I went to install a K&N filter on my 00 Sp500 today and noticed about 2 teaspoons worth of oil in the bottom of the airbox. I've had water and muck in there before, after some pretty hard riding, but never oil. Is this an indicator of a problem?
The only thing that I can think of is that I rolled it onto its side a few weeks ago while loading it into my truck. One of the front wheels decided to lock up just as I was backing up the ramps, causing it to quickly turn and roll off the ramps. I messed up my arm and shoulder pretty good, there was a chain-link fence next to my truck that I got smashed up against. The machine was on its side for about 30 seconds before I could scream enough obsenities to satisfy myself and get the strength to push it over.
If oil found its way into the airbox by sitting on its side for such a short time, could it have found its way elsewhere? What do you do if you have a rollover? Should you let it sit upright for 20 minutes or so, or is it safe to just start it up again and go?

Thanks.

Scott

 

That can do it. Also over filling the tank can even a little can cause oil in the air box.

 

The oil is definetly from turning it up on its side. If you look in the airbox, their is a vent line coming from the motor for the oil. I rolled my wifes tboss over last weekend and ended up with about 1/2 cup of oil in the bottom of the airbox. Just clean it up and check your oil and you should be fine.

P.S. Your lucky that darn fat hog didn't crush you.

 

Yeah, you don't truly appreciate the weight of the machine until you have to roll the thing over! For me, the first and last seconds of my ride are the most dangerous, everytime I load the machine into the back of my truck. The F250 is pretty high up there, and I have to back it in to avoid having the winch take out my back window. If you go slow, the tires will spin, causing the ramps to shift and slide off the tires. If you go faster, you are on the ground in a split second if something goes wrong. After this last episode, I decided it is time to buy new ramps that are one solid ramp that can fold up, thus eliminating the tendency to have one ramp roll over on me.

Scott

00 SP500
00 F250 Crew

 

Was your old air filter really dirty? I've heard that if it is oil can be sucked up in the air box.

 

No, the air filter was clean and in good condition.

Scott

00 SP500
00 F250 Crew

 

If you have a longbox, get 7 or 7 1/2 foot long ramps. Makes a world of difference over shorter ones. I think it is worth making some or having them made just for the easier climbing angle. Beware that many hinged folding ramps are very much on the narrow side for a Sportsman. What works is to run a tie down around the tailgate and hook it to one of the rungs of the ramp. Will keep it from getting kicked off. Don't take chances. What if the fat hog fell on you. All the oil might have leaked out and your next of kin could ruin the engine!
Farmr