How to Drain an Oil Tank on a Polaris ATV

So you'd like to change the oil on your Polaris ATV and you think it can't be that much different than changing the oil on a car. You're right, but there are just a few subtle differences in draining the oil on your Polaris than on your car. Here's how to drain the oil the right way on your Polaris ATV.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shop rag
• Oil pan
• Thread sealant

1. Get a hydraulic jack or park your Polaris ATV on a level surface for the oil change. Make sure you have a good light source and a warm piece of carpet to lie on if no lift is available. Run the engine for a few minutes, then shut it off.

2. Take off the left plastic side panel and check the oil condition and level. Open the dip stick and wipe it off with your shop rag. Set it back into the hole without screwing it down and pull it out again to get an accurate measurement.

3. Locate the oil tank drain and motor drain and wipe them down. These are located under the oil tank and under the motor.

4. Place an oil pan under the oil tank, remove the drain plug from the oil tank and allow the oil to drain from the tank completely.

5. Replace the sealing washer and reinstall the drain plug on the oil tank. Make sure they are free from burrs and nicks. Torque to 14 foot-pounds.

6. Open the motor's drain plug, which is located on the Polaris 500 motor, and allow the motor to drain into the oil pan. This way you are assured you are not mixing old oil with new.

7. Find the screen fitting on the bottom of the oil tank and remove the oil hose from it. Clean the screen and apply the thread sealant recommended by the manufacturer and reinstall.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful opening the drain plugs when you change the oil. The oil may be hot enough to cause burns.