That high-revving Rotax engine in your 2008 Can-Am DS 450 is the heart of your quad—a masterpiece of power and precision. Keeping that beast roaring on the trail or track requires consistent, quality maintenance, and nothing is more fundamental than a proper oil change.
Feeling a little intimidated by the process? Don’t be. We promise this guide will walk you through every single step of a 2008 can am ds 450 oil change, making the process straightforward and foolproof, even if it’s your first time wrenching on your quad.
We’ll cover the exact tools you need, the best oil and filter to use, a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, and crucial tips to avoid common mistakes. Let’s get those hands dirty and give your DS 450 the care it deserves.
Why a Regular Oil Change is Non-Negotiable for Your DS 450
Skipping or delaying an oil change on a high-performance engine like the one in your DS 450 is asking for trouble. Think of fresh oil as the lifeblood of your machine. The benefits of a regular 2008 can am ds 450 oil change go far beyond just lubrication.
Here’s what you’re really doing for your quad:
- Superior Lubrication: Fresh oil creates a vital film between moving parts like the piston, cylinder, and crankshaft bearings, drastically reducing friction and wear. Old, broken-down oil can’t protect these critical components effectively.
- Engine Cooling: Oil is responsible for a significant portion of your engine’s cooling. It carries heat away from the hottest parts of the engine. As oil ages, it loses its ability to dissipate heat, leading to higher operating temperatures and potential damage.
- Cleaning Power: Quality motor oil contains detergents that clean away sludge, carbon deposits, and tiny metal particles. A fresh change flushes these contaminants out before they can clog oil passages and cause serious harm.
- Corrosion Prevention: Your engine’s internals are exposed to moisture and combustion byproducts that can cause rust and corrosion. Additives in fresh oil neutralize these acids and form a protective barrier.
Simply put, consistent oil changes are the single most effective and affordable piece of preventive maintenance you can do to ensure a long, powerful life for your DS 450.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies: The Pre-Flight Check
Nothing slows down a job like having to stop midway through to run to the auto parts store. A key part of our 2008 can am ds 450 oil change guide is preparation. Get everything you need laid out and ready to go before you even touch a bolt.
Essential Tools:
- Ratchet with a metric socket set (you’ll primarily need 8mm, 13mm, and 18mm sockets)
- Torque wrench (highly recommended to prevent stripping threads)
- Oil filter wrench or cap-style wrench
- A large, low-profile oil drain pan
- Funnel with a long, flexible neck
- Nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean
- Shop towels or rags for cleanup
Required Parts & Fluids:
- Engine Oil: Approximately 2 quarts (2.1 L) of high-quality 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic motorcycle oil. The most important thing is that it is JASO MA or JASO MA2 certified. This ensures it’s safe for your wet clutch. We recommend BRP’s XPS Synthetic Oil, but other quality brands like Motul or Mobil 1 Racing 4T will work great.
- Oil Filter: A new oil filter. The OEM BRP filter is a safe bet, but quality aftermarket options from K&N or Hiflofiltro are also excellent choices.
- New Sealing Washers: You’ll need two new crush washers for the drain plugs. Don’t skip these! They are single-use and ensure a leak-free seal.
The Complete 2008 Can Am DS 450 Oil Change: Step-by-Step
Alright, you’ve got your gear. Now it’s time for the main event. This is the ultimate “how to 2008 can am ds 450 oil change” walkthrough. We’ll take it slow and cover every detail, especially the unique aspects of the DS 450’s dry-sump oil system.
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
Start your DS 450 and let it run for 3-5 minutes. You don’t need it screaming hot, just warm enough to get the oil flowing. Warm oil is less viscous and will drain more completely, taking more contaminants with it.
Step 2: Locate and Prepare the Drain Plugs
Place your quad on level ground. The DS 450 has a dry-sump system, which means the oil is stored in a separate tank, not just in the engine case. This means you have two drain plugs to remove.
- The Oil Tank Drain Plug: This is located on the bottom of the external oil tank on the right side of the engine. It’s an 18mm bolt.
- The Crankcase Drain Plug: This is located on the very bottom of the engine crankcase, on the left side. It’s also an 18mm bolt.
Position your drain pan so it can catch oil from both locations.
Step 3: Draining the Oil
Put on your gloves. Using your 18mm socket, first loosen and remove the crankcase drain plug (left side). Be ready for the initial gush of hot oil. After it slows to a drip, move your pan and remove the oil tank drain plug (right side).
Let both drain completely for at least 10-15 minutes. While it drains, inspect the drain plugs. They are magnetic and designed to catch metal shavings. A fine, fuzzy paste is normal wear, but large chips or slivers could indicate a serious internal problem.
