Let’s be honest, keeping your kid’s Can-Am DS 70 running like a champ is a top priority for any off-road family. But when it comes time for maintenance, hunting down the right oil, the specific filter, and those tiny but crucial washers can feel like a real chore. You start second-guessing if you grabbed the right stuff.
I’m here to promise you there’s a much better way. A dedicated can-am ds 70 oil change kit takes all the guesswork out of this essential job. It bundles everything you need into one box, saving you time and giving you the confidence that you’re protecting that little engine properly.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down why a kit is your best friend, walk you step-by-step through the entire oil change process, and share some pro tips we’ve learned at FatBoysOffroad to keep that youth ATV purring for years of trail-shredding fun.
Why a Dedicated Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change Kit is a Game-Changer
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why grabbing a pre-packaged kit is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s more than just convenience; it’s about doing the job right with zero hassle.
Think of it as a cheat code for perfect maintenance. Instead of spending time at the parts counter or scrolling through endless online listings, you get everything you need, confirmed to fit, in one simple package.
The Key Benefits of Using a Kit
The benefits of a can-am ds 70 oil change kit go beyond just saving a trip to the store. It’s about precision and peace of mind.
- Guaranteed Compatibility: No more worrying if you bought the right weight oil or a filter that won’t thread on. The kit comes with the exact BRP-recommended XPS oil and the correct oil filter for your DS 70.
- All-in-One Convenience: The kit includes the small parts that are easy to forget but absolutely critical, like the drain plug crush washer and o-rings. Forgetting these can lead to frustrating, slow leaks.
- Time Savings: You get to spend less time shopping for parts and more time riding. Everything you need is in one box, ready to go when you are.
- Engine Protection: Using the manufacturer-specified oil ensures your DS 70’s engine and, importantly, its wet clutch are properly lubricated and protected. This isn’t the place to experiment with generic automotive oils.
What’s Typically Inside the Box?
When you open your kit, you’ll find a small collection of precisely chosen parts. While brands may vary slightly, a quality kit for the DS 70 will almost always include:
- 1 Quart of XPS 4-Stroke Synthetic Blend Oil: This is the lifeblood. It’s specifically formulated for the high-revving nature and wet clutch system of your Can-Am.
- One High-Quality Oil Filter: The correct canister-style filter designed to trap contaminants and maintain proper oil flow.
- O-Rings: Fresh rubber seals for the oil filter cover to ensure a leak-proof fit.
- Drain Plug Sealing Washer: A new crush washer is essential for creating a perfect seal and preventing drips from the drain plug.
Gearing Up: Tools and Prep for Your DS 70 Oil Change
A great oil change starts with great preparation. Taking a few minutes to get organized will make the whole process smoother, cleaner, and faster. This is a core part of our can-am ds 70 oil change kit best practices.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a professional-grade workshop for this job. Most of these tools are likely already in your garage. Gather them up before you start.
- Ratchet with a socket set (you’ll primarily need 8mm and 17mm sockets)
- A reliable torque wrench (highly recommended to prevent stripping bolts)
- Oil filter wrench or channel-lock pliers
- A wide, low-profile oil drain pan
- A funnel for clean refilling
- Plenty of shop rags or paper towels
- Nitrile or latex gloves to keep your hands clean
Pre-Change Checklist: Setting the Stage for Success
Follow these quick steps before you loosen a single bolt.
- Warm It Up: Start the DS 70 and let it idle for just 2-3 minutes. This warms the oil, making it flow out much faster and carrying more suspended contaminants with it. Don’t get the engine scorching hot!
- Find a Level Surface: Park the ATV on flat, level ground. This ensures all the old oil drains out and you get an accurate reading when you refill.
- Clean the Area: Wipe down the area around the oil filter cover and the drain plug. This prevents dirt from falling into your engine during the service.
- Protect Your Floor: Lay down a piece of cardboard or a mat under the engine to catch any inevitable drips or splashes.
The Ultimate Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change Kit Guide: Step-by-Step
Alright, you’ve got your kit and your tools. Now for the fun part. This step-by-step how to can-am ds 70 oil change kit guide will walk you through the entire process. Take your time and follow along closely.
Locate the Drain Plug: Look underneath the engine on the left-hand side (shifter side). You’ll find the 17mm drain plug on the bottom of the engine case. It’s the lowest bolt there.
Position Your Pan and Drain: Slide your oil drain pan directly under the plug. Using your 17mm socket, loosen the plug. Once it’s loose, finish unscrewing it by hand to control its removal and avoid an oily mess.
Let It Drain Completely: The warm oil should flow out quickly. Give it a good 5-10 minutes to drain fully. This is a good time to wipe off the magnetic tip of your drain plug and inspect it for any large metal shavings (a tiny bit of fine fuzz is normal).
Remove the Oil Filter Cover: While the oil finishes draining, locate the round oil filter cover on the right side of the engine. It’s held on by three 8mm bolts. Loosen and remove them, making note of which bolt goes where if they are different lengths.
Remove the Old Filter: Gently pry the cover off. The oil filter is right behind it. It should pull straight out. Sometimes a small spring sits behind the filter; make sure it doesn’t fall out unnoticed.
