That high-revving Rotax engine in your Can-Am DS 450 is a masterpiece of performance. It’s the heart of your quad, delivering the power that makes ripping through trails and dunes so thrilling. But that same high-performance nature makes it incredibly demanding on its lifeblood: the engine oil.
You’ve probably heard conflicting advice at the track or read confusing forum posts. It’s easy to feel unsure if you’re doing right by your machine. We get it.
This is your definitive can am ds 450 engine oil guide. We promise to cut through the noise and give you the exact, no-nonsense steps and pro tips you need to confidently choose the right oil, perform a flawless change, and keep that engine screaming for years to come. We’ll cover everything from the right specs and tools to common mistakes and how to read your old oil for engine health clues.
Why Your DS 450’s Engine Oil is So Critical
Before we grab a wrench, it’s vital to understand why this maintenance task is non-negotiable for the DS 450. This isn’t your average lawnmower engine; it’s a precision-built, high-compression race motor that lives a hard life.
The oil in your DS 450 does more than just lubricate. It’s a multi-tasking hero responsible for cooling critical components, cleaning away contaminants, and protecting your clutch and transmission. Unlike a car, your quad uses a shared sump system, meaning the same oil lubricates the engine, clutch, and gearbox.
The Triple Threat: Heat, Shear, and Contamination
Your oil is constantly under attack. The engine generates immense heat, the transmission gears try to tear the oil molecules apart (a process called shearing), and the wet clutch introduces friction material and other contaminants. This is why using a cheap or incorrect oil is a recipe for disaster.
Here are the core benefits of can am ds 450 engine oil maintenance done right:
- Maximum Power Delivery: Fresh, high-quality oil reduces internal friction, allowing your engine to rev freely and produce the power you expect.
- Engine Longevity: It’s the single most important factor in preventing premature wear on pistons, bearings, and valvetrain components.
- Smooth Shifting: The right oil with the correct additives ensures your clutch engages smoothly and your transmission shifts crisply without slipping or grabbing.
- Cooler Operating Temps: Oil carries heat away from the hottest parts of the engine. Degraded oil loses this ability, leading to overheating.
Choosing the Right Can-Am DS 450 Engine Oil
Walking into an auto parts store can be overwhelming. The wall of oil bottles all claim to be the best. For the DS 450, the choice is actually very specific. Using the wrong fluid is one of the most common and costly mistakes we see.
Understanding the Magic Numbers: Oil Specs Explained
Your owner’s manual is your best friend, but let’s decode what those specifications actually mean. For the DS 450, you’re looking for an oil that meets these three criteria:
- Viscosity: 5W-40. This rating tells you how the oil flows at different temperatures. The “5W” indicates its flow characteristics when cold (W for Winter), and the “40” represents its thickness at full operating temperature. A 5W-40 synthetic provides excellent protection across a wide range of riding conditions.
- API Service Rating: SL (or higher). This rating from the American Petroleum Institute certifies the oil’s performance level. “SL” is the minimum required, but newer ratings like “SN” or “SP” are backward compatible and offer even better protection.
- JASO Rating: MA or MA2. This is the most critical spec. The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) certifies oils for wet clutch use. An MA or MA2 rating guarantees the oil does NOT contain friction modifiers that will cause your clutch to slip and burn out. Never use an oil marked “Energy Conserving” in your DS 450.
Synthetic vs. Conventional: There’s Only One Choice
For a high-performance engine like the Rotax in the DS 450, this isn’t even a debate. You must use a full synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil is engineered in a lab to have uniform molecules that provide superior resistance to heat breakdown and shear. It maintains its protective qualities far longer than conventional oil, which is simply refined crude. For the extreme conditions your quad endures, synthetic is the only way to ensure proper protection.
Our Top Oil Recommendations
While many brands make great oil, here are a few tried-and-true options we trust at the shop:
- BRP XPS 4-Stroke Synthetic Oil (5W-40): This is the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) oil. You can never go wrong using the fluid Can-Am designed for the machine.
- Motul 7100 4T 5W-40: A premium, ester-based synthetic that’s a favorite among racers for its exceptional film strength and high-temperature stability.
- Amsoil 5W-40 Synthetic ATV/UTV Motor Oil: Amsoil is renowned for its robust additive packages and extended performance, making it a fantastic choice for those who push their machines hard.
The Essential Toolkit: Gearing Up for the Oil Change
Having the right tools ready makes the job smooth and frustration-free. This is a core part of our can am ds 450 engine oil care guide. You don’t need a pro-level shop, just a few key items.
- Safety Gear: Nitrile gloves and safety glasses are a must.
- Wrenches/Sockets: You’ll need an 8mm, 13mm, and 18mm socket or wrench.
- Torque Wrench: This is non-negotiable for preventing stripped threads. A 3/8″ drive click-style torque wrench is perfect.
- Oil Filter Wrench: A cap-style or strap-style wrench to remove the old filter.
- Funnel: A clean funnel to prevent spills.
- Drain Pan: To catch the old oil.
- Shop Rags/Towels: For cleanup.
