How to change the oil on your Can-Am 3-wheel vehicle?

Your Can-Am Spyder or Ryker runs not just on petrol, but oil too. Or rather, it helps the engine keep the petrol running. This is why, over time, the oil in your Can-Am engine needs to be changed. You can have it done by your Can-Am dealer, but you also can do it yourself as part of regular maintenance. We’ll teach you how to do this, so you’ll have all the more reason to spend more time with your Can-Am.

An oil change is one of the most common maintenance done on any vehicle with a combustion engine. Regular oil change is also essential for an engine to stay functional. While you can get the oil change done on your Can-Am at your local dealer, it isn’t that challenging of a task on a Ryker or Spyder. This blog and accompanying video will teach you how to do this

Get the necessities for an oil change

For an oil change on your Can-Am, you will need oil, obviously. You will also need to replace the oil filter and related washers and seals. You can get the required parts and oil separately, but we recommend getting an XPS Oil Change Kit, especially if you’re new to changing the oil on your Can-Am. The XPS Oil Change Kit comes with the required engine oil, oil filter, seals and washers. 

As the engine oil needs to be drained from the vehicle, you will want to have some space under your vehicle to work in. There are many ways you can achieve this, but a responsible rider will always want to ensure a safe working environment. We at Can-Am recommend getting some dedicated ramps on which the vehicle is easy to get up on, raising the vehicle higher and getting more ground clearance for you to work. 

To drain the oil, a responsible rider chooses a container that won’t let you spill the waste oil. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands while draining the oil and keep rags handy for cleaning. You also will need a 15mm socket wrench to loosen the drain plugs and – this is our recommendation – a torque wrench for tightening them back up again. Accessing the required engine parts and oil dipstick will require you to remove the right-hand side service cover and the front hood. 

Before starting, here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

  • oil change kit
  • 15mm socket wrench
  • 15mm torque wrench
  • container for the oil
  • rags for cleaning
  • ramps for raising your vehicle
  • rubber gloves for protecting your hands from getting oil-stained

When you have all of the above at hand, you’re ready to get started with the oil change.

Step 1: Draining the oil from your Can-Am 3-wheel vehicle

For a successful oil change, the engine needs to be at normal operating temperature – signaled by five bars on the operating gauge. This is easily achieved by getting the engine running for a few minutes. Running your engine will heat the oil, get it running and raise the oil level to where it is at normal use, where it can be measured reliably.

At this point, you can start with removing the oil filter from the engine. The oil filter is located under the front hood. The location is also visible in the featured video. Remove the oil filter by opening the cover with a socket wrench and take the oil filter out.

After removing the oil filter, proceed by loosening the main drain plug with a 15mm socket wrench. It is also handy to loosen the secondary plug at this point as well before the oil starts to spill. After this, remove the magnetic main drain plug and the oil will start to drain from the engine. As soon as the main plug has emptied, remove the secondary one as well. You can then proceed to prepare the next steps in changing the oil.

Step 2: Clean the plugs and replace the washers and seals

While waiting for the oil to drain after removing both plugs, you can use the time to clean your plugs from excess oil. The plug washers have been crushed, so after the plugs are clean, you can replace the washers to ensure a good seal.

When the oil has drained and the plugs are ready, you can replace the plugs. To make sure the plugs are tight but not too tight, we recommend using a torque wrench. Using this, tighten the secondary drain plug to 15nm and the main plug to 30nm.

Now it’s time to replace the oil filter. As you already have the cover removed, remove and replace the O-ring to ensure a good seal. Then, insert the new oil filter in its designated place. Before closing the cover, it’s good practice to lubricate the cover with a bit of oil to prevent pinching. Place the cover on the oil filter and tighten the bolt. If you’re using a torque wrench as we recommend, use a 9nm setting. 

Step 3: Replace the oil and add finishing touches

At this point your Can-Am is ready to have new oil filled. For this step it is absolutely crucial for the engine to be at normal operating temperature. Make sure you fill the right amount of oil, as both overfilling and underfilling the engine will lead to trouble. When filling and checking the oil level, do so at 10-second-intervals. Repeat the process as many times as it is required.

In terms of the correct amount of oil, The Ryker 900, for example, requires 2.8 litres of oil, including the filter. However, instead of pouring it all in at once, you’re best off filling most of it at first, measuring the oil level, and add in what’s required to be in the middle of the minimum and maximum range of the oil dipstick. The range on a dipstick between minimum and maximum amount is approximately 400mm of oil.

When oil level is halfway between minimum and maximum on the dipstick, you’re done! Now you’re ready to pop the service cover and hood back on.

Ready for worry-free miles

Now you’re good to go back on the road and start your riding season with fresh oil and a well-working engine. Remember though that if any of these steps feel too daunting or you prefer not to get your hands dirty, you can always schedule an oil change at your nearest dealer.

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