2012 YAMAHA YZ450F check engine

FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha YZ series. This model is
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents
the highest grade of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any
questions about this manual or your
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality.
Therefore, while this manual contains
the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between
your machine and this manual. If you
have any questions concerning this
manual, please consult your Yamaha
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE,
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF
THIS MACHINE.
IMPORTANT MANUAL
INFORMATION
Particularly important information is
distinguished in this manual by the
following notations.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is
used to alert you to potential per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safe-
ty messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or
death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious in-
jury.
A NOTICE indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to
avoid damage to the vehicle or oth-
er property.
A TIP provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
SAFETY INFORMATION
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may also be illegal.
Please check local regulations before
riding.
• THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OPER-
ATED BY AN EXPERIENCED RID-
ER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this ma-
chine at maximum power until you
are totally familiar with its character-
istics.
• THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO
BE RIDDEN BY THE OPERATOR
ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on this
machine.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
APPAREL.
When operating this machine, al-
ways wear an approved helmet with
goggles or a face shield. Also wear
heavy boots, gloves, and protective
clothing. Always wear proper fitting
clothing that will not be caught in
any of the moving parts or controls
of the machine.• ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MA-
CHINE IN PROPER WORKING
ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the ma-
chine must be properly maintained.
Always perform the pre-operation
checks indicated in this manual.
Correcting a mechanical problem
before you ride may prevent an ac-
cident.
• GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE.
Always turn off the engine while re-
fueling. Take care to not spill any
gasoline on the engine or exhaust
system. Never refuel in the vicinity
of an open flame, or while smoking.
• GASOLINE CAN CAUSE INJURY.
If you should swallow some gaso-
line, inhale excess gasoline vapors,
or allow any gasoline to get into
your eyes, contact a doctor immedi-
ately. If any gasoline spills onto
your skin or clothing, immediately
wash skin areas with soap and wa-
ter, and change your clothes.
• ONLY OPERATE THE MACHINE
IN AN AREA WITH ADEQUATE
VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it run
for any length of time in an enclosed
area. Exhaust fumes are poison-
ous. These fumes contain carbon
monoxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon monox-
ide is a dangerous gas which can
cause unconsciousness or can be
lethal.
• PARK THE MACHINE CAREFUL-
LY; TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
Always turn off the engine if you are
going to leave the machine. Do not
park the machine on a slope or soft
ground as it may fall over.
• THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE,
MUFFLER, AND OIL TANK WILL
BE VERY HOT AFTER THE EN-
GINE HAS BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them or to
allow any clothing item to contact
them during inspection or repair.
• PROPERLY SECURE THE MA-
CHINE BEFORE TRANSPORTING
IT.
For safety, drain the gasoline from
the fuel tank before transporting the
vehicle.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
LOCATION OF
IMPORTANT LABELS ..... 1-1
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-5
CONSUMER
INFORMATION................. 1-6
FEATURES....................... 1-7
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-9
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-9
HANDLING THE
ELECTRONIC PARTS ... 1-10
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION ................ 1-10
SPECIAL TOOLS ........... 1-12
CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ................... 1-17
STARTING
AND BREAK-IN.............. 1-17
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-19
CLEANING
AND STORAGE ............. 1-20
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-3
TIGHTENING
TORQUES ...................... 2-11
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-17
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-18
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-
JUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE ....... 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS ........................ 3-14
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-24
CHAPTER 4
ENGINE
SEAT
AND SIDE COVERS ......... 4-1
EXHAUST PIPE
AND SILENCER ............... 4-3
RADIATOR ....................... 4-5
CAMSHAFTS.................... 4-8
CYLINDER HEAD........... 4-13
VALVES AND
VALVE SPRINGS ........... 4-17
CYLINDER
AND PISTON .................. 4-21
CLUTCH ......................... 4-25
OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP ....... 4-29
BALANCER .................... 4-33
OIL PUMP ....................... 4-35
KICK SHAFT
AND SHIFT SHAFT ........ 4-38
AC MAGNETO................ 4-43
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 4-45
CRANKCASE
AND CRANKSHAFT ...... 4-50
TRANSMISSION,
SHIFT CAM
AND SHIFT FORK .......... 4-56
CHAPTER 5
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL
AND REAR WHEEL .........5-1
FRONT BRAKE
AND REAR BRAKE..........5-6
FRONT FORK .................5-16
HANDLEBAR..................5-24
STEERING ......................5-28
SWINGARM ....................5-32
REAR
SHOCK ABSORBER ......5-37
CHAPTER 6
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL TANK ......................6-1
THROTTLE BODY ............6-4
CHAPTER 7
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS AND
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........7-1
IGNITION SYSTEM...........7-3
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM ...........7-6
FUEL INJECTION
SYSTEM............................7-9
FUEL PUMP SYSTEM ....7-35
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS...............7-36
CHAPTER 8
TUNING
CHASSIS ..........................8-1

1-5
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Front brake lever
3. Throttle grip
4. Radiator cap
5. Fuel tank cap
6. Engine stop switch
7. Kickstarter crank
8. Fuel tank
9. Radiator10. Coolant drain bolt
11. Rear brake pedal
12. Valve joint
13. Air cleaner
14. Drive chain
15. Shift pedal
16. Oil level check window
17. Starter knob/idle screw
18. Front fork

