while taking the oil filter out today i noticed that there were small shavings on it. i'm honestly not sure when the last time the oil was changed in the machine since i've only had it about a month. its an 87 big bear.

is there a safe way to clean the crankcase out? also what should i look for to see where the shavings are coming from and how could i remedy it?

thanks.

 

It may be wise to disect the oil filter and see how many shavings are trapped there. It also would be helpful to determine if they are aluminum, or steel. Use a magnet for this.
Seafoam is a great product that can be used in either fuel, or oil. I use it in all my motorcycles, and atv,s. I have not used it in oil, but it will clean old filthy crankcases, but cannot be expected to work miracales and cure the source of that metal cantamination.
Seafoam will work wonders for a fuel system, and also works as a stabilizer for storage. Both carburated, and fuel injected engines willbenefit from its use.

 

The detergents in all good motor oil is all you need to keep motor clean. Just replace oil and filter a few times and consider things good. If motor sounds and runs good then just ride it and keep changing the motor oil and cleaning air filter on regular basis.

 

You might want to consider putting the quad up on the grab bar then draining the oil. The bottom of the of the oil pan has a grid shape to it and metal shavings and residue can build up there. They wouldnt drain with a normal oil change. They could get knocked loose while riding though which is bad.

P.s. Your gunna wanna shut off your gas before doing this.

 

Magnetic drain bolts are also popular and may pick up loose steel shavings but not aluminum.

 

thanks for all the responses folks. i actually just did the oil change about 20 minutes ago. i just let it drain for a few days due to time constraints after work. they weren't big shavings. more like tiny flecks of metal. very very small. i'll keep an eye on the oil and change it frequently. like i said i'm not even sure when the last change was made. the previous owner wasn't exactly mr maintenance. now i'm onto a different question about spark plugs, but i'll make a new post for that. again thanks for all the help.