How To Change Oil On Can Am Outlander 500

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting the trails on your Can-Am Outlander 500. That reliable Rotax engine is the heart of your machine, but keeping it purring requires regular TLC. For many owners, the thought of doing their own maintenance can feel a bit intimidating.

We promise this guide will change that. We’re here to show you exactly how to change oil on can am outlander 500 models, breaking down the process into simple, manageable steps. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to get this done right in your own garage.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the essential tools and supplies you’ll need, walk you through the entire process from draining to refilling, and share some pro tips to make the job go smoothly. This is your ultimate how to change oil on can am outlander 500 care guide for a healthier, longer-lasting engine.

Why Regular Oil Changes are Non-Negotiable for Your Outlander 500

Before we grab the wrenches, let’s talk about why this 30-minute job is one of the most critical pieces of maintenance you can perform. It’s more than just a chore; it’s the lifeblood of your ATV’s performance and longevity.

Engine oil has a tough job. It lubricates moving parts to reduce friction, cleans away harmful deposits, helps cool the engine, and prevents corrosion. Over time, heat and contamination break the oil down, making it less effective.

Here are the key benefits of how to change oil on can am outlander 500 at regular intervals:

Improved Engine Performance: Fresh, clean oil allows your engine’s components to move freely, maximizing power and efficiency.
Enhanced Engine Longevity: By removing sludge and metal particles, you prevent premature wear and tear on critical parts like pistons, bearings, and camshafts.
Better Fuel Economy: A well-lubricated engine runs with less resistance, which can translate to slightly better fuel mileage on the trail.
Prevents Overheating: Oil helps dissipate heat. Old, sludgy oil can’t do this effectively, leading to higher operating temperatures and potential damage.

Ignoring this simple task can lead to expensive, catastrophic engine failure down the road. A few bucks and a little bit of time now can save you thousands later.

Gathering Your Tools and Supplies: The Pre-Job Checklist

Nothing slows down a DIY job like having to stop midway through to run to the auto parts store. Get organized first. Here’s everything you’ll need to do the job right.

Essential Parts & Fluids

Engine Oil: Your Can-Am Outlander 500 requires approximately 2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters) of oil. The manufacturer strongly recommends XPS 5W-40 4T Synthetic Blend Oil. Using the correct oil is crucial for engine protection.
Oil Filter: Always replace the filter with every oil change. Get a quality replacement like the BRP/Can-Am OEM filter (Part #420256188) or a reputable aftermarket equivalent.
New O-Rings: Your new oil filter should come with two new O-rings for the filter cap. Do not reuse the old ones!
Drain Plug Sealing Washer: It’s a best practice to replace the small crush washer on the drain plug to ensure a perfect seal.

Tools You’ll Need

Ratchet with extensions
17mm socket (for the engine drain plug)
8mm socket (for the oil filter cover bolts)
Torque wrench (highly recommended for accuracy)
Oil filter wrench or pliers (if the filter is stuck)
Funnel
Oil drain pan (at least 3-quart capacity)
Nitrile gloves and shop rags
Safety glasses

How to Change Oil on Can Am Outlander 500: The Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve got your supplies, and you’re ready to get your hands dirty. We’ve broken down this complete how to change oil on can am outlander 500 guide into easy-to-follow steps. Find a level surface, and let’s get started.

Step 1: Warm Up the Engine

First things first, start your Outlander and let it run for 3-5 minutes. Don’t take it for a full-throttle rip; you just want to get the oil warm, not scorching hot.

Warming the oil thins it out, allowing it to drain faster and more completely. It also helps suspend any contaminants and sludge so they drain out with the old oil instead of staying behind in your engine.

Step 2: Locate and Prepare to Drain

Park your ATV on a level surface and shut it off. Put on your safety glasses and gloves. Slide your oil drain pan underneath the engine.

The engine oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the engine, on the right-hand (throttle) side of the vehicle. It’s a 17mm bolt. Before you loosen it, clean the area around the plug with a rag to prevent any dirt from falling into the engine.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

Using your 17mm socket and ratchet, turn the drain plug counter-clockwise to loosen it. Once it’s loose, you can usually unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Be prepared for the oil to start flowing as you remove the last thread.

Pro Tip: Keep a slight upward pressure on the plug as you unscrew it to prevent oil from leaking out until you’re ready to pull it away completely. This helps minimize the mess.

Let the oil drain completely. This can take 5-10 minutes. While it’s draining, inspect the drain plug. Clean it thoroughly and check the condition of the sealing washer. It’s best to replace it with a new one.

Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter

While the last drops of oil are draining, you can move on to the filter. The oil filter is located on the same side of the engine, just above the drain plug, behind a circular cover held on by three 8mm bolts.

