How to Change Polaris Sportsman Oil & Air Filter

Changing the oil and air filter on a Polaris ATV is pretty straightforward “do it yourself” maintenance. The Polaris oil change kit for the Sportsman includes 2 quarts of oil and a replacement oil filter. 

Since the oil and air filter should be changed at about the same time, we highly recommend doing both now. Watch the video above and follow the steps below to do a Polaris Sportsman ATV oil and air filter change.   

Tools and Parts - Polaris Sportsman 850 Oil Change 

• 65mm oil filter wrench
• 6mm wrench
• Pre-cleaner filter sleeve 
• Polaris oil change kit
• Polaris air filter

How to Change Polaris Sportsman 850 Oil

Step 1. Start the engine, and let it idle for 2-3 minutes to allow the oil to warm up. This makes draining the oil out easier. 

Step 2. Use a 6mm wrench to remove the drain plug.

Step 3. Use an oil filter wrench while the oil is draining to pull out the old oil filter.

Step 4. Replace the drain plug once the oil has drained, making sure the bolt’s crush washer is in place.

Step 5. Put a dash of oil around the outer seal of the new oil filter, and screw it back into place.

Step 6. Unscrew the dipstick cap, and pour 1 quart of oil at a time into the opening, then secure the dipstick back into place. 

NOTE: The Polaris oil filter kit comes standard with 2 quarts of oil. The oil capacity for a Polaris Sportsman ATV is 3.6 quarts, but only 2 quarts are needed for this service.

Step 7. Start up the engine and let it idle for a couple of minutes, then turn off the engine, and let the new oil sit for a minute or two.

Step 8. Unscrew the dipstick, and wipe it clean before screwing it back into place. Next, remove the dipstick once more to check that the oil level is in the middle of the fill line indicator.

How to Replace a Polaris Sportsman Air Filter

Step 1. Remove the seat by grabbing the back of the it and pulling hard to release it.

Step 2. Remove the air vent from the end of the air filter, then unscrew the two bolts on the air box cover and pull the cover away from the ATV.

Step 3. Remove the air filter unit, including its pre-filter cleaner sleeve.

Step 4. Pull the pre-filter sleeve off the air filter, then handwash the sleeve in soap and water before rinsing it clean. After washing it, set the pre filter out to dry.

Step 6. Pull the dry pre-filter over the new air filter, making sure there aren’t any rips in the sleeve.

Step 8. Grease the front lip of the new air filter, then seat the air filter at the front of the airbox.

Step 9. Secure the airbox cover by hand-tightening the two screws, then reconnect the air vent hose into place.

Step 10. Pop the seat back on and you’re done.