How Much Oil Does A Can Am Ds 450 Take – The Complete DIY Oil Change

You’re staring at your Can-Am DS 450, ready to give it the fresh oil it deserves, but one simple question is holding you back: how much do you actually put in? You’ve probably seen conflicting numbers online, and the last thing you want is to damage that high-performance Rotax engine by getting it wrong.

We get it. The fear of overfilling and blowing a seal is just as real as the fear of underfilling and starving the engine. It’s a common problem that can turn a simple maintenance job into a stressful guessing game.

This guide promises to clear up all the confusion. We’re not just going to give you the number; we’re going to give you the why and the how. You’ll learn the exact oil capacity, the correct type of oil to use, and the pro-level, step-by-step process for a perfect oil change every time. Let’s get your DS 450 running flawlessly.

The Straight Answer: Can-Am DS 450 Oil Capacity

Let’s cut right to the chase. For a standard oil and filter change, your Can-Am DS 450 takes approximately 1.2 Liters (1.27 US quarts) of engine oil.

However, you should treat this number as a starting point, not the final word. Never just dump the full amount in and call it a day. The only true measure of a correct oil level is the dipstick, after following the proper checking procedure.

The reason for this caution is the DS 450’s dry sump lubrication system, which we’ll dive into later. A little bit of old oil always remains in the engine, so the exact amount you need can vary slightly. This is a critical detail in our complete how much oil does a can am ds 450 take guide.

Why the Correct Oil Level is Non-Negotiable (The Benefits)

Getting the oil level just right isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring peak performance. Understanding the benefits of how much oil does a can am ds 450 take correctly will make you a more confident DIY mechanic.

Flawless Engine and Clutch Performance

Your DS 450’s high-revving engine and wet clutch share the same oil. The right amount ensures every moving part is perfectly lubricated, reducing friction, wear, and heat. It also allows your wet clutch plates to engage and disengage smoothly without slipping or grabbing.

Superior Heat Management

That Rotax engine generates a massive amount of heat, especially when you’re pushing it hard on the trails or track. Engine oil is responsible for carrying a significant portion of that heat away from critical components like the piston and bearings. Too little oil means not enough cooling, leading to overheating and potential failure.

Avoiding Costly Engine Damage

This is the big one. An incorrect oil level is a fast track to disaster.

Too Little Oil: Leads to oil starvation. Metal-on-metal contact can cause catastrophic failure, including a seized piston or spun bearings.
Too Much Oil: Overfilling can cause the crankshaft to whip the oil into a foam. This aerated oil doesn’t lubricate properly, and the excess pressure can blow out seals and gaskets, leading to messy and expensive leaks.

How to Change the Oil in Your Can-Am DS 450: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get your hands dirty? This section covers how to how much oil does a can am ds 450 take and put it in correctly. Following these steps ensures you do the job right and avoid common pitfalls.

H3: Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start to make the process smooth. Nothing’s worse than having a drained engine and realizing you’re missing a tool.

Tools: Ratchet with 8mm, 13mm, and 17mm sockets, a torque wrench, an oil filter wrench (or large pliers in a pinch), a funnel, and a drain pan.
Supplies: Shop rags, nitrile gloves, and two new crush washers for the drain plugs.
Oil: At least 1.3 quarts of the correct oil (more on this below).
Oil Filter: A new oil filter. The K&N KN-152 or HiFlo HF152 are popular aftermarket options, or you can stick with the BRP OEM filter.

H3: Choosing the Right Oil for Your DS 450

Do not use standard car oil. Your DS 450 has a wet clutch, and the friction modifiers in most automotive oils will cause it to slip and burn out.

You need a high-quality 4-stroke ATV/motorcycle oil that is JASO MA or JASO MA2 certified. This certification ensures it’s formulated to work with wet clutches.

Can-Am recommends its own XPS 4T 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil, which is an excellent choice. Any other reputable brand of 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic motorcycle oil with the JASO MA2 rating will also work perfectly.

H3: The Oil Change Process Step-by-Step

Follow these how much oil does a can am ds 450 take best practices for a clean and effective oil change.

