Keeping your kid’s Can-Am DS 90 running like a top is priority number one for any off-road family. But when it’s time for an oil change, wandering down the auto parts aisle can feel overwhelming. The wrong choice can lead to poor performance or, worse, engine damage.
We’re here to cut through the confusion and get you back on the trail. This guide gives you the exact information you need to choose the right can am ds 90 oil type, perform the change confidently, and keep that little engine humming for years to come.
You’ll learn the manufacturer’s precise oil specifications, why they matter so much in a small ATV, and get a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, packed with pro tips you won’t find in the owner’s manual.
Why the Correct Can-Am DS 90 Oil Type is Non-Negotiable
It’s tempting to think “oil is oil,” but for a small, air-cooled engine like the one in the DS 90, the right lubricant is everything. This isn’t just about making parts slippery; it’s a critical component of the engine’s life support system.
The right oil manages heat, pulling it away from vital components. It cleans the inside of the engine, suspending tiny particles of metal and combustion byproducts until they can be drained out. Most importantly, it creates a protective film that prevents metal-on-metal contact under extreme pressure.
One of the biggest benefits of can am ds 90 oil type specific formulations is that they are designed for the unique demands of a powersports engine. Unlike your car, the DS 90 uses a centrifugal wet clutch, which is bathed in the same oil that lubricates the engine. Car oils often contain friction modifiers that can cause this clutch to slip, leading to poor acceleration and premature wear.
The Official Spec: What Oil Does a Can-Am DS 90 Take?
Let’s get straight to the point. The single most important part of this entire can am ds 90 oil type guide is using the oil that the engineers at BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) designed the engine for.
According to the Can-Am owner’s manual, the recommended oil for the DS 90 is:
- Viscosity: SAE 5W-40
- Type: 4-Stroke Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Engine Oil
- Certification: Must meet API service classification of SM, SL, or SJ.
- Wet Clutch Rating: Look for a JASO MA or JASO MA2 rating on the bottle.
Can-Am’s own brand, XPS 4-Stroke Synthetic Blend Oil (5W-40), is the factory-fill and their primary recommendation. However, any high-quality powersports oil from reputable brands like Motul, Maxima, or Amsoil that meets all the above specifications is an excellent choice.
Decoding the Oil Bottle Lingo
What do all those letters and numbers mean? Let’s break it down simply.
SAE 5W-40 (Viscosity): This tells you how the oil flows. The “5W” means it flows well in cold weather (the ‘W’ stands for winter), ensuring easy starts and quick lubrication. The “40” indicates its thickness at high operating temperatures, providing a strong protective film when the engine is working hard.
API SM/SL/SJ (Quality): This is the American Petroleum Institute’s rating for quality. SM is a more recent spec than SL or SJ, but any of these are acceptable and prove the oil has the right detergents and additives for your engine.
JASO MA/MA2 (Clutch Performance): This is a Japanese Automotive Standards Organization rating, and it’s critical for your DS 90. It certifies that the oil does not contain friction modifiers and is safe for wet clutch systems, ensuring your clutch engages properly without slipping.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Can-Am DS 90 Oil
Ready to get your hands dirty? This is a simple job that any DIYer can handle with basic tools. Following these steps will ensure you do it right. This section covers how to can am ds 90 oil type service from start to finish.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
- Ratchet with a 17mm socket (for the drain plug)
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Clean rags or shop towels
- 1 quart (approx. 0.95 Liters) of the correct 5W-40 4-stroke ATV oil
- A new crush washer for the drain plug (highly recommended)
- Nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean
The Oil Change Process
- Warm It Up: Start the ATV and let it run for 2-3 minutes. This warms the oil, making it flow out faster and carrying more contaminants with it. Don’t get it scorching hot.
- Get Access: Park the DS 90 on a level surface. Locate the oil fill cap/dipstick on the right side of the engine and the drain plug on the bottom of the engine case.
- Prepare for Draining: Place your drain pan directly under the drain plug. Unscrew the oil fill cap/dipstick first. This allows air to enter as the oil drains, preventing a vacuum and helping it flow smoothly.
- Drain the Old Oil: Using your 17mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug. Be ready for the oil to start flowing immediately. Let it drain completely for 5-10 minutes.
- CRITICAL STEP – Clean the Oil Screen: The DS 90 doesn’t have a traditional spin-on oil filter. Instead, it has a metal mesh oil screen. The drain plug has a spring behind it that holds this screen in place. Gently pull it out. Clean it thoroughly with a bit of brake cleaner and a rag, ensuring it’s free of any metal shavings or gunk.
