Can Am Outlander Oil Change Kit - Your Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide

Let’s be honest. You bought your Can-Am Outlander to conquer trails, not to spend hours in the garage deciphering part numbers and worrying if you grabbed the right oil. Sourcing the correct oil, filter, and crush washers separately can be a hassle, turning a simple maintenance task into a frustrating scavenger hunt.

We promise to make your next service a breeze. This guide is your complete roadmap to using a can am outlander oil change kit, turning a crucial piece of maintenance into a simple, satisfying, and quick job. You’ll get it done right, every time, with zero guesswork.

We’ll walk you through why a kit is the smartest choice, what’s inside, a detailed step-by-step process, common mistakes to avoid, and even some pro tips that will keep your machine running like a champ for years to come.

Why a Can-Am Outlander Oil Change Kit is a Game-Changer

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just buy the oil and filter separately?” You absolutely can, but you’d be missing out on the key advantages that a dedicated kit offers. Here are the core benefits of can am outlander oil change kit usage that savvy riders swear by.

Guaranteed Compatibility and Performance

The biggest benefit is peace of mind. A quality kit is engineered specifically for your Outlander’s engine—whether it’s a 450, 570, 850, or 1000. This means you get the exact oil viscosity (like XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend), the correct high-flow oil filter, and the proper O-rings and crush washers.

Using the wrong components can lead to poor lubrication, engine wear, or even catastrophic failure down the trail. A kit eliminates that risk entirely.

Unbeatable Convenience

Forget making multiple trips to the auto parts store or cross-referencing confusing part numbers online. A can am outlander oil change kit bundles everything you need into one box, delivered right to your door.

This saves you time and frustration, letting you focus on the actual job and getting back to what you love—riding.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

While the upfront cost might seem similar to buying parts individually, kits often provide better value. You’re not just paying for parts; you’re paying for accuracy and convenience. Plus, buying in a bundle can sometimes be cheaper than sourcing each high-quality component on its own.

What’s Inside? Decoding Your Oil Change Kit

Opening up your new kit feels like unboxing a secret weapon for your ATV’s health. While brands may vary slightly, a comprehensive kit will almost always include these essential items. This is your essential can am outlander oil change kit care guide to the components themselves.

Engine Oil: You’ll typically find the precise amount of Can-Am XPS engine oil required for your specific model. This is the lifeblood of your engine, designed to handle the high temperatures and stresses of off-roading.
Oil Filter: A high-quality filter designed to trap contaminants like dirt and metal shavings, keeping your oil clean and effective.
O-Rings: These rubber seals are crucial for preventing leaks. Your kit should include a new O-ring for the oil filter cap and potentially others depending on your model. Always replace these; old O-rings can become brittle and fail.
Drain Plug Sealing Washer: Often called a “crush washer,” this small metal ring creates a perfect seal for your drain plug. It’s a one-time-use item, and reusing an old one is the number one cause of a slow, annoying oil leak.

The Ultimate How To Can Am Outlander Oil Change Kit Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This step-by-step process will guide you through the oil change smoothly and safely. Follow these instructions, and you’ll be done in under an hour.

H3: Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prep Your Space

Preparation is everything. Having your tools ready prevents you from running around with an open engine. You’ll need:

Your complete can am outlander oil change kit
A socket set with a ratchet (common sizes are 8mm, 10mm, and 17mm)
A torque wrench (highly recommended to prevent over-tightening)
An oil filter wrench or pliers
A funnel
An oil drain pan
Nitrile gloves and shop rags
A flat, level surface to work on

Pro Tip: Warm up the engine for 2-3 minutes before you start. Warm oil flows faster and carries more suspended contaminants out with it.

Step 2: Draining the Old Oil

This is where the magic begins. Make sure your Outlander is on level ground.

Locate the engine oil drain plug. It’s on the bottom of the engine, usually a 17mm bolt. If you have skid plates, you may need to remove an access panel or the entire plate first.
Place your drain pan directly underneath the plug.
Using your socket and ratchet, loosen the drain plug. Turn it counter-clockwise. For the final few turns, unthread it by hand to avoid dropping it into the hot oil.
Let the oil drain completely. This can take 5-10 minutes. Use this time to clean the magnetic tip of your drain plug, which traps fine metal particles. A small amount of metallic “fuzz” is normal; large chunks are not.

Step 3: Replacing the Oil Filter and Seals

While the oil is draining, you can tackle the filter.

