k just to confirm - I posted a picture of the tube I am planning on sqeezing and pointed to where I will clamp it with vice grips. If I clamp the hose in this location and let the bike run for 2 minutes I will not harm anything and I will be good to go after this? even if I do not here a hissing sound? good to go if I do this?

 

Wrong tube!! This is the oil return line from the engine. Look way at the top of the oil tank(may have to feel) there is a hose leading from it to the air box. This is the tank vent line. Clamp the vice grips close to the tank vent inlet pipe,run the engine for a couple minutes and release the vice grips.You may or may not hear air hissing from the tank,but the oil pump will be primed. The line at the very top #5.

 

I squeezed the tube I was pointing at for about 45-60 seconds while running the bike did I ruin my motor?

 

Probably not for this short length of time.. Just do the priming method for the oil pump. This is a tough engine..

 

Where can I find the oil tank on a 1996 sportsman 500

 

Ebay.
1996 Sportsman 500 oil tank | eBay

 

Ok thanks for that but I am wondering where is it located on the at I have it my grandfather passed away on sunday and left it to me can't ride it till I check the oil tank level but I have to know where the tank is first do you know where it might be?

 

not to jack the thread, but when i change my oil, i only pinch the line for like 10-15 seconds...is that ok?? got me worried now

 

Sorry about your Grandfather. The tank is located on the left hand side as you're sitting on the machine. Has a yellow dip stick on the tank.Crank it up for a couple minutes,kill it,let it settle a couple minutes and pull the dip stick. Wipe it off and screw it all the way in. Pull the dip stick out.Has a low mark and full mark. Oil level should be on the full mark or a tad below.

 

If it's like the '97 I had look on the left side to the rear of the front tire. The filler should be behind the front of the floorboard IIRC.