2016 YAMAHA YZ250F check oil

ENGINE
3-14
4. Install:
• Exhaust pipe protector
EAS1SM9082CHECKING THE FUEL LINE
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
• Air scoop (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
2. Check:
• Fuel hose “1”
Crack/damage  Replace.
Loose connection  Connect properly.3. Install:
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
• Air scoop (left/right)
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
EAS1SM9083CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
2. Start the engine, warm this up for 2–3 min-
utes, and then stop the engine and wait
about 5 minute.
3. Check:
• Oil level
The engine oil level should be between the
minimum level mark “a” and maximum level
mark “b”.
Below the minimum level mark  Add the
recommended engine oil to the proper level.
ECA33DD018
NOTICE
• Since engine oil also lubricates the clutch,
the wrong oil types or additives could
cause clutch slippage. Therefore, do not
add any chemical additives.
• Do not allow foreign material to enter the
crankcase. Exhaust pipe protector screw
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
LOCTITE®
2
1
4
3
T R..
1
Recommended brand
YAMALUBE
Type
SAE10W-40, SAE10W-50,
SAE15W-40, SAE20W-40 or
SAE20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
a b

ENGINE
3-15
EAS1SM9084CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
1. Start the engine, warm this up for several
minutes, and then stop the engine and wait
about 5 minutes.
2. Place an oil pan under the drain bolt.
3. Remove:
• Oil filler cap “1”
• Drain bolt (with gasket) “2”
4. If the oil filter element is also to be replaced,
perform the following procedure.
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the oil filter element cover “1” and
oil filter element “2”.
b. Replace the O-rings “3”.c. Install the new oil filter element and the oil fil-
ter element cover.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
5. To check the oil strainer, perform the follow-
ing procedure.
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the oil strainer “1”.
b. Check the oil strainer.
Damage  Replace.
Clogging due to dirt  Wash with kerosene.
c. Replace the O-rings “2”.
d. Install the oil strainer.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
6. Install:
• Engine oil drain bolt
• Drain bolt
1
2
Oil filter element cover bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Oil strainer bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Drain bolt
20 Nm (2.0 m·kgf, 14 ft·lbf)
1
3
2
New
T R..
1
2New
T R..
New
T R..

ENGINE
3-16
7. Pour the specified amount of engine oil into
the oil filler cap hole.
8. Install:
• Oil filler cap
9. Check:
• Oil level
Refer to “CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL” on page 3-14.
10.Check:
• Engine oil pressure
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt
“1”.
EWA
WARNING
When the engine is started with the check
bolt removed, oil will spout; therefore, al-
ways loosen it before the checkup.
Start the engine and keep it idling until oil
starts to seep from the oil pressure check
bolt.
EWA
WARNING
Always keep the engine idling speed during
the checkup without increasing the engine
speed.
ECA
NOTICE
If no engine oil seeps out after one minute,
immediately turn the engine off so it will not
seize.
b. If no engine oil seeps out, check the engine
oil for leaks, and the engine oil passage and
the oil pump for damage.
c. Check the oil pressure again.
d. Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
EAS1SM9085ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED
TIP
• Because the air pressure is lower at high alti-
tudes, the air-fuel mixture will become richer.
If the idling speed is low, turn the starter knob/
idle screw a few clicks counterclockwise to in-
crease the speed before the adjustment.
• Before adjusting the engine idling speed,
make sure that the air filter element is not
clogged, the engine compression is proper,
and the throttle grip free play is proper.
• Adjust the engine idling speed with the starter
knob/idle screw pushed in completely.
1. Start the engine, and warm this up until the
oil has reached the specified temperature.
2. Attach the pocket tester with temperature
probe “1” to the oil drain bolt. Engine oil quantity
Without oil filter element replace-
ment
0.71 L (0.75 US qt, 0.62 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replace-
ment
0.73 L (0.77 US qt, 0.64 Imp.qt)
Quantity (disassembled)
0.90 L (0.95 US qt, 0.79 Imp.qt)
1
Oil pressure check bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Oil temperature
55–65 °C (131–149 °F)
T R..
1

