First oil change after break-in at 20 hours on new machine, dealer sold me a filter made by "Hiflofiltro" and cost me 10 bucks. So I went to Walmart and found a Fram filter for 3 bucks that matched the stock filter made by Polaris. Haven't changed the oil/filter at next scheduled change, but was wondering if any other SP500, 2000 mod. year have changed filters, or found other substitutions. I also found that a large oil manufacturer in Canada (Esso) makes a synthetic 0W40 oil that the SP500 recommends. Rather than spending the big bucks for "Polaris" brand synthetic oil, this oil performs marvelously.

 

SWAC,surf thru the Polaris forums until you get to my post called ''POLARIS aftermarket oil filter numbers''You'll find numerous aftermarket filters that will fit our Sportsmans.====BILL

------------------

 

I think the subject of synthetic oil has also been brought up on the "Tech connection". A good 10W-40 synthetic oil by Mobil or others, would also be acceptable. The 0W-40 would be better only in extreme cold conditions. I am also looking for cost effective alternatives to Polaris's oil and filters as the 2000 Xpedition requires 5.5 quarts of the stuff. Please let us know what the number is, on the Fram filter you found. Thanks.
I have been using Castrol 10W-40 for 6 years in 2 Mojave's and I haven't had any problems, but I think I will stick with a synthetic oil on the Polaris.

Smerk
2000 425 Xpedition
1994 Mojave

 

Bill,
Thanks, I just went back to your previous post on oil filters. The numbers were Fram PH6607, Perolator PER 4622, and Deutsch D371.

Smerk

 

The Fram I purchased, but have not used yet is PH 4967. I have not used it yet, found out from Bill on this forum that he has used # 6607 without trouble. I use the 0W40 as I live in Ontario and need the real cold weather proof oil. It is a SEMI-SYNTHETIC oil but I have used extensively for years on hard run backhoes and excavators throughout the winter. Love to hear feedback from other owners who don't feel the need to purchase products that have the bike company's name on them, rather to do their own research and buy from reputable companies that specialize in their own products. Don't those bike manufacturers feel silly knowing that us quad riders actually have brains too?

 

The Fram I purchased, but have not used yet is PH 4967. I have not used it yet, found out from Bill on this forum that he has used # 6607 without trouble. I use the 0W40 as I live in Ontario and need the real cold weather proof oil. It is a SEMI-SYNTHETIC oil but I have used extensively for years on hard run backhoes and excavators throughout the winter. Love to hear feedback from other owners who don't feel the need to purchase products that have the bike company's name on them, rather to do their own research and buy from reputable companies that specialize in their own products. Don't those bike manufacturers feel silly knowing that us quad riders actually have brains too?

 

Be careful with the Fram filters!
It may not be the best alternative.

J.C.

 

I know quite a few guys that use aftermarket filters with no problems.Im breaking in the rebuilt engine on the 99 Sportsman with Polaris 0-40w oil.I just changed it this morning after 7 total hrs on the rebuilt engine with the Polaris 0-40w oil.Next oil change will be with Pennzoil fully synthetic at a cost of 2.99 a qt.I will monitor the engine and oil closely.Polaris says to use something with a SH rating,so the Pennz oil fits that bill.I see no reason to pay 5.99 a qt for what seems to be the same oil as Polaris stuff,and its half the cost.=====BILL

------------------

 

I agree. I went searching for an oil that was recommended by Polaris with the SH rating and found one. I'm sure there are lots of available fluids that will fit the bill. I read a reply about being careful about a Fram filter, I will use it if I feel it seals properly and that the motor does not give nay problems. I would like to find one that is longer, providing more filtration ability, but with a good semi-synthetic oil my sportsman should be fine.

 

If you dont feel like Fram is good enough, I got a friend of mine to do some cross-referencing for me.

Fram PH6607--Wix 51365--ACDelco PF1237--Motorcraft FL816--Fleetguard LF3692.

Fram PH6017a--Wix 51358--this filter didnt seem to have as many possibilities as the other one. We only crossed main brands as there were 36 to choose from.
The Wix 51365 retails for 7.22$ but I could but from him for about 5$. Wix is the only brand he stocks so I couldnt post prices for the other brands. Hope this helps

------------------
Ronnie Crecelius Xpedition 425