Yamaha YZ450FA Automobile User Manual


 
1-22
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine will en-
hance its appearance, maintain good overall
performance, and extend the life of many com-
ponents.
1. Before washing the machine, block off the
end of the exhaust pipe to prevent water
from entering. A plastic bag secured with a
rubber band may be used for this purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively greasy, apply
some degreaser to it with a paint brush. Do
not apply degreaser to the chain, sprockets,
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a gar-
den hose; use only enough pressure to do
the job.
Do not use high-pressure washers or
steam-jet cleaners since they cause water
seepage and deterioration seals.
4. After the majority of the dirt has been hosed
off, wash all surfaces with warm water and a
mild detergent. Use an old toothbrush to
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediately with
clean water, and dry all surfaces with a soft
towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, remove excess
water from the chain with a paper towel and
lubricate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery clean-
er to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied to all paint-
ed or chromed surfaces. Avoid combination
cleaner-waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start the engine
and allow it to idle for several minutes.
STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60 days or
more, some preventive measures must be tak-
en to avoid deterioration. After cleaning the ma-
chine thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (if
available) to prevent the fuel tank from rust-
ing and the fuel from deteriorating.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a tablespoon
of SAE 10W-40 motor oil in the spark plug
hole, and reinstall the plug. With the engine
stop switch pushed in, kick the engine over
several times to coat the cylinder walls with
oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it thoroughly
with solvent, and lubricate it. Reinstall the
chain or store it in a plastic bag tied to the
frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the wheels off
the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe outlet
to prevent moisture from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a humid or
salt-air environment, coat all exposed metal
surfaces with a film of light oil. Do not apply
oil to rubber parts or the seat cover.
Make any necessary repairs before the ma-
chine is stored.