If your Polaris Ranger is due for an oil change, you might be wondering if there are any better oils to choose than the (arguably pricey) OEM Polaris oil. The good news is that there may just be a way to get around it.
Nothing is wrong with Polaris’s own PS-4 oil, to be clear. It incorporates a combination of detergents and friction modifiers that have been fully tested for use with Polaris motors and wet clutches. In addition, if your Ranger is still under warranty, it’s best not to use any other oil; non-Polaris fluids might make filing a warranty claim more difficult if the need arises. Polaris PS-4 oil is more expensive than many competing brands’ motor oils, and it’s far more cost-effective to purchase Polaris Ranger oil from reputable companies with excellent reputations for the high-tech additives and overall quality of their motor oils.
We conducted extensive research, going over the internet and finding the finest Polaris Ranger oil alternatives available today, from a variety of trustworthy manufacturers.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
How Much Oil Does A Polaris Ranger Take?
The next question is: how much Polaris Ranger oil should you buy for a single oil change? The answer differs depending on which model you have, as various Polaris Ranger models come with different engines and, as a result, varying oil capacities.
The oil capacity of the Polaris Ranger 800 is 2 quarts, or 1.9 liters, which is less than that of other vehicles in this class. The Ranger 800, 800 XP, 800 HD, and CREW 800 models are among those that will need a new fuel pump. The 2019 KX450F, as well as the 2018 KTM 450 EXC and 650S-F models with their 948-cc engines, require roughly 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters) of oil.
Keep in mind that all of the following amounts are only suggestions, and the amount required to fill your Polaris Ranger oil may vary. As a result, it’s always a good idea to check your owner’s handbook for the precise recommended oil quantity.
What Kind Of Oil Should be Used in Polaris Ranger
The majority of today’s snowmobiles use 10W-30 or 20W-50 oil, which are both marketed by Polaris under the PS-4 motor oil label. Polaris’ 5W-50 and 10W-50 oils are both fully synthetic, with the 5W-50 serving as Polaris’ “all-season” general duty oil choice with a recommended ambient temperature range of -30 to 100 °F, and the 10W-50 serving as its “extreme-duty” option from 0 to 130 °F. If you’re buying a used Polaris snowmobile, it’s important to make sure it was serviced at the factory or by someone who follows the Polaris dealer network. This will ensure that any problems with your snowmobile are addressed properly, which should be done according to manufacturer instructions and recommendations. If you can’t find a perfect match among oils of similar weights as those sold by Polaris, Users claim that 5W-40 or higher rated oils are more difficult to remove than lower-rated ones.
It’s also important to note that regardless of the weight of your oil, it must be compatible with wet clutches in order to function properly. The Polaris Ranger engine and gearbox are both designed to work together. The JASO MA standard is a categorization tool for oils that have met certain quality requirements and have been verified to possess particular dynamic friction, static friction, and “stop time” characteristics. Depending on the oil’s precise performance in friction testing, it might be divided into MA1 and MA2; nevertheless, either should be sufficient for the Polaris Ranger and most other ATV and UTV models.
Polaris Ranger Oil Check
The level check/fill plug is on the back of the gearcase. Even with the bot- tom of the level check/fill plug hole threads, maintain an equal level of oil in your car.
Check/Fill Plug:
- Place the car on a firm, level surface.
- Locate the gear shift and place it in PARK.
- Remove the level check/fill plug. Check the oil level.
- The amount of oil needed should always be added.
- Remove the filler plug and reinstall it according to manufacturer’s instructions. Torque should be as directed by the manufacturer.
How to Change the Oil on a Polaris Ranger
Do you have some free time on your hands? Perhaps it’s time to do some maintenance on your Polaris Ranger 900.
To keep your Polaris Ranger running at peak efficiency, you should change the oil every 100 hours or every 1000 miles. Here’s how to do an oil change on a Polaris Ranger 900.
Tools and Parts Needed
- 2.5-inch (64mm) Oil Filter Wrench
- 6mm Allen Socket
- T40 TORX® Wrench
- Oil Change Kit
- Safety Glasses
- Nitrile Gloves
Polaris Ranger Oil Change
To prepare for the drain, start by running the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil and make it simpler to drain.
To get to the engine, lower the bed. Remove the oil fill cap from the valve cover next.
Find the drain bolt in your Ranger’s skid plate, which is located beneath the engine. It’s in the middle and under the engine. Place your drain pan over top of and then remove the drain bolt with a 6mm Allen wrench.
NOTE: Do not lose the crush washer on the drain bolt.
Replace the drain plug and crush washer after the engine has been drained. Tighten the drain plug to 12 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
Remove the oil filter cover to access the heat shield. It’s located on the right side of the engine and hidden behind the passenger seat. Remove the two T40 Torx bolts, then pull outthe heat shield.
Remove the heat shield and place a rag beneath the oil filter to catch any oil that leaks out of the filter. When you start up your car again, this prevents the oil from smoking and dripping on to the engine.
Remove the oil filter with your oil filter wrench.
Before replacing your new oil filter’s O-ring, use a finger to distribute a little oil around it at the top. First, tighten the oil filter using hand forces, then tighten it by another ¾ of a turn with your oil filter wrench.
Pump the engine’s oil into the reservoir. The Polaris Ranger 900 XP requires exactly 2.5 quarts of oil, which is included with the kit.
PRO TIP: Fill the larger half-quart container from the kit with 2 quarts of water, then add about half of the remaining half-quart container.
Remove the dipstick, clean it, and then reinsert it all the way back into its original position before removing it again.
NOTE: We had a low level, so we added the remaining half quart container in the last half of the half quart container.
To reinstall the heat shield, simply reverse the removal procedure. The two T40 Torx bolts will be used to secure it again.
