With any newly released motorcycle, there are bound to be a few glitches in
production. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, there are a few
minor errors with the WR450F. Below is a list of quick fixes to some minute
problems, that may grow as this project evolves. (Please note that Off-Road.com
is not responsible for any incorrect information; the tips below are to fix
possible problems that may or may not occur).
Woodruff
Key Alert - February 16, 2003
It is widely known that this is an issue. As of now our information is sketchy,
but our contact at Yamaha said, "We don't know for sure if it was human
error or maybe a pinched airline on the tool used to put this nut on - but the
rotor nut does not always have the proper torque." If you have a '03 WR450F
you need to check this and make sure it is at 50 foot-pounds. There are more
rumors on varying torques and as soon as we have official word from Yamaha we'll
let you know.
The shearing of the woodruff key happens at start up. A minor
backfire breaks it and sometimes whacks the WR timing so it will not start. In
our case after the failure, the electric start would spin freely. After checking
the hand-loose nut and torqueing to spec - the timing was so far out that the
bike would backfire and pop without starting. If you have this problem, let the
dealer fix it, Yamaha is taking care of this problem without cost to you.According to a dealer we talked with today once the "rotor
nut" has the proper foot-pound torque there should be no further woodruff
key failures.More as it comes in.Mike
Hobbs
Woodruff
Key Update - March 17, 2003
Word on the street (www.thumpertalk.com)
is that woodruff key failures are continuing, despite retorqueing to +50 ft lbs,
and lapping the flywheel does not always seem to fix the problem after a
failure.Indications are that a certain range of serial
numbers are affected. See current posts on Thumper Talk (click
link above for direct Link to the WR450 forum) and search for
"woodruff." More to come.Yamaha Customer
Relations: 1-800-962-7926.William Perry
MXOffroad Editor
Woodruff
Key Update - April 1, 2003
Yes, there is a problem with it and yes Yamaha has addressed it. Most WR450F
owners become aware of this failure by the time they hit 130 miles on the ODO.
What usually happens is an off idle backfire kills the engine shearing the
Woodruff key. This knocks the bike out of "time" and it will not
re-start.
Even if you've had your WR450F Woodruff key repaired you need
to check to see if you have the latest fix. You can determine this by looking at
the right side steering stem in front of the VIN number there should be a punch
mark. If you don't have the punch mark call your dealer to schedule an
appointment to have the work performed.
Regardless of when you bought your 2003 WR450 this is
covered by your warranty at no charge to you. It's probably not a bad idea to
call your local Yamaha dealer and make sure they have the latest Tech Bulletin
"M2003-007" before you rush down to have the work preformed.To
richen the idle circuit to prevent the lean condition backfire Yamaha recommends
adjusting the idle mixture screw 3 to 3-1/2 turns out from all the way in. This
is a pretty simple task that can be done without removing the carburetor.
If you look at the bottom of your carb in the front, you'll
see a small hole, that's where the screw is located. Use a small mirror and
short small standard screwdriver to adjust it. The mirror will help to ensure
you have the screwdriver in the slot. If you don't, you might bend the needle
causing yourself more problems.
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