'08 400 HO Oil Capacity?

[stmar]

My owner's manual says that the oil capacity is 2 qts. Is this correct for the 455cc engine? The reason I ask is that I changed the oil and filter, added the full 2 qts. and the dip stick barely registers after running it a bit. I don't want to overfill but do not want to run it low either.

[1of7627]

Yes, two quarts is the factory figure, but I always adjust to the dipstick being careful to check the oil after fully warmed up and after running the engine a minute to stabilize the level in the tank. (My service manual says to run it 20-30 seconds before checking.) I always change the oil only by draining the tank and changing the filter. (I don't drain the sump or pull the oil hoses from the tank.) I never have to add much to satisfy the dipstick.

I don't feel there's much danger in over filling (as long as you don't fill the tank completely and not leave any room for expansion and normal oil flow) and would rather have a bit more in the tank than too little.

Just a note on filters, I tried to use an oversize (longer) filter but found there wasn't enough room for it. (The frame is in the way.) I also made a small heat shield that I fasten to the filter with a stainless hose clamp that fits between the filter and the exhaust pipe. I have no proof it helps, but I feel better as the pipe is only a half inch or so from the filter. MarkC

[stmar]

I very carefully added oil to get to correct level per dipstick. I even started it a few times and checked it trying to make sure I covered all bases. It took another 3/4 of a quart (for a total of 2.75qts.) to get it to where the dipstick showed normal!!! Like I said above, the manual says 2 qts. Is it possible the '08 455cc engine takes more?

[JoeG]

My 09 400HO takes 2.75 qts. also.

[1of7627]

I checked the owners manuals for all three years of this model (08-10) and they all have the same oil capacities and change instructions. Many other Polaris models do too, and the oil change kit Polaris sells for these models contains two quarts of oil. Though I've never measured it, I'm quite sure I've never added 3/4 of a quart after filling the tanks on my two machines. All I can say is that if you're checking the oil per the instructions (ie: running engine first, screwing cap all the way in, etc.), then you shouldn't be in any danger of either over or under filling. - MarkC

[RichH]

make sure you are screwing the dipstick back in all the way when you check the level (warmed up)/ when I changed my 2 08 400 ho's, I drained the tank/ then drained the block (not much comes out)/ then (with the switch in the off position) I used the recoil pull start ( slowly about 4 pulls) and actually got a little bit more out of the tank. I refilled with 2 qts./ used the pull start again to fill the oil filter/ started and warmed up and topped off. total oil right at 2.4 qts. I check them before every ride (never low at all/ never discolored) Amsoil 0-40 Formula 4 stroke.

[stmar]

When I changed the oil and filter I opened all plugs and let it drain for a long time so I feel like I got most of the old oil out of the machine, although I did not pull the starter. At least now I know I am not crazy and that other people put in more than the recommended 2 qts. to fill to spec. It would be interesting to hear from a dealer tech and as to if the 455cc takes more oil. Thanks for all the input.

[Miker]

Fyi - From your owners manual page 76, at the top

Always change the oil and filter at the intervals outlined in the Periodic
Maintenance Chart beginning on page 68. To change the oil properly,
always drain the oil tank and change the oil filter.
NOTE: If oil contamination (water, mud, metal shavings) is suspected in the
engine sump, the sump should also be drained. Draining the engine
sump will require additional oil not contained in the oil change kit. The
total oil capacity of the engine sump and oil tank combined is 2.25 qts.
(2.1 liters).