How To Change Oil On Can Am Outlander 1000

Your Can-Am Outlander 1000 is an absolute beast on the trails. That Rotax V-Twin engine delivers incredible power, but to keep it roaring, regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Many riders feel intimidated by the idea of servicing their own machine, but I’m here to tell you it’s one of the most rewarding and straightforward jobs you can do.

I promise that with the right tools and a clear plan, you can confidently complete this essential task yourself. This isn’t just about saving a few bucks at the dealership; it’s about truly understanding your ATV and ensuring it’s always ready for the next adventure.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to change oil on can am outlander 1000. We’ll cover the tools you’ll need, provide a detailed step-by-step process, share pro tips to avoid common mistakes, and even discuss how to do it all in an eco-friendly way.

Why Regular Oil Changes are Non-Negotiable for Your Outlander 1000

Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your Outlander. It does more than just lubricate; it cleans, cools, and protects all the critical moving parts inside that high-performance engine. Ignoring it is one of the fastest ways to turn a fun weekend into a costly repair bill.

The benefits of how to change oil on can am outlander 1000 are significant and directly impact your ride’s health and your wallet. Fresh oil is key to keeping your machine in top shape.

The Key Benefits of Fresh Oil

Enhanced Engine Longevity: Clean oil reduces friction and wear on vital components like pistons, bearings, and the camshaft. This directly translates to a longer, healthier engine life.
Improved Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Old, sludgy oil makes your engine work harder. Fresh oil allows parts to move freely, restoring lost power and improving fuel economy.
Superior Engine Cooling: Oil carries away a significant amount of heat from the engine’s hottest parts. Degraded oil loses its ability to cool effectively, increasing the risk of overheating on tough trails.
Keeps Internals Clean: Fresh oil contains detergents that clean away sludge and carbon deposits. This prevents blockages in small oil passages that are critical for lubrication.

Following a proper how to change oil on can am outlander 1000 care guide isn’t just a recommendation; it’s the single most important piece of preventative maintenance you can perform.

Tools and Supplies: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

Nothing’s worse than getting halfway through a job and realizing you’re missing a crucial tool. Before you even think about loosening a bolt, gather everything you need. Having it all laid out makes the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools

Socket Set and Ratchet: You’ll need an 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, and 17mm socket.
Torque Wrench: This is not optional. Overtightening drain plugs can strip the threads in your engine case, leading to a catastrophic and expensive repair.
Oil Filter Wrench: A cap-style wrench or a strap wrench will work.
Funnel: A clean funnel is essential to avoid messy spills when adding new oil.
Drain Pan: Get one with at least a 4-quart capacity to catch all the old oil.
Nitrile Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect your hands from oil and your eyes from any splashes.
Shop Rags or Paper Towels: You’re going to make a bit of a mess. Be prepared.

Required Parts & Fluids

Engine Oil: The Can-Am Outlander 1000 requires approximately 2.1 quarts (2.0 liters) of 5W-40 synthetic blend motorcycle oil. The BRP XPS brand is recommended, but any high-quality oil meeting the JASO MA standard will work.
Oil Filter Kit: Always buy a quality oil filter. The official BRP kit (part number often includes the filter and O-rings) is a great choice. It should come with a new filter, a large O-ring for the filter cover, and two small O-rings.
Drain Plug Sealing Rings/Washers: Your oil change kit should include new crush washers for both drain plugs. Never reuse old ones.

The Complete Guide: How to Change Oil on Can-Am Outlander 1000 Step-by-Step

Alright, you’ve got your tools and parts. Now for the fun part. This detailed how to change oil on can am outlander 1000 guide will walk you through every step. Take your time, stay organized, and you’ll be done before you know it.

