Can Am Ds 70 Oil Change – Your Complete DIY Guide For Peak Performance

That little Can-Am DS 70 is a blast for the young rider in your family, a perfect machine for carving up trails and making memories. But keeping that engine humming and ready for adventure requires consistent, simple care. It agrees with the idea that the fun comes with a bit of responsibility.

Here at FatBoysOffroad, we believe every rider should feel empowered to handle their own basic maintenance. We promise that after reading this guide, you’ll have the confidence and expert knowledge to perform a perfect can am ds 70 oil change right in your own garage, saving you time and money.

We’re going to walk you through everything. You’ll learn why this job is so crucial, exactly what tools and parts you’ll need, and follow a detailed step-by-step process. We’ll even share some pro tips and common problems to avoid, making this the ultimate can am ds 70 oil change care guide.

Why a Regular Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change is Non-Negotiable

Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your ATV. It’s not just about lubrication; it’s a multi-talented fluid working hard behind the scenes. Ignoring it is one of the fastest ways to turn a fun weekend machine into a garage ornament.

The benefits of a can am ds 70 oil change are immediate and long-lasting. Fresh oil provides superior lubrication, drastically reducing friction and wear on critical engine components like the piston, cylinder, and bearings. This is vital for a small, hard-working engine.

Beyond lubrication, oil also plays a key role in cooling the engine by carrying heat away from the combustion chamber. It cleans, too, suspending tiny particles of metal and dirt, preventing them from causing damage. Over time, this oil breaks down, gets contaminated, and loses its ability to protect. A simple change restores all these functions, ensuring reliability and preserving the engine for years of fun.

Gather Your Gear: Tools and Parts for a Flawless Oil Change

Before you get your hands dirty, let’s get organized. Having everything ready makes the job smoother and faster. There’s nothing worse than having oil draining out while you’re scrambling to find the right wrench. This is a core part of can am ds 70 oil change best practices.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Socket Set and Ratchet: You’ll need a specific size for the drain plug (typically 17mm for the DS 70, but always double-check).
Oil Drain Pan: A pan with at least a 2-quart capacity is plenty. One with a spout makes pouring the old oil for recycling much easier.
Funnel: A clean funnel is essential to avoid spilling fresh oil all over the engine.
Shop Rags or Paper Towels: You will make a small mess. Be prepared to clean it up.
Nitrile Gloves: Protect your hands from used motor oil, which can be harsh on your skin.

The Right Oil and Parts

Engine Oil: The Can-Am DS 70 requires a 4-stroke 10W-40 ATV/Motorcycle oil. It’s crucial to use an oil specifically designed for powersports, as they have additives for clutch performance and high-revving engines that car oils lack. The engine holds approximately 0.9 US quarts (0.85 liters). Always buy a full quart to be safe.
Drain Plug Crush Washer: While not always mandatory, replacing the small metal crush washer on the drain plug is highly recommended. It’s a single-use item designed to compress and create a perfect seal, preventing leaks. They are incredibly cheap and provide excellent peace of mind.

The Ultimate Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, you’ve got your gear. Now it’s time for the main event. We’ve broken down how to can am ds 70 oil change into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Park the ATV on a level surface to ensure the oil drains completely and you get an accurate reading when refilling.

Warm Up The Engine: Start the ATV and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. Do not get it scorching hot. The goal is just to warm the oil, making it less viscous so it flows out easily, carrying suspended contaminants with it.
Locate Drain Plug and Fill Cap: The oil fill cap/dipstick is on the right side of the engine (as you’re sitting on it). The drain plug is on the very bottom of the engine case. It’s the most prominent bolt facing the ground.
Position Your Drain Pan: Slide your oil drain pan directly under the drain plug. Give yourself a little room for the initial gush of oil.
Remove the Fill Cap/Dipstick: Unscrew the oil fill cap completely. This allows air to enter the engine as the oil drains, preventing a “glugging” effect and speeding up the process.
Loosen and Remove the Drain Plug: Using your 17mm socket and ratchet, turn the drain plug counter-clockwise. Once it’s loose, you can usually finish unscrewing it by hand. Be ready for the oil to start flowing as you remove the final threads.
Let It Drain Completely: Allow a good 5-10 minutes for every last drop of the old, dirty oil to drain out. You can gently rock the ATV side-to-side to help get the last bits out.
Clean and Reinstall the Drain Plug: Wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. Remove the old crush washer and slide the new one on. Hand-thread the plug back into the engine case to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it until it’s snug, then give it a gentle quarter-turn with the ratchet. Do not overtighten! Stripping the threads in the engine case is a costly mistake.
Refill With Fresh Oil: Place your funnel into the oil fill hole. Slowly pour in about 0.8 quarts of your new 10W-40 ATV oil. Pouring slowly helps prevent air bubbles and makes it easier to hit the right level.
Check The Level: Insert the dipstick without screwing it in. Pull it out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it again without screwing it in. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick.
Final Circulation and Top-Off: Screw the fill cap back on. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil. Shut it off and wait a minute for the oil to settle.
Re-Check The Level: Repeat the dipstick check (without screwing it in). The level will have dropped slightly. Now, add small amounts of oil until the level is right at the full mark. Reinstall the fill cap securely.

