Honda Crf 250 M Manual

							Servicing Your Honda37
Engine Oil
JASO T 903 standard
The JASO T 903 standard is an index to choose
engine oils for 4-stroke motorcycle engines.
There are two classes: MA and MB.
Oil conforming to the standard has the following
classification on the oil container.
(1) code number of the sales company of the oil
(2) oil classification
Checking & Adding Oil
(1) engine oil filler cap/dipstick
(2) upper level mark
(3) lower level mark
1. Run the engine at idle for 3 minutes, then shut
it off.  
2. Wait 3 minutes after shutting off the engine to
allow the oil to properly distribute itself in the
engine.  
3. Support the CRF in an upright position on a
level surface.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap/dipstick (1),
wipe it clean, and insert the oil filler
cap/dipstick without screwing it in, Remove
the oil filler cap/dipstick.
5.  Check that the oil level is between the upper
(2) and lower (3) level marks on the oil filler
cap/dipstick.
•  If the oil is at or near the upper level mark,
you do not have to add oil.
•  If the oil is below or near the lower level
mark and add the recommended oil until
the upper level mark. (Do not overfill)
Reinstall the engine oil filler cap/dipstick.
Repeat steps 1–5.
6. Reinsert the engine oil filler cap/dipstick.
7.  Check for oil leaks.  
Changing Engine Oil & Filter
1. Run the engine at idle for 3 minutes, then shut
it off.  
2. Support the CRF in an upright position on a
level surface.  
3.  Remove the engine oil filler cap/dipstick (1)
from the left crankcase cover.
4.  Place an oil drain pan under the engine to
catch the oil. Then remove the engine oil
drain bolt (2) and sealing washer (3).
5. With the engine stop button pushed, repeat
kickstarter operation approximately 5 times to
drain the engine oil completely.
6.  After the oil has drained, tighten the engine
oil drain bolt with a new sealing washer to the
specified torque:
16 lbf·ft (22 N·m, 2.2 kgf·m)
(1) engine oil filler cap/dipstick
(2) engine oil drain bolt
(3) sealing washer
7. It is recommended to replace the oil and filter
every 6 races or about every 15.0 hours.
However, if you replace only the oil before
the recommended interval, see page 21.
(2)(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)(3)
(1)(3)
(2)
(cont’d) 
						

							38Servicing Your Honda
Engine Oil
8.  Remove the left engine guard bolt (4) and left
engine guard (5).12.Apply grease to the seat face of spring (10).
13.Position the spring against the engine
crankcase and install a new oil filter with the
rubber seal (11) facing out, away from the
engine. You should see the ”OUT-SIDE” mark
(12) on the filter body, near the seal.
Use a new genuine Honda oil filter or a filter
of equal quality specified for your model.
If the oil filter is not installed properly, it will
cause serious engine damage.
14.Install the oil filter cover O-ring and oil filter
cover being careful not to damage the O-ring,
then tighten the oil filter cover bolts to the
specified forque:
9 lbf·ft (12 N·m, 1.2 kgf·m)
15.Install the left engine guard and left engine
guard  bolt.
16.Fill the crankcase with the recommended oil.
Capacity:
0.73 US qt (0.69R)
at oil and filter change
0.70 US qt (0.66R)
at oil change
17.Install the engine oil filler cap/dipstick.
18.Check the engine oil level by following the
steps in 
Checking & Adding oil  (page 37).
NOTICE
(4) left engine guard bolt
(5) left engine guard
9.  Remove the oil filter cover bolts (6) and oil
filter cover (7).
(6) oil filter cover bolts
(7) oil filter cover
(8) oil filter
(9) oil filter cover O-ring
(10) spring
(11) rubber seal
(12) “OUT-SIDE” mark
(5)
(4)
(10)
(12)(9)
(8)
(11)
(7)
(6)
10. Remove the oil filter (8) from the cover.
11. Check that the oil filter cover O-ring (9) is in
good condition. 
						

