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Install:
• Exhaust camshaft "1"
• Intake camshaft "2"
Installation steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the camshafts.
• Apply the engine oil on the decom-
pression system.
• Squeezing the decompression le-
ver allows the crankshaft to be
turned easily.
b. Align the T.D.C. mark "a" on the
rotor with the align mark "b" on the
crankcase cover when piston is at
T.D.C. on compression stroke. Camshaft-to-cap clear-
ance:
0.028–0.062 mm
(0.0011–0.0024 in)
:0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Camshaft outside diame-
ter:
21.959–21.972 mm
(0.8645–0.8650 in)

4-20
CAMSHAFTS
c. Fit the timing chain "3" onto both
camshaft sprockets and install the
camshafts on the cylinder head.
The camshafts should be installed
onto the cylinder head so that the
punch mark "c" on the exhaust cam-
shaft and the punch mark "d" on the
intake camshaft must align with the
cylinder head surface, as shown in
the illustration.
Do not turn the crankshaft during
the camshaft installation. Damage
or improper valve timing will re-
sult.
d. Install the clips, camshaft caps "4"
and bolts (camshaft cap) "5".
• Before installing the clips, cover the
cylinder head with a clean rag to
prevent the clips from into the cylin-
der head cavity.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the thread of the bolts (camshaft
cap).
• Tighten the bolts to the specified
torque in two or three steps in the
proper tightening sequence as
shown.
The bolts (camshaft cap) must be
tightened evenly, or damage to the
cylinder head, camshaft caps, and
camshaft will result.
2. Install:
• Timing chain tensioner
Installation steps:
a. While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver and wind the tension-
er rod up fully clockwise.
b. With the rod fully wound and the
chain tensioner UP mark "a" fac-
ing upward, install the gasket "1"
and the timing chain tensioner "2",
and tighten the bolt "3" to the
specified torque.
c. Release the screwdriver, check
the tensioner rod to come out and
tighten the gasket "4" and the cap
bolt "5" to the specified torque.
3. Turn:
• Crankshaft
Counterclockwise several turns.4. Check:
• Rotor T.D.C. mark
Align with the crankcase align
mark.
• Camshaft match marks
Align with the cylinder head sur-
face.
Out of alignment→Adjust.
5. Install:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw
"2"
6. Install:
• Timing chain guide (top side) "1"
• Cylinder head cover gasket "2"
• Cylinder head cover "3"
• Bolt (cylinder head cover) "4"
Apply the sealant on the cylinder
head cover gasket.
7. Install:
• Cylinder head breather hose
• Spark plug Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (timing chain ten-
sioner):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Tensioner cap bolt:
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Bolt (cylinder head cov-
er):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
YAMAHA Bond No. 1215
(ThreeBond
® No. 1215):
90890-85505
Spark plug:
13 Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4
ft•lb)

4-25
VALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
3. Inspect:
• Valve face
Pitting/wear→Grind the face.
• Valve stem end
Mushroom shape or diameter
larger than the body of the stem→
Replace.
4. Measure:
• Margin thickness "a"
Out of specification→Replace.
5. Measure:
• Runout (valve stem)
Out of specification→Replace.
• When installing a new valve always
replace the guide.
• If the valve is removed or replaced
always replace the oil seal.
6. Eliminate:
• Carbon deposits
(from the valve face and valve
seat)
7. Inspect:
• Valve seat
Pitting/wear→Reface the valve
seat.
8. Measure:
• Valve seat width "a"
Out of specification→Reface the
valve seat.
Measurement steps:
a. Apply Mechanic's blueing dye
(Dykem) "b" to the valve face.
b. Install the valve into the cylinder
head.
c. Press the valve through the valve
guide and onto the valve seat to
make a clear pattern.
d. Measure the valve seat width.
Where the valve seat and valve
face made contact, blueing will
have been removed.
e. If the valve seat is too wide, too
narrow, or the seat is not cen-
tered, the valve seat must be
refaced.
9. Lap:
• Valve face
• Valve seat
This model uses titanium intake
and exhaust valves. Titanium
valves that have been used to lap
the valve seats must not be used.
Always replace lapped valves with
new valves.
• When replacing the cylinder head,
replace the valves without lapping
the valve seats and valve faces.• When replacing the valves or valve
guides, use new valves to lap the
valve seats, and then replace them
with new valves.
Lapping steps:
a. Apply a coarse lapping compound
to the valve face.
Do not let the compound enter the
gap between the valve stem and
the guide.
b. Apply molybdenum disulfide oil to
the valve stem.
c. Install the valve into the cylinder
head.
d. Turn the valve until the valve face
and valve seat are evenly pol-
ished, then clean off all of the
compound.
For best lapping results, lightly tap
the valve seat while rotating the valve
back and forth between your hands.
e. Apply a fine lapping compound to
the valve face and repeat the
above steps.
After every lapping operation be sure
to clean off all of the compound from
the valve face and valve seat.
f. Apply Mechanic's blueing dye
(Dykem) to the valve face.
g. Install the valve into the cylinder
head. Margin thickness:
Intake:
0.8 mm (0.0315 in)
Exhaust:
0.7 mm (0.0276 in)
Runout limit:
0.01 mm (0.0004 in)
Valve seat width:
Intake:
0.9–1.1 mm
(0.0354–0.0433 in)
:1.6 mm
(0.0630 in)
Exhaust:
0.9–1.1 mm
(0.0354–0.0433 in)
:1.6 mm
(0.0630 in)