Can Am Ds 90 Oil Change – The Ultimate DIY Guide For Engine Longevity

There’s nothing quite like watching a young rider gain confidence on their Can-Am DS 90. That little four-wheeler is a ticket to freedom and fun. You agree that keeping it running safely and reliably is priority number one, right? The single most important piece of that puzzle is regular maintenance, starting with the engine’s lifeblood: its oil.

We promise this guide will demystify the entire process. Forget feeling intimidated or unsure. We’re going to walk you through every single step of a can am ds 90 oil change with clear instructions and pro tips you won’t find anywhere else.

In this post, you’ll learn why this task is so critical, get a complete list of the tools and supplies you need, follow our detailed step-by-step instructions, and discover how to avoid the common mistakes that even experienced DIYers make. Let’s get those hands dirty and keep that DS 90 ripping for years to come.

Why a Regular Can-Am DS 90 Oil Change is Non-Negotiable

It’s easy to think of an oil change as a simple chore, but for a small, air-cooled engine like the one in the DS 90, it’s a critical lifeline. This isn’t just about pouring old oil out and new oil in; it’s about actively protecting your investment and ensuring your rider’s safety.

Engine oil wears a few different hats. It lubricates moving parts to prevent metal-on-metal destruction, it helps cool the engine by carrying heat away, and it traps dirt, grime, and tiny metal particles, holding them in suspension until you drain them out. Over time, that oil breaks down and gets saturated with contaminants, losing its ability to do its job effectively. This is where the benefits of a can am ds 90 oil change truly shine.

Extends Engine Life: Fresh oil provides a clean, protective barrier against friction and wear, which is the number one killer of engines.
Maintains Peak Performance: A happy engine is a responsive engine. Clean oil ensures all components move freely, maintaining the snappy performance the DS 90 is known for.
Prevents Overheating: The DS 90’s engine works hard. Degraded oil can’t transfer heat efficiently, leading to overheating and potential seizure.
Avoids Costly Repairs: A few bucks for oil and an hour of your time is pocket change compared to the cost of a full engine rebuild caused by neglect.

Gearing Up: Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Having everything ready before you start makes the job smooth and stress-free. There’s nothing worse than having oil draining out only to realize you’re missing the right socket. Here’s your complete checklist for a successful can am ds 90 oil change guide.

Essential Tools for the Job

You likely have most of these in your garage already. This isn’t a highly specialized task, but the right tools make all the difference.

Ratchet and Socket Set: You’ll primarily need a 17mm socket for the drain plug and oil strainer cap on most DS 90 models. Always double-check your specific year.
Torque Wrench: This is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. Overtightening the drain plug is the fastest way to strip the threads in the engine case, turning a simple job into a nightmare.
Oil Drain Pan: Any low-profile pan with at least a 2-quart capacity will do the trick.
Funnel: A clean funnel is essential to avoid spilling fresh oil all over the engine.
Nitrile Gloves: Used motor oil is nasty stuff. Protect your skin.
Shop Towels or Rags: Spills and drips are part of the game. Be prepared.

The Right Oil and Parts for Your DS 90

Using the correct fluids and parts is non-negotiable. The wrong oil can cause serious damage. Here’s exactly what to get.

Engine Oil: The Can-Am DS 90 requires approximately 0.95 US quarts (0.9 Liters) of 4-stroke engine oil. BRP recommends its own XPS 4T 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil. If you use an alternative, ensure it is a high-quality powersports oil rated JASO MA or MA2. Do not use standard car oil; its friction modifiers can be harmful.
Drain Plug Crush Washer: Always replace this small metal washer. It’s a one-time-use item designed to crush and create a perfect seal. Reusing it is asking for a leak.
Oil Strainer O-Ring: The cap for the oil strainer screen is sealed with a rubber O-ring. It’s best practice to replace this each time to prevent leaks.

The Step-by-Step How To: Can Am DS 90 Oil Change

Alright, you’ve got your gear, you know why you’re doing this, so let’s get to it. Follow these steps precisely for a perfect oil change every time. This is the core of our can am ds 90 oil change care guide.

