I am going to need to do my first oil change while I am away from home. What all should I have with me (besides new oil)? Should I change the filter at 10 hours, or just the oil? I am planning on taking an oil pan that can be screwed shut so I can bring the old stuff back with me. I know I will need whatever size wrench for the plug. Any other tools?

It is a 2011 Polaris Sportsman 850 XP.

Thanks.

 

not sure about tools(check the bolts) but you should change filter as well to the small metal form breaking in out of the engine. bring an oil filter wrench(or what ever you use to take it off). i would even try to loosen it just a little before you need to change it as they come off hard sometimes and you would hate to find you cant loosen either the filter or the drain plug. it has happen to folks.

 

You need a 6 mm allen socket for drain plug (don't drop the small washer) Oil filter is recessed up under bash plate, I had to order a slip on filter remover as I couldn't find one locally that fit the factory filter(at least on the 2010 model,EVEN the expandable jaw type wouldn't work for me,just slipped!) Look under machine and you will see that it has very little clearance around filter for filter remover(can't use a strap wrench or plier type). Hopefully some other posters have a better solution or have a another source OR maybe the 2011 has changed?? I left when the 2011 models were rolling in! OPT

 

Hmm, I have always used a screwdriver and hammer to remove the oil filter on my truck and every other vehicle I have ever owned. Wonder if that would work?

 

LOOK under the machine first! Can barely get a filter wrench that you can use a ratchet on!
Don't have room for a screw driver.(filter slightly higher than bash plate) OPT

 

I will check it out when I get home tonight. I have not even looked at it yet.

Thanks to both of you for the tips.

 

Why not just change it before you go ?

 

Good idea!! Better than being stuck on a trail if have problems!

 

definately need the oil filter wrench that uses a ratchet, extention and goes over the end of filter, 6mm allen head and 2 qts of oil oil filter i a wix 51358

 

x3 what are you saving by trying to do oil change in the field with only the tools you brought.You run into even a minor issue you cant resolve
and you maybe walking.