Let’s get real for a second. You own a Can-Am DS 450, a high-strung, race-bred quad that demands precision. You didn’t buy it to putt around the yard; you bought it for the thrill. But that high-performance Rotax engine is thirsty, and more importantly, it’s incredibly particular about its oil. Getting the can am ds 450 oil capacity wrong isn’t a small mistake—it’s a potentially catastrophic one. We’ve seen too many riders either starve their engine or blow seals by getting this fundamental step wrong.
We promise this guide will eliminate all the guesswork. We’re not just going to give you the numbers; we’re going to give you the why and the how. You’ll walk away knowing the exact capacity, the right way to perform a full oil service on its unique dry-sump system, and the pro tips that keep your engine screaming for years to come.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the exact fluid specifications, a step-by-step walkthrough of the oil change process, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices to ensure your DS 450’s engine health is never compromised. Let’s get our hands dirty.
The Straight Answer: Can-Am DS 450 Oil Capacity Specs
Before we dive into the procedure, let’s answer the main question you came here for. The Can-Am DS 450 has a dry-sump lubrication system, which is different from most cars and ATVs. This means the oil is stored in a separate tank, not in the engine’s oil pan. This is crucial to remember when draining and filling.
Here are the factory-specified oil capacities you need to know.
With an Oil Filter Change (Standard Service)
This is the most common scenario for your routine maintenance. When you drain the oil from both the engine and the oil tank and replace the filter, the total capacity is:
Approximately 2.1 US quarts (2.0 Liters)
Pro Tip: Never dump the full amount in at once. We’ll explain why in our step-by-step guide below. This is one of the most important can am ds 450 oil capacity tips you’ll learn.
Without an Oil Filter Change
While we always recommend changing the filter with every oil change (it’s cheap insurance for your engine), if you find yourself in a situation where you’re only draining and refilling the oil, the capacity is slightly less.
Approximately 1.9 US quarts (1.8 Liters)
After a Full Engine Rebuild
If you’ve just rebuilt the engine and it’s completely dry, the initial fill capacity is slightly higher to account for all the empty oil passages and galleries.
Approximately 2.2 US quarts (2.1 Liters)
Why Nailing the Can Am DS 450 Oil Capacity is Non-Negotiable
Understanding the numbers is just the first step. Knowing why they are so critical illustrates the benefits of correct can am ds 450 oil capacity. That high-revving Rotax engine is a masterpiece of engineering, and its lubrication system is its lifeblood. Getting the level wrong in either direction can lead to serious, expensive problems.
The Dangers of Too Little Oil (Underfilling)
This one is pretty obvious, but the effects are rapid and destructive. An insufficient oil level leads to oil starvation.
- Increased Friction and Heat: Oil’s primary job is to lubricate and cool. Without enough of it, metal-on-metal contact skyrockets, causing extreme heat.
- Component Failure: Pistons, bearings, and valvetrain components will quickly wear and fail without proper lubrication. This can lead to a complete engine seizure.
- Oil Pump Damage: The oil pump can suck in air instead of oil, causing it to cavitate and burn out.
The Problems with Too Much Oil (Overfilling)
Many DIYers think adding a “little extra for good measure” is a good idea. On a dry-sump engine like the DS 450, it’s a recipe for disaster. This is one of the most common problems with can am ds 450 oil capacity.
- Blown Seals and Gaskets: Excess oil creates excessive pressure inside the crankcase. This pressure has to go somewhere, and it will find the weakest point—usually your engine seals and gaskets, causing messy and frustrating leaks.
- Power Loss: When the crankcase is overfilled, the crankshaft has to splash through a deep pool of oil. This creates drag, a phenomenon known as “windage,” which robs your engine of horsepower.
- Foaming Oil: The crankshaft whipping through the oil can aerate it, turning it into a useless foam. Foamy oil doesn’t lubricate properly, leading to the same issues as having too little oil.
Your Step-by-Step Can Am DS 450 Oil Capacity Guide
Ready to do this the right way? This complete can am ds 450 oil capacity guide will walk you through the entire process. The key is to be patient and methodical, especially with the dry-sump system.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need:
- Ratchet with 8mm, 13mm, and 17mm sockets
- Torque wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Nitrile gloves and shop rags
- New oil filter (e.g., K&N KN-152 or equivalent)
- New crush washers for the drain plugs
- 2.1 quarts of 5W-40 synthetic motorcycle/ATV oil (must meet JASO MA2 specs)
The Oil Change Procedure: A Numbered Walkthrough
- Warm Up the Engine: Start the quad and let it run for 3-5 minutes. This warms the oil, thinning it out so it drains completely and suspends any contaminants. Don’t get it scorching hot, just warm to the touch.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Park the ATV on a level surface. Clean the area around the drain plugs and oil filter cover to prevent dirt from entering the engine. Place your drain pan underneath.
-
Drain the Oil (Two Plugs!): This is the critical step for a dry-sump system.