							Servicing Your Honda39
Refer to Safety Precautions on page19.  
Using the proper oil, and regularly checking,
adding, and changing oil will help extend the
service life of the transmission and clutch.  Even
the best oil wears out.  Changing oil helps get rid
of dirt and deposits.  Operating the engine with
old or dirty oil can damage your engine.
Running the engine with insufficient oil can
cause serious damage to the engine and
transmission.  Oil Recommendation• Your CRF does not need oil additives. Use the
recommended oil.
• Do not use oils with graphite or molybdenum
additives. They may adversely affect clutch
operation.
• Do not use API SH or higher 4-stroke engine
oils displaying a circular API “energy 
conserving” service label on the container. They
may affect lubrication and clutch performance.
*   Suggested 4-stroke engine oils are equal
performance to SJ oils that are not labeled as
energy conserving on the circular API service
label.
Type
API classification
(4-stroke engine oil
only)
Viscosity(weight)
JASO T903
standard
others
suggested oil*
transmission oil or 4-strokeengine oil
SG or higher except oils
labeled as energy 
conserving on the circular
API service label
SAE 10W–40
MA
without friction modifiers asmolybdenum additives
Pro Honda HP Trans oil, 
Pro Honda GN4 or HP4
(without molybdenum
additives) 4-stroke engine
oil or an equivalent*
Transmission Oil
Other viscosities shown in the following chart
may be used when the average temperature in
your riding area is within the indicated range.
NOT RECOMMENDED OK
(cont’d) 
						

							40Servicing Your Honda
JASO T 903 standard
The JASO T 903 standard is an index to choose
engine oils for 4-stroke motorcycle engines.
There are two classes: MA and MB.
Oil conforming to the standard has the following
classification on the oil container.
(1) code number of the sales company of the oil
(2) oil classification
Checking & Adding Oil
(1) transmission oil filler cap
(2) oil check bolt
1. Run the engine at idle for 3 minutes, then shut
it off.  
2. Wait 3 minutes after shutting off the engine to
allow the oil to properly distribute itself in the
clutch and transmission.  
3. Support the CRF in an upright position on a
level surface.  
4.  Remove the transmission oil filler cap (1) and
oil check bolt (2) from the right crankcase
cover. A small amount of oil should flow out
of the oil check bolt hole. Allow any excess
oil to flow out of the oil check bolt hole.
If no oil flows out of the oil check bolt hole,
add oil slowly through the transmission oil
filler hole until oil start to flow out of the oil
check  bolt hole.
Install the oil check bolt and transmission oil
filler cap. Repeat step 1–4.
5.  After inspection the oil level or adding oil,
tighten the oil check bolt to the specified
torque:.
Oil Check Bolt:
7 lbf·ft (10 N·m, 1.0 kgf·m)
6.  Install the transmission oil filler cap securely.
Replacing Transmission Oil
1. Run the engine at idle for 3 minutes, then shut
it off.  
2. Support the CRF in an upright position on a
level surface.  
3.  Remove the transmission oil filler cap  (1)
from the right crankcase cover. 
4.  Place an oil drain pan under the engine to
catch the oil. Then remove the transmission
oil drain bolt (2) and sealing washer (3).
5.  After the oil has drained, install the
transmission oil drain bolt with a new sealing
washer to the specified torque:
16 lbf·ft (22 N·m, 2.2 kgf·m)
6. Fill the crankcase with recommended oil.
Capacity:
0.63 US qt (0.60R)at oil change
7.  Check the transmission oil level by following
the steps in 
checking & Adding Oil(this
page).
Transmission Oil
(2)(2)
(1)
(1)(2)
(1)
(3)(2)
(1) transmission oil filler cap
(2) transmission oil drain bolt
(3) sealing washer 
						

							Servicing Your Honda41
Your CRF’s liquid cooling system dissipates
engine heat through the coolant jacket that
surrounds the cylinder and cylinder head.  
Maintaining the coolant will allow the cooling
system to work properly and prevent freezing,
overheating, and corrosion.  
Coolant Recommendation
Use Pro Honda HP coolant or an equivalent high
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze containing 
corrosion protection inhibitors specifically 
recommended for use in aluminum engines.
Check the antifreeze container label.  
Use only distilled water as a part of the coolant
solution.  Water that is high in mineral content or
salt may be harmful to the aluminum engine.  
Using coolant with silicate inhibitors may cause
premature wear of radiator pump seals or 
blockage of radiator passages.  Using tap water
may cause engine damage.  
The factory provides a 50/50 solution of
antifreeze and water in this motorcycle.  This
coolant solution is recommended for most 
operating temperatures and provides good
corrosion protection.
Decreasing the concentration of antifreeze to less
than 40% will not provide proper corrosion 
protection.  Increasing the concentration of antifreeze is not
recommended because it decreases cooling 
system performance.  Higher concentrations of
antifreeze (up to 60%) should only be used to
provide additional protection against freezing.
Check the cooling system frequently during
freezing weather.  
Checking & Adding Coolant
Refer to Safety Precautions on page 19.  
1. With the engine cold, remove the radiator cap
(1) and check coolant level.  The coolant level
is correct when it is at the bottom of the 
radiator filler neck.  
(1) radiator cap
2. Add coolant up to the filler neck if the level is
low.  
Inspect the coolant level before each outing.
A coolant loss of 0.7 - 2.0 US oz (20 - 60
cm
3) through the over flow tube is normal.  If
coolant loss is more than this, inspect the
cooling system. 
Capacity: 
1.06 US qt (1.00R) at disassembly
0.98 US qt (0.93R) at coolant change
3. Install the radiator cap securely.  
If the radiator cap is not installed properly, it
will cause excessive coolant loss and may result
in overheating and engine damage.  
NOTICENOTICE
Coolant
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can allow the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.  
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
(1) 
						

							42Servicing Your Honda
Cooling System Inspection
1. Check the cooling system for leaks (see the
Honda Service Manual for troubleshooting of
leaks).  
2. Check water hoses (1) for cracks,
deterioration, and clamp bands for looseness.  
3. Check the radiator mount for looseness.  
4. Make sure the overflow tube (2) is connected
and not clogged.  
5. Check the radiator fins for clogging.  
6. Check the water leakage check hole (3) below
the water pump cover (4) for leakage.  Make
sure the hole remains open.  If water leaks
through the check hole, the water pump seal is
damaged.  If oil leaks through the check hole,
the engine oil seal is damaged.  See the
Honda Service Manual or consult your Honda
dealer for replacing the water pump seal or
the engine oil seal.  Both seals should be
replaced at the same time.  
Coolant Replacement
Refer to Safety Precautionson page 19.  
Coolant should be replaced by your Honda 
dealer, unless you have the proper tools and 
service data and are mechanically qualified.
Refer to the official Honda Service Manual 
(page 152).  
To properly dispose of drained coolant, refer to
You & the Environment, page 134.
Improper disposal of drained fluids is harmful to
the environment.
NOTICE
Coolant
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can allow the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.  
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap. 
(2)(1)
(4)
(3)
(1) water hoses
(2) overflow tube
(3) water leakage check hole
(4) water pump cover 
						

							Servicing Your Honda43
Air Cleaner
Refer to Safety Precautionson page 19.  
The air cleaner uses polyurethane inner and outer
pieces which can’t be separated.  
A dirty air cleaner will reduce engine power.  
Proper air cleaner maintenance is very important
for off-road vehicles.  A dirty, water-soaked,
worn-out, or defective air cleaner will allow dirt,
dust, mud, and other impurities to pass into the
engine.  
Service the air cleaner more frequently if you
ride in unusually wet or dusty areas.  Your Honda
dealer can help you determine the correct service
interval for your riding conditions.  
Your CRF’s air cleaner has very specific
performance requirements.  Use a new genuine
Honda air cleaner specified for your model or an
air cleaner of equal quality.  
Using the wrong air cleaner can result in 
premature engine damage.  
Proper air cleaner maintenance can prevent 
premature engine wear or damage, expensive
repairs, low engine power, poor gas mileage, and
spark plug fouling.  
Improper or lack of proper air cleaner 
maintenance can cause poor performance and
premature engine wear.  
NOTICE
NOTICE
Cleaning
1. Remove the seat (page 29).
2. Loosen the air cleaner retaining bolt (1).
3. Align the two access top tabs (2) of the air
cleaner (3) and  ”
∆” mark (4) of the air
cleaner housing by rotating the air cleaner
counterclockwise. 5.  Remove the air cleaner from the air cleaner
holder (5).
(1) air cleaner retaining bolt
(2) two access top tabs
(3) air cleaner
(4) ”
∆” mark
4. Remove the air cleaner with the retaining bolt,
keeping the two access top tabs up.
(1) air cleaner retaining bolt
(3) air cleaner (5) air cleaner holder
(6) holder tab (7) hole
(8) air cleaner tab
6. Wash the air cleaner in clean non-flammable
cleaning solvent. Then wash in hot, soapy
water, rinse well, and allow to dry thoroughly. 
The air cleaner is made in two pieces: inner
and outer, which cannot be separated.
7.  Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing.
8.  Allow the air cleaner to dry thoroughly. After
drying,  soak the air cleaner in clean Pro
Honda Foam Filter Oil or an equivalent air
cleaner oil. 
Apply air cleaner oil to the entire surface,
inner and outer, and rub it with both hands to
saturate the air cleaner with oil. Squeeze out
excess oil.
(cont’d)
(4)
(1)(2)
(3)
(8)(6)
(3)(1)
(7)
(5) 
						

							44Servicing Your Honda
Air Cleaner
Improper installation of the air cleaner assembly
may allow dirt and dust to enter the engine and
cause rapid wear of the piston rings and cylinder.  
12.Reinstall the seat (page 29), making sure it is
securely attached.
NOTICE9.  Apply a thin coat of Honda White Lithium
Grease to the sealing surface. 
(1) air cleaner retaining bolt
(2) two access top tabs
(3) air cleaner
(4) ”
∆” mark
(9) set tab
(2)(4)
(9)
(3)(1)
(8)(6)
(3)(1)
(7)
(5)
11.Install the assembly into the air cleaner
housing keeping the two access top tabs (2)
up.
12.Carefully position the sealing flange of the
element to prevent dirt intrusion.
13.Align the set tab (9) of the air cleaner with the
”
∆” mark (4) of the air cleaner housing by
rotating the air cleaner clockwise. Tighten the
retaining bolt (1) securely.
(1) air cleaner retaining bolt
(3) air cleaner (7) hole
(5) air cleaner holder (8) air cleaner tab
(6) holder tab
10. Assemble the air cleaner (3) and holder (5). 
Install the tab (6) of the holder in the hole (7)
of the air cleaner tab (8), and the air cleaner
retaining bolt (1) through the assembly. 
						

							Crankcase Breather
Servicing Your Honda45
Refer to Safety Precautionson page 19.
Service more frequently if your CRF is ridden in
the rain or often at full throttle.
Service the breather if you can see deposits in the
transparent section of the drain tube.
Draining
1. Remove the crankcase breather tube plug (1)
from the tube (2) and drain deposits.
2. Reinstall the crankcase breather tube plug. 
(1) crankcase breather tube plug
(2) tube
(2)
(1) 
						

							46Servicing Your Honda
Throttle
Refer to Safety Precautionson page 19.
Throttle Freeplay
(1) freeplay
Inspection
Check freeplay (1).
Freeplay: 
1/8 - 3/16 in (3 - 5 mm)
If necessary, adjust to the specified range.
Upper 
Adjustment
Minor adjustments are generally made with the
upper adjuster.Lower 
Adjustment
The lower adjuster is used for major freeplay
adjustment, such as after replacing the throttle
cables or removing the carburetor.  It is also used
if you can not get the proper adjustment with the
upper adjuster.
(1)
(2)
(4)
(3)(+)
(–)
(5) lock nut (+) increase 
(6) adjuster (–) decrease
1. Remove the fuel tank (page 30).
2. loosen the lock nut (5).
3. Turn the adjuster (6) in direction (–) to
decrease freeplay, and in direction (+) to
increase freeplay.
4. Tighten the lock nut.
5. Operate the throttle grip to ensure that it 
functions smoothly and returns completely.
6. Install the fuel tank (page 31).
If you can’t get the freeplay within the specified
range, contact your Honda dealer.
(5)
(6)(+)
(–)
1. Pull the rubber dust cover (2) back.
2. Loosen the upper lock nut (3).
3. Turn the upper adjuster (4).
Turning the adjuster in direction (–) will
decrease freeplay and turning it in direction
(+) will increase freeplay.
4. Tighten the lock nut. Return the dust cover to
its normal position.
5. After adjustment, check for smooth rotation of
the throttle grip from fully closed to fully
open in all steering positions.
If the adjuster is threaded out near its limit or
the correct freeplay cannot be reached, turn
the adjuster all the way in and back out one
turn.  Tighten the lock nut, install the dust
cover and make the adjustment with the 
lower adjuster.
(2) dust cover (+)increase
(3) lock nut (–)decrease
(4) upper adjuster