Step 1: Warm It Up
Park the ATV on a level surface. Start the engine and let it run for just 2-3 minutes. You don’t want it scorching hot, just warm enough to thin the oil and stir up any sediment, allowing it to drain out completely.
Step 2: Locate and Clean
Turn off the engine. Look underneath and locate the 17mm drain plug on the bottom of the engine case. Nearby, you’ll see a larger 17mm cap—that’s for the oil strainer. Before you put a wrench on anything, take a rag and wipe the entire area clean to prevent dirt from falling into your engine.
Step 3: Drain the Old Oil
Slide your drain pan into position. Using your 17mm socket, break the drain plug loose. Unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Be ready for the oil to flow out. Let it drain completely for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: The Most Important Step—Clean the Oil Strainer!
This is one of the most overlooked can am ds 90 oil change tips. The DS 90 doesn’t have a disposable filter; it has a reusable metal screen. Using your 17mm socket, remove the larger cap. Behind it, you’ll find a spring and the cylindrical metal strainer. Pull them out, spray the screen thoroughly with brake cleaner, and inspect it for any large metal shavings (a bad sign) before setting it aside.
Step 5: Reinstall and Torque to Spec
Wipe the drain plug clean and install a new crush washer. Thread it back into the engine case by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it with your torque wrench to the factory specification (typically around 13 lb-ft or 18 Nm, but always confirm in your owner’s manual). Do the same for the oil strainer: install the clean screen, the spring, a new O-ring on the cap, and torque it to spec.
Step 6: Refill with Fresh Oil
Unscrew the black plastic dipstick/fill cap on the side of the engine. Place your clean funnel and slowly pour in about 0.8 L of your new 5W-40 oil. Don’t dump the whole bottle in at once; it’s easy to overfill.
Step 7: Check the Level Correctly
To get an accurate reading, rest the dipstick on the threads—do not screw it in. Pull it out, wipe it, and check the level. It should be between the high and low marks. Slowly add a little more oil until it reaches the upper mark on the cross-hatched area.
Step 8: Final Checks and Clean Up
Screw the dipstick back in securely. Start the engine and let it idle for about a minute. This circulates the new oil. Shut it off, wait another minute for the oil to settle, and re-check the level one last time (again, without screwing the dipstick in). Top off if necessary. Finally, give a quick look at your drain plug and strainer cap for any signs of leaks.

Common Problems with Can Am DS 90 Oil Change (And How to Avoid Them)

Even a simple job can go wrong. Being aware of the potential pitfalls is key to avoiding them. Here are the most common issues we see and how to ensure they don’t happen to you.

Stripping the Drain Plug or Engine Case Threads

This is the most catastrophic and common problem. It’s caused by one thing: overtightening. The engine case is soft aluminum. The solution is simple: use a torque wrench. It’s an investment that will save you hundreds, if not thousands, in potential repair costs.

Using the Wrong Type of Oil

Grabbing a bottle of 5W-30 car oil from the shelf is a huge mistake. Automotive oils contain friction-modifying additives that can cause issues in powersports machines. Stick with a motorcycle or ATV-specific 4T oil with a JASO MA/MA2 rating to protect your engine properly.

Forgetting to Clean the Oil Strainer

Skipping this step is like changing your clothes but not taking a shower. A clogged strainer starves the engine of oil, leading to catastrophic failure. Make cleaning it a mandatory part of your can am ds 90 oil change best practices.

Overfilling or Underfilling with Oil

Too much oil can get whipped into a foam by the crankshaft, reducing its ability to lubricate and potentially blowing out seals. Too little oil will cause starvation and overheating. The fix? Add oil slowly and check the level multiple times throughout the process.

An Eco-Friendly Can Am DS 90 Oil Change: Responsible Disposal

You’ve done the hard work, and the DS 90 is ready to ride. But what about that pan full of old, black oil? A sustainable can am ds 90 oil change means finishing the job right by protecting our environment and trails.

Used motor oil is highly toxic and illegal to dump down a drain, on the ground, or in the trash. Fortunately, disposal is easy and almost always free.

Carefully pour the used oil from your drain pan back into the empty oil bottle you just used. Seal it tightly. Take this container to any major auto parts store (like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, or O’Reilly Auto Parts) or your local municipal recycling facility. They accept used motor oil for recycling at no charge. It’s a simple, responsible end to your eco-friendly can am ds 90 oil change.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am DS 90 Oil Change

What kind of oil does a Can-Am DS 90 take?

The Can-Am DS 90 takes approximately 0.95 US quarts (0.9 L) of a 4-stroke 5W-40 powersports oil. We recommend BRP’s XPS brand or a high-quality alternative that is certified JASO MA or MA2 to ensure it’s formulated correctly for ATV engines.

How often should I change the oil in my DS 90?

Check your owner’s manual for the specific service interval, which is usually listed in hours of use or months. A great rule of thumb is to change it at least once every six months, or more frequently if the ATV is ridden hard in very dusty, muddy, or wet conditions.

Do I need to change a filter on the DS 90?

No, the Can-Am DS 90 does not use a disposable, screw-on oil filter. Instead, it has a permanent, reusable metal oil strainer screen located inside the engine case. This screen must be removed and cleaned thoroughly during every oil change.

What happens if I put too much oil in my Can-Am DS 90?

Overfilling can lead to serious issues. The excess oil can be churned into a useless foam by the engine’s moving parts, causing a loss of oil pressure. It can also create excess crankcase pressure, which can blow out engine seals and gaskets, leading to messy and expensive leaks.

And there you have it. You’re now equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this essential maintenance task yourself. Performing your own can am ds 90 oil change not only saves you a trip to the dealer but also connects you with your machine and ensures the job is done right.

Take your time, stay organized, and double-check your work. Keeping that little engine purring is one of the best things you can do to guarantee years of safe, reliable fun on the trails. Now get out there and ride with confidence!

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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.