Place a rag under the filter housing to catch any drips.
Use your 8mm socket to remove the three bolts. Keep them in a safe place.
Gently pry off the cover. The old oil filter will come out with it or may be sitting inside the housing.
Remove the old filter and the two old O-rings from the cover. Clean the inside of the cover and the sealing surface on the engine with a clean rag.
Take your new O-rings and coat them with a thin layer of fresh engine oil. This helps them seal properly and prevents them from tearing during installation.
Install the new, lubricated O-rings onto the filter cover.
Install the new oil filter into the housing. The end with the rubber grommet goes in first.
Reinstall the cover and tighten the three 8mm bolts snugly in a star pattern. The recommended torque is 6 Nm (53 lb-in). Don’t over-tighten them!

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug and Add Fresh Oil

Once the oil has completely stopped dripping, it’s time to seal everything up. Wipe the drain plug area on the engine clean.

Install the drain plug with its new sealing washer. Tighten it by hand first to ensure it’s not cross-threaded, then use your torque wrench. The proper torque spec for the drain plug is 20 Nm (15 lb-ft). If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten it to be snug, then give it a final quarter-turn. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the engine case, which is a very costly mistake.

Now, remove the oil fill cap/dipstick on the top of the engine. Using a clean funnel, slowly pour in 2.0 US quarts (1.9 liters) of your new XPS 5W-40 oil. Don’t just dump the full 2.1 quarts in at once.

Step 6: Check the Oil Level

Reinstall the oil fill cap but don’t screw it in. Let the oil settle for a minute. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, re-insert it fully, and pull it out again to check the level. The oil should be between the upper and lower marks.

Add small amounts of oil as needed until you reach the full mark. Once satisfied, screw the fill cap on securely. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds to circulate the new oil. Shut it off, wait a minute, and check the level one last time, topping off if necessary.

Finally, do a visual check around the drain plug and oil filter cover for any signs of leaks.

Pro Tips and Best Practices for a Flawless Oil Change

Knowing how to change oil on can am outlander 500 best practices can make the difference between a simple job and a frustrating mess. Here are some extra tips from our experience at FatBoysOffroad.

Inspect the Old Oil: When the oil is draining, look at its color and consistency. If it looks milky, it could be a sign of coolant leaking into the engine. If you see a lot of metallic flakes, it could indicate internal engine wear.
Pre-fill the Filter: Some mechanics like to pour a small amount of new oil into the new oil filter before installing it. This helps reduce the time the engine runs without full oil pressure on startup.
Keep a Log: Use a simple notebook or a phone app to log the date and mileage of your oil change. This helps you stay on top of your maintenance schedule.
Double-Check Everything: Before starting the engine, always double-check that the drain plug is tight and the oil filter cover is secure. It’s a simple step that can prevent a huge mess.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Even a straightforward job can have hiccups. Here are some solutions to common problems with how to change oil on can am outlander 500 maintenance.

Stuck Drain Plug: If the plug won’t budge, make sure you’re turning it the right way (counter-clockwise). You can try a longer ratchet for more leverage or give the wrench a sharp tap with a rubber mallet.
Stripped Drain Plug Head: If the head of the bolt is rounded off, you may need a specialized bolt extractor socket to remove it. Always replace a damaged plug with a new one.

– Overfilling with Oil: If you add too much oil, don’t run the engine. You’ll need to drain some out. Slightly loosen the drain plug until it drips and let the excess out until the level is correct on the dipstick.

Eco-Friendly Oil Disposal: The Responsible Way to Finish the Job

You’re not done until you’ve handled the old oil properly. A sustainable how to change oil on can am outlander 500 process includes responsible disposal.

Never, ever pour used motor oil down the drain, on the ground, or in the trash. It is highly toxic and can contaminate soil and groundwater. Pour the used oil from your drain pan into the empty oil bottles.

Most auto parts stores (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts) accept used motor oil for recycling free of charge. Many local municipal waste facilities also have collection sites. It’s an easy and eco-friendly how to change oil on can am outlander 500 step that protects our environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Outlander 500 Oil Change

What kind of oil is best for a Can-Am Outlander 500?

The manufacturer, BRP, specifically recommends using their XPS 5W-40 4T Synthetic Blend Oil. While other high-quality powersports-specific 5W-40 oils may work, using the OEM-recommended fluid is the safest bet to ensure proper engine protection and warranty compliance.

How often should I change the oil on my Outlander 500?

According to the Can-Am maintenance schedule, the first oil change should be done after the initial break-in period (around 10 hours or 200 miles). After that, a good rule of thumb is to change it every 6 months, 100 hours of use, or 2,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you ride in very dusty, muddy, or wet conditions, you should change it more frequently.

Do I really need a torque wrench for this job?

While you can do the job without one, we highly recommend using a torque wrench, especially for the drain plug. The engine case is made of aluminum, and it’s very easy to strip the threads by over-tightening. A torque wrench is a relatively inexpensive tool that provides peace of mind and prevents a very expensive repair.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully completed one of the most important maintenance tasks for your ATV. Taking the time to learn how to change the oil on your Can-Am Outlander 500 not only saves you money but also connects you more deeply with your machine. Now, clean up your tools, recycle that old oil, and get ready for your next adventure. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!

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.