Parts List:
- Engine Oil: Approximately 2.1 quarts (2 Liters) of your chosen full synthetic 5W-40 JASO MA/MA2 oil.
- Oil Filter: A quality replacement like the K&N KN-152 or an OEM BRP filter.
- Crush Washers: You will need two new crush washers for the drain plugs. Do not reuse the old ones!
How to Change Your Can-Am DS 450 Engine Oil: The Step-by-Step Process
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This section covers exactly how to can am ds 450 engine oil service your machine. The DS 450 has a dry-sump system with two drain plugs, which can trip people up. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
Start the quad and let it run for 3-5 minutes. This warms the oil, making it flow out much faster and carrying more suspended contaminants with it. Don’t get it scorching hot, just warm to the touch.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Drain Plugs
The DS 450 has two drain locations. First, find the main drain plug on the bottom of the engine’s crankcase (18mm). Place your drain pan underneath and remove it. Second, locate the oil tank drain plug, which is on the left side of the engine, just behind the shifter (13mm). Remove this one as well.
Step 3: Drain the Old Oil
Let the oil drain completely from both locations. This can take 10-15 minutes. While it’s draining, inspect the magnetic tips of the drain plugs for any large metal shavings—fine metallic dust is normal, but large chunks could signal an internal issue.
Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter
The oil filter is located on the right side of the engine, behind a small cover held on by two 8mm bolts. Remove the cover, then use your filter wrench to unscrew the old filter. Make sure the old o-ring comes off with it. Lightly coat the o-ring of the new filter with fresh oil and screw it on by hand until it’s snug, then give it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Reinstall the cover.
Step 5: Reinstall Plugs and Torque to Spec
Clean the drain plugs and install the new crush washers. Thread them in by hand to avoid cross-threading. Use your torque wrench to tighten them to the factory specification. The crankcase plug (18mm) should be torqued to 22 ft-lbs (30 Nm), and the oil tank plug (13mm) to 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm).
Step 6: Refill 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 Liters) of fresh oil. Do not add the full amount yet.
Step 7: The Final Level Check
This is the most important step and where most people go wrong. Reinstall the dipstick. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds. Shut it off and wait another 30 seconds for the oil to settle. Now, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out to check the level. Add small amounts of oil as needed until the level is between the MIN and MAX marks. This process ensures the dry sump system is properly primed and the reading is accurate.
Common Problems with Can-Am DS 450 Engine Oil Changes
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to avoiding costly mistakes. Here are some of the most frequent issues we see and some crucial can am ds 450 engine oil tips to prevent them.
- Overfilling: The most common error. An overfilled engine can blow seals, cause oil to foam (reducing lubrication), and lead to a loss of power. Always follow the specific level-checking procedure.
- Using Car Oil: As mentioned, car oils with “Energy Conserving” labels contain friction modifiers that will destroy your wet clutch. Stick to JASO MA/MA2 rated powersports oil.
- Reusing Crush Washers: These are single-use items designed to crush and create a perfect seal. Reusing them is asking for a slow, messy oil leak.
- Over-tightening Plugs/Filter: A torque wrench is cheaper than repairing stripped threads in your engine case. Trust us on this one.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Oil Practices
Being a responsible off-roader means protecting the trails we love to ride. A key part of our can am ds 450 engine oil best practices involves proper disposal.
Used motor oil is a hazardous material. Never dump it on the ground or in the trash. Pour your used oil from the drain pan into an empty, sealed container (like the one your new oil came in). Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O’Reilly) and local recycling centers will accept used motor oil and filters for free.
Following these eco-friendly can am ds 450 engine oil steps ensures our hobby remains sustainable for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am DS 450 Engine Oil
How often should I change the oil on my DS 450?
For the average trail rider, Can-Am recommends an oil change every 6 months or after every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. If you are racing or riding in extremely dusty or muddy conditions, you should shorten this interval significantly, perhaps to every 10-15 hours.
What is the total oil capacity of a Can-Am DS 450?
The total oil capacity after a filter change is approximately 2.1 quarts (2.0 Liters). However, always start by adding less and use the proper dipstick checking procedure to bring it to the correct final level.
Can I really not use car oil in my DS 450?
Correct. You absolutely cannot use standard passenger car motor oil. It lacks the specific additives for a shared gearbox and, more importantly, contains friction modifiers that will cause the wet clutch to slip, glaze over, and fail prematurely.
I found some small metal shavings on my magnetic drain plug. Should I be worried?
A very fine, paste-like metallic fuzz is normal wear and tear, especially on a newer engine. However, if you find larger flakes, slivers, or chunks of metal, it’s a sign of a potential internal problem. In that case, it’s best to have a qualified technician investigate before a minor issue becomes a catastrophic failure.
Taking care of your Can-Am DS 450’s engine is the most important investment you can make in its performance and lifespan. By understanding the why, choosing the right products, and following a careful procedure, you’re not just changing oil—you’re ensuring countless more hours of high-performance fun on the track and trail.
Now you have the knowledge and the confidence to get the job done right. Grab your tools, follow the steps, and ride with the peace of mind that your engine has the protection it needs. Stay safe out there and keep the throttle pinned!
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