Yamaha YXZ1000R Oil Change
Side-by-side engine oil changes are usually pretty straightforward basic maintenance jobs. However, the Yamaha YXZ1000R side-by-side uses a dry sump oil system, so this isn’t exactly a run-of-the-mill oil change.
Yamaha says the oil in a YXZ1000R should be changed after every 160 hours or 1600 miles of use. But if you like to push your Yamaha UTV to the limit, you should change it more often. Watch the video above or follow the steps below to do an oil change on a Yamaha YXZ1000R side-by-side.
See the parts diagrams:
Tools and Parts – Yamaha YXZ1000R Oil Change
- Ratchet and sockets
- 5mm Allen
- Torque wrench
- Oil filter wrench
- Drain pan
NOTE: You can buy the oil filter, oil and crush washers separately, but it’s cheaper to purchase the complete oil change kit.
How to Change the Oil in a Yamaha YXZ1000R
Step 1. Run the engine for about a minute to warm the oil, which makes it less viscous and helps it drain faster.
Step 2. Remove the five stainless steel race fasteners holding the cover behind the seats, then remove the cover completely to access the oil tank.
NOTE: Clean off any dirt from the top of the oil tank and the cylinder head cover before starting the next steps to prevent debris from falling into the oil system or engine.
Step 3. Remove the dipstick from the oil tank to allow the tank to breathe and also help the oil drain faster.
Step 4. Remove the oil plug from the forward end of the cylinder head cover for the same reasons mentioned in the previous step.
Step 5. Remove the bolts from the front and central skid plates under the vehicle, followed by the skids to access the oil filter and sump drain bolt.
Step 6. Position a drain pan under the engine, and remove the sump drain bolt, its crush washer, and the oil filter with a 65mm oil filter wrench.
Step 7. Remove the three bolts holding the oil tank cover, followed by the cover itself.
Step 8. Position a drain pan under the oil tank, and remove the oil tank drain bolt and its crush washer.
NOTE: The majority of the YXZ1000R’s oil is stored in the oil tank, so expect a couple of quarts to drain out.
Step 9. Install a new crush washer (included in the oil change kit) on the oil tank drain bolt, then reinstall the bolt and torque it to 12 foot-pounds.
Step 10. Reinstall the oil plug into the forward end of the cylinder head cover.
Step 11. Install a new crush washer (included in the oil change kit) on the sump drain bolt, then reinstall the bolt and torque it to 7.2 foot-pounds.
Step 12. Lightly oil the O-ring on the new oil filter (included in the oil change kit), then install the filter and torque it to 12 foot-pounds. Reinstall the oil tank cover, and the front and central skid plates.
Step 13. Fill the oil tank with 2 quarts of 15W50 synthetic oil, then reinstall the dipstick. Run the engine for about 15 seconds to circulate the oil within the oil system, then shut off the engine.
Step 14. Remove the dipstick, then add an additional 0.85 of a quart of oil and reinstall the dipstick. Run the engine on idle until it reaches operating temperature, then shut it off and let it sit for 3 minutes for the oil to settle.
Step 15. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Top off the oil if necessary and reinstall the dipstick.
PRO TIP: The oil change kit contains 5 quarts of oil, but the YXZ1000R only uses 2.85 quarts. You now have a couple of quarts of spare oil to top off the engine should it need it in future, or for your next oil change.
Step 16. Reinstall the cover behind the seats and you’re done.
