I have a '99 Big Bear, just bought it new: Problem: I was riding in some steep little hills, and I noticed it spit out some oil, through the overflow tube, into the air cleaner, which barely filled the little "drain" at the bottom of the air filter. Anyways, the problem is, I checked the oil level, and it was WAY overfull. So, I decided to change it at this time, (I only have about five hours, if that on the machine overall). The oil in it at this time was from the company I bought it from. They filled it, not me. Anyways, when I look in the book, it says it takes: 3.1 U.S. quarts on periodic oil change, 3.2 U.S. quarts with the oil filter replacement, and a total amount, (I believe which is if doing both the above), of 3.7 U.S. quarts. Now, I put in three quarts, and it is WAY over the dipstick, even dam near the top of the threads of the dipstick handle. Anyone know for sure which way to go with this? Also, what, if any , damage has been done to the atv, when running at that amount for around five hours, or so? Would appreciate help on this!!! Thanks in advance, Chris

 

Hey guys, (and gals), I see a quite a few views on this, but no reply's. Please, Please, Please, even if you dont own a Big Bear, feel free to reply! Thanks again!!!!

 

.DRAIN THE OIL AND REFILL THE CRANKCASE STARTING WITH 2 QUARTS THEN JUST ADD ENOUGH TO BRING IT UP TO THE FULL LEVEL.THE BIKE MUST BE LEVEL WHEN YOU TAKE THE READING.ALSO THE DIPSTICK SITS ON TOP OF THE THREADS WHEN TAKING THE READING.YOU PROBABLY DID NOT HURT THE MOTOR .I HAVE DONE IT BEFORE AND NOTHING HAPPENED .ALSO IHAVE SEEN OIL IN THE AIR BREATHER BOX FROM THE OIL SOAKED FILTER THIS IS NORMAL.

 

I'm assuming this is a 5-speed from the way you described the dip stick threads. Here in Canada they take 3-3.5 litres with filter. Do not screw the stick in when checking, just insert it. The manual may be refering to a transfere case drain as well with that quanity. The only damage that can occure is if the engine ingests large amounts of oil through the intake, it can hydrolock and break pistons, ring lands ect. If the engine didn't smoke at all, you should have no concerns.

 

I own a Warrior, and have never worked on a Big Bear. What I would do is call the dealer that you bought it from and tell them about there stupid mistake.
When you drained the oil for the oil change, how much came out? And did you drain the ckank case oil, and not something else? Drain some oil out of the motor with the same drain that you used last time, and see if the oil level drops on the dip stick. If not you drained something else the first time that is going to need refilling now. If you drain the motor completly you might want to take a look at the oil filter, the largest amount of stuff will wind up in there durring the first couple of weeks of use. In the owners manual they give amounts in US, and metric, make shure you are looking at US meashurements

 

I dont know how much oil the quad takes but use the dipstick and add slowly.. As for damage probably none but adding too much oil increases pressure in the crankcase and can take out seals. But for only 5 hours I wouldn't worry.

 

My brother has a 99 Big Bear 350 4x4 and I am the one that usually does the maintenance on it.. I just put 3 qts. in it.. I would rather run slightly low, than overfull. As others have said, overfilling causes high crank case pressure, seal damage, and lots of "blow" into the intake..
A little low might cause the oil to run at a slightly higher temperature... but not really noticeable.
Something to consider, if you checked the oil with it at running temperature, the oil has expanded somewhat, so it will read slightly higher..

 

I just changed the oil and filter in my Y2K BigBear, it took just barely over 3 1/2 qts. I let it drip for quite a while and had the filter housing that attaches to the oil cooler hanging down to let it drip..i'm sure it partially drained the cooler too and thats why it took more oil than the book said. I put 3 qts in and checked it with the dipstick then ran it for a couple of minutes, let it sit and checked it again. Added more and repeated the process until it was on the full mark on the stick.