Warm It Up: Start the engine 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.
Locate Drain Plugs: The DS 450 has two drain plugs due to its dry sump system. One is on the bottom of the engine’s crankcase (17mm), and the other is on the bottom of the remote oil tank (13mm) located on the right side of the engine.
Drain the Oil Tank: Place your drain pan under the oil tank. Remove the 13mm drain plug and let the oil drain completely.
Drain the Crankcase: Move the pan under the engine. Remove the 17mm drain plug and drain the remaining oil.
Replace the Oil Filter: While the oil drains, use your filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. It’s located on the right side of the engine. Make sure the old gasket comes off with it.
Install New Filter: Wipe the filter mounting surface clean. Apply a thin film of new oil to the gasket of the new filter and screw it on by hand until it’s snug. Give it another quarter-turn with the wrench—do not overtighten.
Reinstall Drain Plugs: Once the dripping stops, clean the drain plugs and the area around the holes. Install the plugs with new crush washers. Use a torque wrench: torque the 17mm crankcase plug to 22 lb-ft and the 13mm oil tank plug to 15 lb-ft.
Add New Oil: Remove the dipstick/fill cap. Using a funnel, slowly add 1 Liter (approx. 1.05 quarts) of new oil. This is your starting point. Reinstall the dipstick.
Circulate and Check: Start the engine and let it idle for about one minute. This circulates the new oil and fills the new filter. Shut it off and wait a minute for the oil to settle.
Top Off to the Correct Level: Now, perform the official oil level check (see the next section). Add oil in very small increments (about 100ml at a time) until the level is perfect on the dipstick. This final step is the most crucial part of the process.

The Pro’s Method: Achieving the Perfect Oil Level

Knowing the capacity is one thing; knowing how to verify it is what separates amateurs from pros. The DS 450’s dry sump system requires a specific procedure. This is the ultimate how much oil does a can am ds 450 take care guide.

Understanding the Dry Sump System

Unlike a car, your DS 450 doesn’t store its oil in a pan under the engine. It stores most of it in a separate tank and pumps it through the engine as needed. This is why there are two drain plugs and why checking the oil level cold will give you an inaccurate, low reading.

The Official Oil Level Check Procedure

Follow these steps exactly to get an accurate reading.

The engine must be at normal operating temperature. A quick 5-minute ride is ideal.
Park the ATV on a level surface and let it idle for 30 seconds.
Shut the engine off.
Wait for 30 seconds to one minute for the oil to settle in the tank.
Unscrew the oil dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
Re-insert the dipstick fully, but do not screw it in. Just let it rest on the threads.
Pull the dipstick out again and read the level. It should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. The ideal level is right at the “MAX” mark.

Common Problems and Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple jobs have pitfalls. Being aware of these common problems with how much oil does a can am ds 450 take will save you headaches and money.

Overfilling: The number one mistake. If you overfill, don’t run the engine. Loosen a drain plug and let a small amount out until the level is correct.
Forgetting the Crankcase Drain Plug: Only draining the oil tank leaves a significant amount of old, dirty oil in the engine. Always drain both.
Stripping the Drain Plug: Aluminum threads are soft. Always use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plugs to the correct specification.
Reusing Crush Washers: These are single-use items designed to crush and create a seal. Reusing them is the most common cause of a slow oil leak.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Oil Change Practices

Being a responsible rider means taking care of the environment. Adopting an eco-friendly how much oil does a can am ds 450 take mindset is easy and important.

Used motor oil is highly toxic. Never dump it on the ground or in the trash. Pour your used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container (like the empty bottle from your new oil).

Nearly all auto parts stores, and many local recycling centers, will accept used motor oil and old oil filters for free. It’s a simple, responsible way to handle your waste and part of being a good steward of the trails we love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am DS 450 Oil Capacity

What happens if I put too much oil in my DS 450?

Overfilling can cause the oil to foam up, leading to poor lubrication and overheating. The excess pressure can also force oil out of the crankcase breather tube or, in worst-case scenarios, blow out engine seals and gaskets, resulting in costly repairs.

Can I use 10W-40 motorcycle oil in my DS 450?

Yes, you can. As long as the 10W-40 oil is a high-quality synthetic or synthetic blend and is rated JASO MA or MA2 for wet clutches, it is perfectly safe to use. The 10W-40 may offer slightly better protection in very high heat conditions compared to 5W-40.

How often should I change the oil on my Can-Am DS 450?

For the average trail rider, Can-Am recommends an oil change after the initial break-in period, and then every 6 months or every 50 hours of use. If you race or ride very aggressively in harsh conditions (deep mud, extreme dust), you should change it more frequently, around every 15-25 hours.

Why are there two drain plugs on the DS 450?

The two drain plugs are a feature of the dry sump lubrication system. One plug drains the external oil reservoir (the tank), and the other drains the small amount of oil that settles at the bottom of the engine’s crankcase. You must drain both to remove as much of the old oil as possible.

Mastering your Can-Am DS 450’s oil change is a rite of passage for any DIY rider. It saves you money and connects you more deeply with your machine. While the book says 1.2 Liters, remember that your dipstick is the ultimate source of truth.

Take your time, use the right products, and follow the correct procedure. Your engine will thank you with thousands of hours of reliable, high-performance fun.

Now get those tools out, get that oil changed, and we’ll see you on the trails. Ride safe!

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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.