ENGINE
3-17
3. Install:
• Digital tachometer
TIP
Get the high tension cord “1” of the ignition coil
pinched in the detector “a” of the digital tachom-
eter.
4. Measure:
• Engine idling speed
Out of specification  Regulate.
5. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the starter knob/idle screw “1” in the di-
rection of “a” or “b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
EAS1SM9086ADJUSTING THE VALVE CLEARANCE
TIP
• This section is intended for those who have
basic knowledge and skill concerning the ser-
vicing of Yamaha motorcycles (e.g., Yamaha
dealers, service engineers, etc.). Those who
have little knowledge and skill concerning ser-
vicing are requested not to undertake inspec-
tion, adjustment, disassembly, or reassembly
only by reference to this manual. It may lead
to servicing trouble and mechanical damage.
• Make sure that the valve clearance is
checked or adjusted while the engine is cold
(at room temperature).
• While the valve clearance is checked or ad-
justed, make sure that the piston is positioned
in the top dead center (TDC).
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
• Air scoop (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
•ECU
2. Remove:
• Spark plug
• Cylinder head cover
Refer to “CAMSHAFT” on page 5-11.
3. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw “1”
• Crankshaft end accessing screw “2”
• O-ring
4. Check:
• Valve clearance
Out of specification  Regulate. Digital tachometer
90890-06760
Digital tachometer
YU-39951-B
Engine idling speed
1900–2100 r/min
Direction “a” Engine idling speed  De-
creases.
Direction “b” Engine idling speed  In-
creases.1 1
a a
1 b
a
Valve clearance (cold)
Intake
0.12–0.19 mm (0.0047–0.0075 in)
Exhaust
0.17–0.24 mm (0.0067–0.0094 in)
1
2

ENGINE
3-19
c. Check the number on the originally installed
adjusting pad.
TIP
• The adjusting pad number “a” is indicated on
the top of the adjusting pad.
• For the number on the originally installed ad-
justing pad, convert the last digit of adjusting
pad number as per the below table.
d. Select an adjusting pad with a proper valve
clearance from the adjusting pad selection
table.
TIP
• There are 25 types of adjusting pads, ranging
from 1.20 mm (0.0472 in) to 2.40 mm (0.0945
in), in increments of 0.05 mm (0.0020 in).
• The field where the number on the originally
installed adjusting pad and the measured
valve clearance intersect shows the adjusting
pad number to replace.
Example:
Pad number = 148
Rounded value = 150
e. Install the new adjusting pads “4” and the
valve lifters “5”.
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not twist adjusting pads and valve lifters
forcibly during installation.
TIP
• Apply the engine oil on the valve lifters.
• Apply molybdenum disulfide oil to the valve
stem ends.
• Check that the valve lifters turn smoothly
when rotated with your finger.
• Make sure that valve lifters and adjusting
pads are installed in place.
• Make sure that adjusting pads are installed
with their numbers facing upward.
f. Install the camshafts (exhaust and intake).
Refer to “CAMSHAFT” on page 5-11.
g. Measure the valve clearance again.
h. If the valve clearance is out of specification,
repeat adjusting the valve clearance until it
is within specification.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Last digit of pad
numberRounded valve
0, 1 or 2 0
4, 5 or 6 5
8 or 9 10
4 5

