The most important part of his tool kit there...overalls so he don't get dirty! haha

Just curious, how many of you actually pull the crankcase plug under normal conditions? I can see if you get into severe duty or submerged, but really when I pulled mine last time it seemed really unecessary....kinda like pulling the screen from the oil tank...unecessary everytime you change oil unless you do lots of mudding and severe conditions.

 

I just drain the oil tank,then start the ATV up for 10 to 15 seconds to pump out the remaining cup of oil out of the crankcase. I checked the oil line screen once but it was so clean it turned out to be all for nothing.

 

Even my dealer said they rarely pull the screen or crankcase plug when they do a oil change at the shop. I would think if someone is paying them the outrageous price they charge they would do what the polaris book says.
After hearing that, any little part of me that considered taking the bike to them for routine maintenance went out the window.

 

Maybe do it by the book on every 4th oil change would be enough. I would just hate to not prime the oil pump correctly and cause the motor to seize up.

 

With 9000 miles on my 08 I'v never done the screen but the crankcase plug I do every time . It only takes a extra 5 minutes and I want that extra dirty oil out before the new stuff goes in . In 9000 miles I'v changed my oil 11 times just like the rest of my fluids , Amsoil oil and filters .

That guy how would he even be able to check his oil level it would top out the gauge always showing way full . Would he not see the full line on the gauge and think hey I'm over filling it .

 

Thats what I thought also,what does he think the rings on the oil dip stick represent!

Also Amsoil here in Canada sells for almost $15 per liter, that would make it a $45 oil change for me before the filter.
I change the oil in my truck for cheaper than that.

 

I drain the crankcase but dont the sreen

 

That is what I do most of the time.

 

I am a maintenance novice and am just curious if this is something I can pull off on my own? I watched the good video on the thread and it doesn't seem to difficult. I called to see how much it would cost me (first oil change/"Maintenance" is 350-400 dollars) to get it done, and I would rather not pay that. Also, where is the best place to get the oil/filter from. Thanks in Advance

 

A lot of DIY owners use Mobil 1 and several filter brands, I buy mine from Walmart and use a Fram filter. If you have a new ATV and might need the warranty it might require the dealer maintenance, something I have never done. Picking up our 2 02 500HOs I heard the service writer tell a customer an oil change and lube was $250.
If you don't break a hand or finger it will pay you to change your own oil, just KEEP your receipts for everything you buy and write down mileage and hours that are on the ATV when you do the maintenance. If you can post on a forum you can change your oil.