1-18
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this
engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Pull the starter knob/ idle screw
"1" to its full length.
Use the starter knob/ idle screw be-
low an air temperature of 15°C
(59°F).
4. Push the kickstarter down lightly
with your foot until resistance is
felt.
5. With the throttle fully closed, fold
out the kickstarter lever, move it
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, and then push it
down smoothly but forcefully.
Do not open the throttle while kick-
ing the kickstarter crank. Other-
wise, the kickstarter crank may
kick back.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
6. When the engine starts running,
warm it up one or two minutes at
a steady speed (of 3,000 to 5,000
r/min), and then return the starter
knob/ idle screw to its original po-
sition.
7. Push the engine stop switch "1".
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
To start a warm engine, make sure
that the starter (choke) knob/idling
screw is pushed in and the throttle is
closed, and then start the engine by
pushing the kickstarter.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with the fuel.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks
on the machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the idle speed, and check
the operation of the controls and
the engine stop switch. Then, re-
start the engine and check its op-
eration within no more than 5
minutes after it is restarted.
4. Operate the machine in the lower
gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes.
5. Check how the engine runs when
the machine is ridden with the
throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (low to me-
dium speed) for about one hour.6. Restart the engine and check the
operation of the machine through-
out its entire operating range. Re-
start the machine and operate it
for about 10 to 15 more minutes.
The machine will now be ready to
race.
• After the break-in or before each
race, you must check the entire
machine for loose fittings and
fasteners as per "TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS". Tighten all
such fasteners as required.
• When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in oper-
ation is necessary.
PISTON, RING, VALVES, CAM-
SHAFTS AND GEARS:
These parts require about 30
minutes of break-in operation at
half-throttle or less. Observe the
condition of the engine carefully
during operation.

1-19
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
Concerning the tightening torque, refer to "TIGHTENING TORQUES" section in the CHAPTER 2.
Frame construction Frame to rear frame
Combined seat and fuel tank Fuel tank to frame
Exhaust system Silencer to rear frame
Engine mounting Frame to engine
Engine bracket to engine
Engine bracket to frame
Steering Steering stem to handlebar Steering stem to frame
Steering stem to upper bracket
Upper bracket to handlebar
Suspension Front Steering stem to front fork Front fork to upper bracket
Front fork to lower bracket
Rear For link type Assembly of links
Link to frame
Link to rear shock absorber
Link to swingarm
Installation of rear shock absorber Rear shock absorber to frame
Installation of swingarm Tightening of pivot shaft
Wheel Installation of wheel Front Tightening of wheel axle
Tightening of axle holder
Rear Tightening of wheel axle
Wheel to rear wheel sprocket
Brake Front Brake caliper to front fork
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to handlebar
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Rear Brake pedal to frame
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to frame
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Fuel system Fuel pump to fuel tank

2-11
TIGHTENING TORQUES
TIGHTENING TORQUES
ENGINE
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
ItemThread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks
Spark plug M10S 1 13 Nm (1.3 m•kg, 9.4 ft•lb)
Camshaft cap M6 8 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder head blind plug screw M12 2 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
Oil passage plug M8 1 15 Nm (1.5 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (stud bolt) M6 3 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Cylinder head (bolt) M10 4 Refer to TIP.
*1
Cylinder head (bolt) M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder head cover M6 3 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Cylinder M6 1 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)
Timing chain guide stopper plate (exhaust
side)M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Exhaust pipe (nut) M6 3 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Exhaust pipe and frame M8 1 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14 ft•lb)
△Silencer M8 2 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)
Silencer clamp (front) M8 1 12 Nm (1.2 m•kg, 8.7 ft•lb)
Silencer clamp (rear) M8 1 16 Nm (1.6 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Starter knob/Idle screw M12 1 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Throttle body joint M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Throttle body joint clamp M5 1 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2 ft•lb)
△Air filter case M6 3 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Air filter joint and air filter case M4 9 1 Nm (0.1 m•kg, 0.7 ft•lb)
Air filter case cover M5 2 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
Air filter joint clamp M4 1 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Throttle cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 1 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Throttle cable (pull) M10 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Throttle cable (return) M10 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Throttle cable cover M5 2 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Air duct M6 3 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Radiator M6 4 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Radiator hose clamp M6 8 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Radiator pipe 1 M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Radiator pipe 2 M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Impeller M8 1 14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10 ft•lb)
Water pump housing cover M6 4 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Coolant drain bolt M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Oil pump cover M4 1 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Oil pump M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Oil pump drive gear shaft M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)

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●●
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●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON PIN
Inspect●
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
3

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate●●Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace●
OIL FILTER
Replace●●
ENGINE GUARD
Replace●Breakage
FRAME
Clean and inspect●●
FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP
inspect●●
FUEL HOSE
Inspect●
Replace●Every four years
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●
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
Inspect and adjust●●
Lube●(After
rain
ride)●Molybdenum disulfide grease
Retighten●●
DRIVE CHAIN GUIDE AND
ROLLERS
Inspect●● ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks