General Maintenance - Honda CRF450R Owner's Manual

4. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

• Spark Plugs: Some non-resistor plugs may cause
ignition problems. Refer to the recommendations
elsewhere in this manual for specific types so you
will be sure to use the proper reach and heat range.
Replace periodically as specified in the Maintenance
Schedule. (pages 11, 25)
• Spark Plug Cap: Install a small plastic tie-wrap
around the spark plug cap to reduce any possibility
of it loosening or of water penetration.
• Engine Oil and Filter: Drain and replace engine oil
often to ensure the greatest service life of the pis-
ton, cylinder and crankshaft.
Also replace engine oil filter often to ensure the
greatest service life. Frequent changes will also as-
sure consistent performance of power and response.
(page 21).
14
• Transmission Oil: Drain and replace transmission oil
often to ensure the greatest service life of the trans-
mission and clutch. Frequent changes will also as-
sure consistent performance of both shifting and
clutch action.(page 23)
• Air Cleaner: Clean and oil your air cleaner regularly
because the volume of air able to pass through it
has a great effect on performance. Both engine per-
formance and long term durability may be affected
by an air cleaner that has deteriorated and allows
dirt to pass. Inspect the air cleaner closely each time
it's serviced for evidence of small tears or seam sepa-
ration. Keep a spare air cleaner oiled and ready to
install, sealed in a plastic bag. Riding in dusty con-
ditions may require servicing the air cleaner or re-
placing it with a pre-serviced air cleaner between
motos. Be careful not to over oil the air cleaner. While
it is important to oil the air cleaner thoroughly, over
oiling will cause an overall rich running condition,
probably more noticeable off idle and in low rpm
performance. Follow the servicing instructions in the
Maintenance section. Use Pro Honda Foam Filter Oil
or an equivalent. Be sure to grease the air cleaner
flange where it contacts the air cleaner housing.
Honda White Lithium Grease, or an equivalent, is
handy for this because any dirt that penetrates this
sealing area will show up clearly. (page 27)
Use the Honda genuine air cleaner or an equivalent
air cleaner specified for your model.
Using the wrong Honda air cleaner or a non-Honda
air cleaner which is not of equivalent quality may
cause premature engine wear or performance prob-
lems.
• Air Box Sealing: Remove and reseal the air cleaner
housing boot where it connects to the air cleaner
housing with silicone sealer if there is any doubt to
its sealing integrity. Use Hondalock or an equiva-
lent on the attaching studs. Inspect the air cleaner
and air intake tract regularly for signs of deteriora-
tion or dirt penetration.