Locate the oil filter housing. On most Outlanders, it’s a black, round cover on the side of the engine held on by a few 8mm bolts.
Place a rag under the housing to catch any drips. Remove the bolts and gently pry the cover off.
Pull out the old oil filter. It may require a slight twist.
Carefully remove the old O-ring from the filter cover using a small pick or screwdriver.
Wipe the cover clean and install the new O-ring from your kit. Lightly coat it with a dab of new engine oil to ensure a good seal and prevent pinching.
Install the new oil filter from your kit. Lightly lubricate the filter’s rubber seal with new oil before pushing it into place.
Reinstall the filter cover and tighten the bolts in a star pattern to the torque specified in your owner’s manual (usually around 7-9 lb-ft). Do not over-tighten!

Step 4: Adding New Oil and Final Checks

You’re in the home stretch!

Once the old oil has finished draining, wipe the drain plug area clean.
Install the new sealing washer from your kit onto the drain plug.
Thread the drain plug back in by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it with your torque wrench to the factory specification (typically around 15-18 lb-ft). This is one of the most important can am outlander oil change kit best practices.
Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick. Using a clean funnel, pour in the specified amount of new oil from your kit. Check your owner’s manual for the exact capacity, but do not dump it all in at once.
Add about 80% of the required oil, then check the dipstick. Add the remaining oil incrementally until it reaches the “Full” mark.
Reinstall the fill cap, start the engine, and let it run for 30-60 seconds. This circulates the new oil.
Shut off the engine, wait a minute for the oil to settle, and re-check the dipstick. Top it off if necessary. Finally, check for any leaks around the drain plug and filter cover.

Common Problems with Can Am Outlander Oil Change Kit Usage

Even with a kit, a few simple mistakes can cause headaches. Here are the most common issues we see at the shop and how you can easily avoid them.

Over-tightening the Drain Plug: This is the #1 rookie mistake. It can strip the threads in your engine case, leading to a very expensive repair. Always use a torque wrench and follow the specs in your service manual.
Reusing Old Seals: Never reuse the old crush washer or O-rings. They are designed to be single-use. Your kit provides new ones for a reason—use them to guarantee a leak-free seal.
Forgetting to Lube New Seals: A dry O-ring can pinch, tear, or bind during installation, causing an immediate leak. A thin film of new oil is all it takes to prevent this.
Spilling Oil: A messy workspace is an unsafe one. Use a large drain pan and a good funnel. If you do spill, clean it up immediately to prevent slips or environmental contamination.

Eco-Friendly Maintenance: The Sustainable Can Am Outlander Oil Change Kit Approach

Being an off-roader means respecting the environments we ride in. A sustainable can am outlander oil change kit process is easy to follow and makes a big difference.

First and foremost, never dump used motor oil on the ground or in the trash. It’s highly toxic and illegal. Used engine oil is a valuable resource that can be recycled and re-refined.

Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts) accept used motor oil for recycling free of charge. Simply pour your old oil from the drain pan into the empty bottles from your kit and drop it off. It’s that simple to practice an eco-friendly can am outlander oil change kit service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can Am Outlander Oil Change Kit

How often should I change the oil on my Can-Am Outlander?

This is one of the most critical can am outlander oil change kit tips. Always follow the service interval in your owner’s manual. For most models, it’s typically every 6 months, 100 hours of use, or 1,200 miles (2,000 km), whichever comes first. If you ride in extremely dusty, wet, or muddy conditions, you should change it more frequently.

Can I use a different brand of oil than what’s in the kit?

While you can, it’s best to stick with the manufacturer-recommended oil (like XPS) or a high-quality synthetic equivalent that meets the same specifications (e.g., API SN, JASO MA2). The oil in the kit is guaranteed to be the correct type and viscosity for your machine’s warranty and performance.

What’s the most common mistake people make during an oil change?

Aside from over-tightening the drain plug, the most common error is forgetting to replace the sealing washer and O-rings. These small parts are absolutely critical for preventing leaks. Your kit includes them for a reason—always use the new ones!

Is a torque wrench really necessary for this job?

Yes. While experienced mechanics can often go by feel, a torque wrench is cheap insurance against a stripped oil pan. It ensures every bolt is tightened to the precise engineering specification, guaranteeing a perfect, leak-free seal without damaging any components.

You’ve done it! By using a can am outlander oil change kit and following this guide, you’ve performed one of the most important maintenance tasks your ATV needs. You’ve saved time, avoided guesswork, and ensured your Outlander’s engine is protected with the best possible components.

Regular maintenance is the key to reliability on the trail. Now, clean up your tools, properly dispose of that old oil, and go enjoy the ride with the confidence that your machine is running at its absolute best. Ride hard, ride safe, and we’ll see you on the trails!

Author
Recent Posts

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.