CHASSIS
3-28
WARNING
• Use only the designated brake fluid. Other
brake fluids may cause the rubber seals to
deteriorate, causing leakage and poor
brake performance.
• Refill with the same type of brake fluid that
is already in the system. Mixing brake flu-
ids may result in a harmful chemical reac-
tion, leading to poor brake performance.
• When refilling, be careful that water does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir. Water
will significantly lower the boiling point of
the brake fluid and could cause vapor
lock.
ECA
NOTICE
Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces
and plastic parts. Therefore, always clean
up any spilt brake fluid immediately.
EAS1SM9096ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN SLACKECA13550
NOTICE
A drive chain that is too tight will overload
the engine and other vital parts, and one
that is too loose can skip and damage the
swingarm or cause an accident. Therefore,
keep the drive chain slack within the speci-
fied limits.
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel
off the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Shift the transmission into the neutral posi-
tion.
3. Pull the drive chain up above the drive chain
guide installation bolt with a force of about
50 N (5.0 kgf, 36 lbf).
4. Check:
• Drive chain slack “a”
Out of specification  Regulate.
TIP
Measure drive chain slack between the drive
chain guide and the bottom of the chain as
shown.5. Adjust:
• Drive chain slack
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Loosen the wheel axle nut “1”.
b. Loosen both locknuts “2”.
c. Turn the adjusting bolt “3” in direction “a” or
“b” until the specified drive chain slack is ob-
tained.
TIP
• To maintain the proper wheel alignment, ad-
just both sides evenly.
• Push the rear wheel forward to make sure that
there is no clearance between the swingarm
end plates and the ends of the swingarm.
d. Tighten the locknut.
e. Tighten the wheel axle nut.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Drive chain slack
50–60 mm (1.97–2.36 in)
Direction “a”
The drive chain slack decreases.
Direction “b”
The drive chain slack increases.
Locknut
21 Nm (2.1 m·kgf, 15 ft·lbf)
Wheel axle nut
135 Nm (13.5 m·kgf, 98 ft·lbf)
a
1
32
a
b
T R..
T R..

CHASSIS
3-29
EAS1SM9097CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Inner tube
Damage/scratches  Replace.
• Front fork leg (s)
Oil leaks between inner tube and outer tube
 Replace the oil seal.
3. Hold the vehicle upright and apply the front
brake.
4. Check:
• Front fork operation
Push down hard on the handlebar several
times and check if the front fork rebounds
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “FRONT FORK” on page 4-37.
EAS1SM9098CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTEC-
TOR GUIDE
1. Check:
• Protector guide “1”
Out of specification  Replace.
TIP
The protector guide reaches the limit of its use
when it is worn down to the same height “a” as
of the outer tube circumference.
EAS1SM9099CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL
AND DUST SEAL
1. Remove:
•Protector
• Dust seal “1”
ECA
NOTICE
Be careful not to damage the dust seal and
the inner tube by a driver.
2. Clean:
• Dust seal “a”
• Oil seal “b”
TIP
• Clean the dust seal and oil seal after every
run.
• Apply lithium-soap-based grease on the inner
tube.
EAS1SM9100AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK
TIP
If the front fork initial movement feels stiff dur-
ing a run, relieve the front fork internal pres-
sure.
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Remove the air bleed screw “1” and release
the internal pressure from the front fork.
1
a
1
LS
a
b

CHASSIS
3-31
EAS1SM9102CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION
1. Check:
• Swingarm smooth action
• Swingarm free play
Refer to “SWINGARM” on page 4-60.
EAS1SM9103CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly
Gas leaks/oil leaks  Replace the rear
shock absorber assembly.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
3. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly smooth ac-
tion
• Rear suspension link smooth action
Sit astride the seat and shake your body up
and down several times to check whether
the rear shock absorber assembly operates
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
EAS1SM9104ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORB-
ER ASSEMBLY
Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel off
the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
Spring preload
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.1. Remove:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
2. Adjust:
• Spring preload
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Loosen the locknut “1”.
b. Loosen the adjuster “2” until there is some
clearance between the spring and the ad-
juster.
c. Measure the spring free length “a”.
d. Turn the adjuster in the direction of “b” or “c”
to make an adjustment.
TIP
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud from
around the locknut and adjusting ring before
adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed) changes
1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjusting ring.
Direction “b”
Spring preload is increased (suspen-
sion is harder).
Direction “c”
Spring preload is decreased (suspen-
sion is softer).
Spring preload adjusting positions
Minimum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 1.5 mm (0.06 in) from
its free length.
Standard
Position in which the spring is
turned in 10 mm (0.39 in) from its
free length.
Maximum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 18 mm (0.71 in) from its
free length.