Step 4: Replacing the Oil Filter
The oil filter is located on the right side of the engine, behind a small circular cover held on by three 8mm bolts. Place some rags under the cover to catch any drips. Remove the three bolts and gently pry off the cover.
The old filter will pull straight out. Pay attention to its orientation. There’s a rubber seal on the back of the filter that seats against the engine. Before installing the new filter, take a dab of new oil and lubricate the O-ring on the new filter and the larger O-ring on the filter cover. This ensures a good seal and prevents tearing.
Install the new filter, replace the cover, and tighten the three 8mm bolts snugly in a star pattern. Don’t overtighten them!
Step 5: Reinstalling Plugs and Torquing to Spec
Wipe the drain plugs and the sealing surfaces on the engine clean. Install the new crush washers on each drain plug. Thread them in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
Using your torque wrench, tighten both the crankcase and oil tank drain plugs to 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm). This is a crucial step in our 2008 can am ds 450 oil change best practices. Overtightening can strip the aluminum threads, which is a costly and frustrating repair.
Step 6: Refilling with Fresh Oil
Unscrew the oil filler cap/dipstick on top of the oil tank. Using your funnel, slowly add approximately 1.8 quarts (1.7 L) of your new 5W-40 synthetic oil. Do not add the full amount yet.
Step 7: The Final Check (The Most Important Step!)
This is where many people go wrong with a dry-sump system. Reinstall the filler cap. Start the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil through the system and fills the new filter. Shut the engine off.
Wait about one minute for the oil to settle back into the tank. Now, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully (without screwing it in), and pull it out again to check the level. Add small amounts of oil as needed until the level is between the ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ marks on the dipstick. The total capacity is around 2.1 quarts, but it’s always best to add and check incrementally to avoid overfilling.
Pro Tips & Common Problems with a 2008 Can Am DS 450 Oil Change
Even a seemingly simple job can have its pitfalls. Here are some of our top 2008 can am ds 450 oil change tips to help you avoid common headaches and do the job like a seasoned pro.
Don’t Overtighten Anything!
We mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. The engine cases and covers are aluminum. It is incredibly easy to strip the threads on drain plugs and filter covers by using too much force. A torque wrench is your best friend here. If you don’t have one, tighten until snug, then give it a gentle quarter-turn. No more.
The Dry-Sump Deception: Checking the Oil Level Correctly
One of the most common problems with a 2008 can am ds 450 oil change is improper oil level checking. If you check the oil when the engine is cold, it will read incorrectly low, tempting you to overfill it. Overfilling can blow seals and cause other serious damage. Always follow the procedure: warm engine, shut off, wait one minute, then check.
What to Look For in Your Old Oil
Your old oil can tell you a story about your engine’s health. When it drains, look at its color and consistency. If it looks milky or like chocolate milk, you likely have coolant leaking into your oil, indicating a possible head gasket issue. If you see a lot of metallic glitter (beyond the fine paste on the drain plug), it could be a sign of premature bearing wear.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Oil Change Practices
Being a responsible off-roader means taking care of the environment as well as your machine. A sustainable 2008 can am ds 450 oil change is easy to do.
Used motor oil is a hazardous material and must never be poured down a drain or onto the ground. It’s highly toxic and can contaminate thousands of gallons of groundwater.
Pour your used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container, like the empty oil bottles from your new oil. Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts) and many local recycling centers will accept used motor oil and oil filters for free. This is the core of an eco-friendly 2008 can am ds 450 oil change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your DS 450 Oil Change
How often should I change the oil on my 2008 DS 450?
For the average trail rider, Can-Am recommends an oil and filter change every 6 months or every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. If you are racing or riding in extremely dusty or muddy conditions, you should change it much more frequently—perhaps every 15-20 hours.
What type of oil is best for the 2008 Can-Am DS 450?
A high-quality 5W-40 or 10W-40 fully synthetic oil that is JASO MA or MA2 certified is ideal. The JASO rating is critical to ensure compatibility with your wet clutch system. Using standard car oil can cause your clutch to slip.
How much oil does a 2008 Can-Am DS 450 take?
The total capacity is approximately 2.1 US quarts (2.0 Liters) after a full drain and filter change. However, always start by adding less (around 1.8 quarts) and then top it off after running the engine and checking the level properly.
Do I really need to replace the crush washers every time?
Yes, absolutely. The drain plug sealing washers (crush washers) are made of soft metal designed to deform and create a perfect seal when tightened. Reusing them can lead to slow, messy oil leaks. They are incredibly cheap and are essential for a professional, leak-free job.
There you have it—your complete 2008 can am ds 450 oil change care guide. By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can perform this critical maintenance task with confidence, saving money and ensuring your quad is always ready for the next adventure.
Now, get out there and ride! Keep that Rotax running strong, and we’ll see you on the trails. Ride hard, ride safe!
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