Clean and Prep: Wipe the inside of the filter housing clean with a lint-free rag. Remove the old, large o-ring from the filter cover. Thoroughly clean the groove where the o-ring sits.
Install the New Filter and O-Ring: Take the new o-ring from your kit and apply a thin film of new engine oil to it. This helps it seal properly and prevents it from tearing. Install it in the cover’s groove. Then, slide the new oil filter into the engine housing.
Reinstall the Filter Cover: Place the cover back on and reinstall the three 8mm bolts. Tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Do not overtighten! These small bolts can break easily. Snug them down firmly. If you have a torque wrench, the spec is typically around 7 lb-ft.
Reinstall the Drain Plug: Now that the engine is empty, it’s time to seal it up. Place the new crush washer from your kit onto the drain plug. Thread it back into the engine by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten it with your 17mm socket and torque wrench to about 15 lb-ft. The new washer is key to a leak-free job.
Refill with New Oil: Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick on the right side of the engine. Using a funnel, slowly pour in about 0.8L of the new XPS oil from your kit. The total capacity is about 0.95 US quarts (0.9L), but it’s crucial to add it slowly and check the level.
Check the Oil Level: Insert the dipstick but do not screw it in. Just rest it on the threads. Pull it out, wipe it, and re-insert it to get an accurate reading. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Add small amounts of oil until it’s in the correct range.
Final Checks and Cleanup: Reinstall the filler cap. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil and fills the new filter. Shut it off, wait a minute for the oil to settle, and re-check the level on the dipstick. Top it off if necessary. Finally, do one last check for any leaks around the drain plug and filter cover.
Best Practices and Pro Tips for Your Oil Change
Completing the steps is one thing, but doing it like a pro involves a few extra considerations. This is where you can avoid the common problems with can-am ds 70 oil change kits and extend the life of your machine.
Avoiding Common DIY Mistakes
We’ve seen it all in the shop. Here are the most common, and costly, mistakes to avoid:
- Stripping the Drain Plug: This is almost always caused by over-tightening. Using a torque wrench is the best prevention. If you don’t have one, the rule is “snug, then a gentle quarter-turn.” Never use all your strength.
- Re-using the Old Crush Washer: It might look fine, but that little copper washer is designed to crush once to create a seal. Re-using it is the #1 cause of a slow, annoying oil drip. Always use the new one from the kit.
- Overfilling with Oil: Too much oil is just as bad as too little. It can cause excess pressure, leading to blown seals and a frothy, ineffective lubricant. Always fill slowly and check the level multiple times.
The Importance of a Regular Schedule
Your can-am ds 70 oil change kit care guide starts with consistency. The first oil change after the initial break-in period is the most important. After that, follow the service intervals in your owner’s manual. For most riders, changing the oil once a year or every 15-20 hours of ride time is a great schedule.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Oil Change Practices
Being a responsible off-roader means taking care of our trails and our environment. That includes what you do in your garage. A sustainable can-am ds 70 oil change kit process is easy to follow.
How to Properly Dispose of Used Oil and Filters
Used motor oil is highly toxic and must never be poured down a drain, on the ground, or thrown in the trash. It’s illegal and incredibly harmful to the environment.
Pour your used oil from the drain pan into the now-empty oil bottle from your kit. Put the old filter in a sealed plastic bag. Nearly all auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly) and many local mechanic shops will accept your used oil and filters for recycling, completely free of charge. It’s an easy, responsible final step to your eco-friendly can-am ds 70 oil change kit service.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am DS 70 Oil Change Kit
How often should I change the oil on my Can-Am DS 70?
After the initial break-in service (check your manual, usually around 10 hours), a good rule of thumb is every 15-20 hours of use or at least once per season, whichever comes first. If you ride in very dusty or muddy conditions, you may want to change it more frequently.
Can I use regular car oil in my DS 70?
Absolutely not. Your DS 70 uses a wet clutch system, meaning the engine oil also lubricates the clutch plates. Automotive oils contain friction modifiers that will cause your clutch to slip and fail prematurely. You must use a motorcycle/ATV-specific oil with a JASO MA or MA2 rating, like the XPS oil included in the kit.
What is the oil capacity for a Can-Am DS 70?
The total capacity is approximately 0.95 US quarts (0.9 liters). However, you will never get all the old oil out. Always start by adding about 80% of the capacity, then use the dipstick to bring the level up to the full mark. This prevents overfilling.
Is a torque wrench really necessary for an oil change?
While you can do the job without one, it is highly recommended. The aluminum engine cases on your ATV are soft, and it is very easy to strip the threads of the drain plug or snap the small filter cover bolts. A budget-friendly torque wrench is a cheap investment compared to a costly engine case repair.
And there you have it! By using a can-am ds 70 oil change kit and following these steps, you’ve performed one of the most critical maintenance tasks on your youth ATV. You’ve saved time, prevented guesswork, and ensured that little engine has fresh, clean oil protecting it for the next adventure.
Now get out there, get those hands dirty (or keep them clean with gloves!), and keep that DS 70 ripping on the trails. Ride safe!
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