How to Change the Oil on a 2005 Yamaha Kodiak 450

Although Yamaha recommends an oil change every six months, extended off-road usage can severely affect a Kodiak 450 all-terrain vehicle's oil supply. Aside from degradation caused by wear, the Kodiak's oil can also be contaminated by dirt, mud or water, further reducing the oil's ability to lubricate the ATV's motor. Care must be taken to clean out the secondary oil screen on the bottom of the motor. This additional step only takes a few minutes but will prevent major oil starvation down the road.

Remove the seat, using the release latch on the rear.

Remove the left side panel to access the oil filter and the oil filler neck. Pull the plastic post on the top of the left side panel away from the fuel tank. Lift the side panel until its tabs separate from the ATV. Set the side panel aside.

Spray the oil filler cap and the filler neck with brake cleaner spray to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the oil filler cap.

Use a 22 mm socket to unscrew the drain plug from the bottom of the motor's crankcase, positioned near the front left side of the motor. Drain the oil into an oil pan and screw the drain plug into the motor by hand. Tighten the drain plug to 17 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.

Use a 17 mm socket to unscrew the second drain plug from the center of the crankcase. Pull the drain plug, retaining the spring and oil strainer from the crankcase, and drain the remaining oil into an oil pan.

Clean the oil strainer with a brake cleaner spray to remove any trapped debris. Screw the oil strainer, retaining the spring and drain plug, into the crankcase by hand. Tighten the drain plug to 17 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.

Unscrew the oil filter from the left side of the motor, above the oil filler neck, using an oil filter cap wrench. Wipe away any oil that may have spilled from the filter with a shop rag.

Coat the new oil filter's O-ring with fresh 10W30 motor oil. Screw the oil filter onto the motor by hand until it is seated against the crankcase. Tighten the oil filter to 12 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.

Pour up to 2.5 quarts of 10W30 motor oil into the oil filler neck. Press the oil filler cap onto the filler neck.

Slide the left side panel's lower tabs into the ATV's frame. Press the plastic post on the top of the panel into the rubber grommet on the side of the fuel tank. Lock the seat into place.