Congratulations! You’ve just completed the core maintenance for your DS 70. Now, just clean up your tools and prepare your used oil for recycling.

Pro Tips and Best Practices from the FatBoysOffroad Garage

Doing the job is one thing; doing it like a pro is another. Here are a few can am ds 70 oil change tips we’ve learned over countless hours in the shop that will elevate your DIY game.

Inspect the Old Oil: As the old oil drains, look at its color and consistency. If it looks milky or creamy, it could be a sign of water contamination. If you see shiny metallic flakes, it could indicate excessive internal engine wear that needs a closer look.
Keep a Maintenance Log: Use a small notebook or a phone app to log the date and engine hours of every oil change. This helps you stay on a consistent schedule and is a great selling point if you ever decide to part with the ATV.
Clean Around the Caps First: Before you remove the fill cap or drain plug, wipe the area around them with a clean rag. This prevents any dirt or grime from falling into your engine.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Can-Am DS 70 Oil Changes

Even a simple job can have its hiccups. Knowing how to handle them is what separates a DIYer from a pro. Here are a few common problems with can am ds 70 oil change procedures and how to solve them.

Stripped Drain Plug or Threads

This is the most feared issue, usually caused by over-tightening. If the plug just spins, stop immediately. You may need an oversized, self-tapping drain plug or a thread repair kit like a Heli-Coil. If you’re not comfortable with this repair, it’s time to take it to a professional mechanic.

A Drip After The Change

If you see a small oil drip from the drain plug after the change, your first step is to check its tightness. If it’s snug, the likely culprit is a reused or missing crush washer. It’s worth draining the fresh oil into your clean pan, installing a new washer, and refilling.

Accidentally Overfilled The Oil

Too much oil is just as bad as too little, as it can cause pressure issues and blown seals. If you’ve overfilled, you can slightly loosen the drain plug and let a small amount drip out until the level is correct. It’s messy, but it’s the easiest fix.

Eco-Friendly Maintenance: A Sustainable Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change

Being an off-roader means respecting the environment we love to ride in. A key part of that is responsible maintenance. A sustainable can am ds 70 oil change is all about proper disposal of used oil.

Never, ever dump used motor oil on the ground, in the trash, or down a drain. It is highly toxic and can contaminate thousands of gallons of groundwater. The process for an eco-friendly can am ds 70 oil change is simple:

Pour the used oil from your drain pan into a sealed container, like the empty oil bottle from the new oil.
Label the container “Used Motor Oil.”
Take it to a designated collection center. Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O’Reilly), quick lube shops, and municipal recycling facilities accept used motor oil for free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change

What type of oil does a Can-Am DS 70 take?

The Can-Am DS 70 takes approximately 0.9 US quarts (0.85 L) of a 4-stroke 10W-40 motorcycle or ATV-specific engine oil. Ensure the oil is rated for wet-clutch use (JASO MA/MA2 certified) to protect the transmission components.

How often should I change the oil in my DS 70?

For a youth ATV like the DS 70, a good rule of thumb is to change the oil after the initial break-in period (around 10 hours) and then every 20-25 hours of riding or at least once a year, whichever comes first. If ridden in very dusty or muddy conditions, change it more frequently.

Is there an oil filter on the Can-Am DS 70?

No, the Can-Am DS 70 does not have a replaceable cartridge-style oil filter. It relies on a simple internal oil screen. This makes regular oil changes even more critical, as there is no filter to trap fine contaminants.

What are the signs I need an oil change?

Besides tracking hours, look for oil that appears very dark or black on the dipstick. If the engine seems to be running hotter than usual or you notice a decrease in performance, it’s a good idea to check the oil. The best practice is to stick to a schedule rather than waiting for symptoms.

Final Checks and Riding High

You’ve done it. You’ve successfully serviced your Can-Am DS 70, ensuring its little engine is protected and ready for the next adventure. This simple, 30-minute job is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership, giving you a direct connection to your machine and the peace of mind that it’s been done right.

By following this can am ds 70 oil change guide, you’re not just saving a trip to the dealer; you’re investing in the longevity and reliability of your ATV. Now, clean up, gear up, and get back out on the trails!

Stay safe, ride smart, and keep wrenching!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.