- Reinstall the Plug: Once the screen is clean, re-insert it. Wipe the drain plug clean, slide on a new crush washer, and thread it back into the engine by hand to avoid cross-threading. Snug it up with your ratchet, but do not overtighten! It only needs to be snug enough to prevent leaks. Stripping the threads is a costly mistake.
- Add New Oil: Place your funnel in the oil fill hole. The Can-Am DS 90 oil capacity is approximately 0.95 US quarts (0.9 Liters). Start by pouring in about 0.8 quarts.
- Check the Level: Insert the dipstick but do not screw it in. Just rest the threads on the top of the case. Pull it out, wipe it clean, and check the level. Add small amounts of oil until it reaches the upper mark on the hatched area of the dipstick.
- Final Check: Reinstall the fill cap. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil. Shut it off, wait a minute for the oil to settle, and re-check the level one last time, topping off if necessary.
- Clean Up: Wipe up any drips. Pour your used oil from the drain pan into an old oil container for proper disposal.
Common Problems with Can-Am DS 90 Oil Type and Maintenance
Even a simple job can have pitfalls. Here are some of the most common problems with can am ds 90 oil type maintenance and how to avoid them.
Using the Wrong Oil
The most common mistake is grabbing standard car oil. As we discussed, the friction modifiers in automotive oil can destroy the DS 90’s clutch. Always use a 4-stroke, wet-clutch-rated (JASO MA/MA2) powersports oil.
Overfilling or Underfilling
Too much oil can cause it to foam up, reducing its lubricating ability and potentially blowing out seals. Too little oil will cause the engine to overheat and can lead to catastrophic failure. Always fill to the line on the dipstick—no more, no less.
Forgetting the Oil Screen
Skipping the oil screen cleaning is like changing your oil but leaving the dirty filter. A clogged screen will starve the engine of oil, causing severe damage. It’s a critical step in a proper can am ds 90 oil type care guide.
Can-Am DS 90 Oil Type Best Practices for Longevity
Want that little quad to last a lifetime? Follow these can am ds 90 oil type best practices to ensure a healthy engine.
- Check Before Every Ride: It takes 30 seconds. Before starting the engine cold, pull the dipstick, wipe it, and check the oil level. This is the single best thing you can do for engine health.
- Follow the Service Interval: The manual suggests changing the oil after the initial break-in period, and then every 6 months or 50 hours of use. If you ride in very dusty or muddy conditions, change it more frequently.
- Keep a Log: Write down the date and engine hours for every oil change in a small notebook. This helps you stay on schedule and can be a great selling point if you ever decide to upgrade.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Oil Change Tips
Being a responsible off-roader means protecting the trails we love. Follow these eco-friendly can am ds 90 oil type tips during your maintenance.
Used motor oil is a hazardous material and must never be poured down the drain or on the ground. A single quart of oil can contaminate thousands of gallons of water.
Nearly all auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, etc.) will accept your used motor oil for recycling free of charge. Simply pour it into a sealed container and drop it off. It’s an easy and responsible way to complete the job.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 90 Oil Type
Can I use regular car oil in my DS 90?
No, you should never use standard car oil. Most car oils contain friction-reducing additives that will cause the wet centrifugal clutch in the DS 90 to slip, leading to poor performance and damage. Always use a powersports-specific oil with a JASO MA or MA2 rating.
How often should I change the oil in a Can-Am DS 90?
After the initial break-in service, the standard interval is every 6 months or 50 hours of riding, whichever comes first. However, if the ATV is used in extremely dusty, wet, or muddy conditions, you should shorten this interval to protect the engine.
What’s the oil capacity of a Can-Am DS 90?
The engine oil capacity is approximately 0.95 US quarts or 0.9 Liters. It’s best to add about 80% of this amount first and then use the dipstick to carefully bring it to the full mark to avoid overfilling.
Is full synthetic oil better than a synthetic blend for the DS 90?
The manufacturer recommends a synthetic blend, which is perfectly adequate. However, using a full synthetic 5W-40 oil that meets the other specifications is a great upgrade. Full synthetics offer better protection at extreme temperatures and can last longer, providing an extra margin of safety for a hard-working little engine.
Properly maintaining your Can-Am DS 90 is the key to countless hours of fun on the trail. Understanding the correct can am ds 90 oil type and knowing how to change it yourself is a fundamental skill that saves you money and gives you peace of mind. By following this guide, you’re not just changing oil; you’re investing in the longevity and performance of your machine.
Now grab your tools, get that fresh oil in, and get back to making memories. Ride safe!
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