Sportsman 500 oil change

[MNCPRGUY]

I think I could figure all this out, but you guys are a wealth of knowledge so I am putting this out here in case others have the same questions.

I am planning to change the oil for the first time on a 2007 Sportsman 500 X2 efi and would appreciate advice on the following:

Oil: I'm planning to switch it over to Amsoil. How much and what kind do I need?

Filter: Is a K&N filter worth the extra money? Where's the best place to buy?

Instructions: I've heard you have to drain the reservoir and engine. Are the plugs easy to identify/access? Are there any how-to videos out there that show the process?

Other Maintenance: What other things should I be checking/changing to get ready for winter?

Thanks in Advance!

[Dave S]

Not so sure that Amsoil will offer any better performance than the Polaris brand synthetic. Personally, I'd stick with the Polaris oil change kit. Same for the filter that should come with the kit.

Drain plugs are where you'd expect them. The plug on the reservoir is easily accessible. If I remember right it's yellow plastic and is located towards the bottom but on the side of the reservoir.

[kupman]

Had an '05 Sportsman 500, and stopped draining the reservoir after the first cpl times. There's only a cup of oil in there, was a pain to do, etc. I'd get a service manual for your specific year, you'll need it eventually. Manuals give you step by steps, capacities, etc.. I've heard guys running Mobile1 0w40 in their machines especially in the wintertime with good results, thinner compared to 0w50 Polaris oil. I only run Polaris oil and filters. K&N air filter would be a waste of $ IMO, without doing anything to the exhaust also. Doubt you'd notice any gains. Maybe find a Sportsman forum, should be lots of info there. Check U-Tube for vids, I'm sure someones made one for changing oil. Good luck

[fishingstar]

If you are looking for a upgrade for air filter read up on them. K&n is a paper filter in my opinion is not a good choice. A two stage foam filter will filter out the fine dust that harms the engine.

A oil change kit is a good option.

[Dave S]

Had an '05 Sportsman 500, and stopped draining the reservoir after the first cpl times. There's only a cup of oil in there,

In a dry sump system like the Polaris, most of the oil is stored in the reservoir, not the engine.

[kupman]

Your right Dave S., how quickly I forget (riding a RZR now), oil is in a reservoir. Was remembering changing it in my parents 335 sportsman, where instead of draining the rest of the oil out of the motor, you'd have to mess around with the back of the reservoir. Here's a clip that should help the OP.

http://youtu.be/4sn-mpKlp8o

Remember whenever you check/change oil on a sportsman to make sure the wheelwell and surrounding areas are clear of mud and dirt

[MNCPRGUY]

Good stuff! Thanks guys!

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Stick with the Polaris oil change kit for that machine. 2 quarts of PS4 oil and the Polaris filter. Drain the oil on the resevior, spin off the filter and add the 2 quarts = done! There are really no marked advantages to an aftermarket air filter either.

[rundrave]

I agree with NAMA about the oil change etc.

I use a UNI filter on my carbed 500. I mostly like it because its atleast cleanable and I am able re-use it. the stock paper ones had an outer wear but after a while they need to be replaced.

[MNCPRGUY]

UPDATE: My information wasn't completely accurate. The machine is a 550. No oil reservoir. Just an oil plug and filter which are both accessible from the underside. Went with the PS4 oil change kit for ~$30. Only thing I would do differently next time is buy a filter wrench that will fit. That thing took me an hour (and some cussing) to get out of there!

[aczr2k]

Yeah if you would have mentioned it was a 550 I would have recommended the correct filter wrench. You need a 14 flute 64mm cup wrench. I'd look for a steel one since it is thinner than the plastic ones.