- First, locate the oil tank drain plug on the bottom of the remote oil tank (it’s a 17mm bolt). Remove it and let the oil drain completely.
- Next, locate the engine case drain plug on the bottom of the engine. It’s a 13mm bolt, often with a magnetic tip. Remove it and drain the remaining oil.
- Replace the Oil Filter: While the oil is draining, use an 8mm socket to remove the three bolts on the oil filter cover (located on the right side of the engine). Note how the filter is oriented, pull out the old one, and clean the housing. Lube the o-ring on your new filter with fresh oil and install it. Re-install the cover, tightening the bolts gently and evenly.
- Reinstall Drain Plugs: Clean the magnetic tip of the engine drain plug. Install new crush washers on both plugs. Reinstall them and torque to spec: 15 ft-lbs (180 in-lbs) for both plugs. Do not over-tighten!
- Refill with Fresh Oil: This is where precision matters. Start by adding 1.8 quarts (1.7 Liters) of fresh oil into the oil tank. Do not add the full amount yet. Reinstall the dipstick.
- The “Burp and Check” Procedure: Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds. Do not rev it. This allows the pump to circulate the new oil and “burp” any air out of the system. Shut the engine off and wait one minute for the oil to settle in the tank.
- Final Level Check and Top-Off: Unscrew the dipstick, wipe it clean, and re-insert it without screwing it in—just let it rest on the threads. Pull it out and check the level. It should be between the min and max marks. Now, slowly add small amounts of oil, repeating the 30-second run cycle and check process, until the level is at the top of the safe range. This is one of the most vital can am ds 450 oil capacity best practices.
Choosing the Right Oil: Beyond Just Capacity
Pouring the right amount of the wrong fluid is still a mistake. The DS 450’s engine and wet clutch system have specific needs. Using standard car oil will cause clutch slippage and engine damage.
Viscosity and Type
The manufacturer recommends a high-quality 5W-40 synthetic ATV/motorcycle oil. Synthetic oil provides superior protection against high heat and breakdown, which is essential for this high-performance engine.
Certifications Matter
Look for two important ratings on the bottle: API SG (or higher) and JASO MA2. The JASO MA2 certification is non-negotiable. It ensures the oil is formulated to work correctly with your wet clutch, preventing slippage and ensuring smooth engagement.
Common Problems with Can Am DS 450 Oil Capacity Checks
We see the same mistakes time and again. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your how to can am ds 450 oil capacity knowledge is complete.
Misreading the Dipstick
Remember the procedure: warm engine, shut off, wait one minute, check dipstick without screwing it in. Checking it cold or immediately after shutting it off will give you a false low reading, tempting you to overfill.
Forgetting the Second Drain Plug
Forgetting to drain the engine case leaves a significant amount of dirty, contaminated oil in the system. This mixes with your fresh oil, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.
Not “Burping” the System
Dumping in the full 2.1 quarts at once can create air pockets in the system. The 30-second run cycle is crucial for purging this air and getting an accurate final reading.
Using the Wrong Oil Filter
Not all filters are created equal. A cheap, poor-quality filter can restrict oil flow or fail to trap contaminants, leading to premature engine wear. Stick with reputable brands like K&N, Hiflofiltro, or the BRP OEM filter.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Oil Change Practices
Being a responsible off-roader means taking care of the environment as well as your machine. This can am ds 450 oil capacity care guide includes being eco-conscious.
Adopting a few sustainable can am ds 450 oil capacity habits is easy. Always use a drain pan to catch every drop of used oil. Never dump used oil on the ground or in the trash. It’s highly toxic and pollutes groundwater.
Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, etc.) accept used motor oil for recycling free of charge. Pour your used oil from the drain pan into an old, sealed container (like the empty oil bottle) for clean and easy transport. This is an essential part of being a conscientious DIY mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 450 Oil Capacity
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 change it much more frequently—sometimes after every race weekend.
Can I use car oil in my Can-Am DS 450?
Absolutely not. Car oils contain friction modifiers that will destroy your wet clutch, causing it to slip and burn out. You must use a motorcycle or ATV-specific oil with a JASO MA or MA2 rating.
What are the torque specs for the oil drain plugs?
The torque spec for both the 17mm oil tank plug and the 13mm engine case plug is 15 ft-lbs (180 in-lbs). Using a torque wrench is highly recommended to avoid stripping the threads or causing leaks.
My oil level looks low when the engine is cold. Should I add more?
No. On a dry-sump system, it’s normal for oil to slowly seep from the tank into the engine sump when sitting for long periods. This gives a false low reading. The only accurate way to check the level is by following the warm-up procedure outlined in our guide.
Mastering your Can-Am DS 450’s oil change is one of the most empowering skills you can have as an owner. It saves you money, connects you with your machine, and gives you the peace of mind that the job was done right. By following this guide and paying close attention to the details of the dry-sump system, you’re ensuring that high-performance Rotax engine will be ready to rip for countless rides to come. Now, gear up, ride safe, and have a blast out there!
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