Warm Up the Engine: Start your Outlander and let it run for 2-3 minutes. This warms the oil, making it less viscous so it flows out faster and carries more contaminants with it. Don’t get it scorching hot, just warm to the touch.
Park on Level Ground: This is crucial for ensuring all the old oil drains out and you get an accurate reading when you add the new oil. Put the ATV in Park and set the parking brake.
Access the Drain Plugs & Filter: On many models, you’ll need to remove a plastic or metal skid plate to access the engine. This is typically held on by a few 10mm bolts. Keep track of your hardware!
Locate and Clean the Drain Points: The Rotax V-Twin has two drain plugs. The main engine drain plug is on the bottom of the engine’s crankcase (magneto side). The second oil tank drain plug is located at the front of the engine. The oil filter is also on the magneto side, covered by a housing with three 8mm bolts. Wipe the areas around all three points clean to prevent dirt from entering the engine.
Drain the Oil Tank First: Place your drain pan under the front oil tank drain plug. Using a 17mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the plug. Let the oil drain completely. This can take a few minutes.
Drain the Engine Crankcase: Reposition the drain pan under the main engine drain plug. Using the same 17mm socket, remove this plug. This plug is magnetic, so inspect it for any large metal shavings—a few fine filings are normal, but large chunks could indicate a problem.
Replace the Oil Filter: While the oil is draining, use your 8mm socket to remove the three bolts on the oil filter cover. Gently pull the cover off. The old filter will come out with it. Remove the old large O-ring from the cover and the two small O-rings from the engine case where the cover mounts. Clean the cover thoroughly. Lubricate the new O-rings with a bit of fresh engine oil and install them in their respective grooves. Pop the new filter into the housing and reinstall the cover, tightening the 8mm bolts snugly.
Reinstall Drain Plugs: Once the oil has stopped dripping, wipe the drain plug threads and the engine case mating surfaces clean. Install the new crush washers on both drain plugs. Hand-thread them in to avoid cross-threading, then use your torque wrench. Torque the engine and oil tank drain plugs to 15 lb-ft (20 Nm). Do not over-tighten!
Add New Oil: Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick on the right side of the engine. Using a clean funnel, slowly add approximately 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of your new 5W-40 oil. Don’t dump it all in at once.
Check the Oil Level: Install the fill cap, but don’t screw it in. Just rest it on the threads. Pull it out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it again without screwing it in. The oil level should be between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ marks. Add small amounts of oil as needed to bring it to the ‘max’ line. The total capacity is around 2.1 quarts.
Final Checks: Screw the fill cap in securely. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds to circulate the new oil. Shut it off. Check underneath for any leaks around the drain plugs or filter housing. Wait a minute for the oil to settle, then re-check the dipstick level and top off if necessary.
Reset Maintenance Light: If your Outlander has a maintenance reminder, you can reset it through the digital display menu. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific button sequence.

Pro Tips and Best Practices for a Flawless Oil Change

Completing the steps is one thing, but doing the job like a pro involves a few extra details. These how to change oil on can am outlander 1000 best practices will help you avoid headaches and keep your machine in prime condition.

Avoiding Common Problems with How to Change Oil on Can Am Outlander 1000

Many first-timers run into the same few issues. Here’s how to sidestep them:

Stripped Drain Plugs: This is the number one rookie mistake. It’s caused by over-tightening. Always use a torque wrench set to the factory specification. The cost of the tool is a tiny fraction of the cost of repairing a stripped engine case.
Forgetting the Second Drain Plug: Many people only drain the main crankcase plug, leaving a significant amount of old, dirty oil in the tank. Remember to drain both!
Reusing Old Washers/O-Rings: The crush washers and O-rings are designed for one-time use. Reusing them is asking for a slow, messy oil leak. Your new filter kit should include everything you need.
Using the Wrong Oil: Do not use standard car oil. Your Outlander has a wet clutch that requires a motorcycle-specific oil with a JASO MA or MA2 rating to function correctly.

Inspect While You’re Under There

An oil change is a perfect opportunity for a quick inspection. While the oil is draining, grab a flashlight and look around. Check your CV axle boots for rips or tears, look for any other fluid leaks (coolant, diff fluid), and check for loose bolts or damaged components. Catching a small problem now can prevent a major failure on the trail.

Eco-Friendly Oil Disposal: The Responsible Rider’s Way

Part of being a great DIY mechanic is being a responsible one. This is where sustainable how to change oil on can am outlander 1000 practices come in. Used motor oil is highly toxic and must never be poured down a drain or onto the ground.

Pour the old oil from your drain pan into a sealed container, like the empty bottles from your new oil. Place the old oil filter in a sealed plastic bag. Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts) and many local recycling centers will accept used motor oil and filters for free. This is the only proper, eco-friendly how to change oil on can am outlander 1000 disposal method.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Your Outlander’s Oil

What kind of oil does a Can-Am Outlander 1000 take?

The Can-Am Outlander 1000 requires a 5W-40 synthetic or synthetic blend oil that is specifically rated for motorcycles with a wet clutch (JASO MA or MA2). BRP’s XPS brand is the factory recommendation, but other high-quality brands like Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Motul are excellent alternatives as long as they meet the specs.

How often should I change the oil on my Outlander 1000?

BRP recommends changing the oil after the initial break-in period (around 10-25 hours) and then every 100 hours, 2,000 miles (3,000 km), or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you ride in extremely dusty, wet, or muddy conditions, it’s wise to change it more frequently—perhaps every 50 hours.

Do I really need a torque wrench for this job?

Yes, absolutely. The engine case and oil tank are made of aluminum, which is much softer than the steel drain plugs. It is incredibly easy to strip the threads by over-tightening. A torque wrench is a critical tool for this and many other jobs on your ATV.

I think I stripped my drain plug. What do I do now?

First, don’t panic. If it’s leaking, try not to run the engine. The best solution is to use a thread repair kit, such as a Heli-Coil or a Time-Sert. This involves drilling out the damaged threads and inserting a new, stronger steel thread insert. If you’re not comfortable with this process, it’s best to take it to a qualified mechanic. This is a situation where professional help is worth every penny.

Congratulations! You now have all the knowledge needed to tackle this essential maintenance task. Taking the time to perform a proper oil change not only saves you money but also deepens the connection you have with your machine. It builds confidence and ensures your Outlander 1000 is always ready to deliver the performance you expect.

Now, gear up, get those tools out, and give your ATV the care it deserves. Stay safe, ride hard, 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.