Oil Selection for a 2013 Can-Am Outlander 800R DPS
Shop parts for a 2013 Can-Am Outlander 800R DPS ATV.Understanding the Engine and Drivetrain Layout
The 2013 Can-Am Outlander 800R DPS is a utility four-wheeler built around a liquid-cooled, four-stroke V-twin engine. It uses a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, with a belt that runs dry and separate from the engine oil. Power then goes through a geared transmission with high, low, neutral, reverse, and park, and out to a selectable 2WD/4WD system. That layout matters because it tells you the engine oil is not shared with a traditional wet clutch in the same way a manual gearbox would be. Even so, this machine still benefits from a powersports-specific oil rather than a generic automotive formula. The engine, the internal transmission components, and the wet clutch elements that do exist are designed around motorcycle-style lubricants. The DPS badge refers to dynamic power steering, which is electric and does not change the engine oil requirement. For the owner, the practical takeaway is that engine oil and drivetrain fluids are separate service items, and each has its own specification.Typical Engine Oil Viscosity for This Class
For a 4-stroke utility ATV in the 800cc class, the most common viscosity recommendation is a 5W-40 or 10W-40 powersports oil. Can-Am's machines from this era are widely associated with 5W-40, and that is a sound starting point for the 2013 Outlander 800R DPS. A 0W-40 can be a reasonable choice in very cold climates because the lower first number flows more easily at startup. In consistently hot conditions or under extreme loads, some owners and shops use a 20W-50, but that is not the typical factory fill for this model. The exact number can vary by model year, market, and the temperature range you ride in, so the owner's manual remains the final word. What you should not do is assume that any 5W-40 car oil is automatically correct. Powersports oils are formulated with different additive packages, and they handle the higher sustained rpm and shared-sump demands of an ATV engine better. If you are unsure, a JASO MA or MA2 rated oil is a safe general choice for most utility ATVs, even when the CVT belt itself runs dry.Why the CVT and Transmission Matter to Oil Choice
The Outlander 800R DPS uses a belt-driven CVT, so the belt does not sit in engine oil. That separates it from a manual or semi-automatic ATV where the clutch and gearbox share the engine oil. However, the engine still has internal components that need proper lubrication, and the transmission gearcase is a separate lubricated unit on this machine. That means you should not treat the engine oil as a one-fluid-fits-all solution. The engine oil protects the crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder walls, and valve train. The transmission gearcase has its own oil, and the front and rear drive systems have their own fluids as well. Using a powersports-specific engine oil is still the right move because it is designed for the wet clutch materials and high-heat cycles that occur in this type of powertrain. Some manufacturers, including Can-Am, offer their own branded oil formulations. Following that recommendation is a sound default when you want to keep things simple and stay close to factory intent.Other Drivetrain Fluids on a 4x4 Utility ATV
Because this is a 4x4 utility ATV, there are several lubricants beyond engine oil. The rear gearcase or final drive typically uses a hypoid gear oil, often in the 75W-90 or 80W-90 range. The front differential on a Can-Am with selectable 4WD may use a special fluid designed for its engagement system. That is important: using the wrong fluid in a front differential with an auto-locking or engagement feature can affect how 4WD engages, and it can lead to poor performance or premature wear. The transmission gearcase, if it is separate on your specific model, also has its own lubricant and its own fill and drain points. These fluids are serviced separately from the engine oil, and they have different change intervals. Do not assume that a single oil change covers the whole machine. If you are doing a full service, check the owner's manual for each sump: engine, transmission, front differential, and rear gearcase. For a 2WD model, you would only need to worry about the rear gearcase and final drive, but this DPS model is a 4x4, so all four areas are relevant.How Work Use Changes Oil Condition
A utility ATV like the Outlander 800R DPS is often used for towing, plowing, hauling, mud, water crossings, and slow-speed heavy loads. Those conditions are harder on oil than casual trail riding. Heat builds up when you are moving slowly with a heavy load, and the engine oil can degrade faster. Water and mud intrusion are also real concerns. If you cross deep water or ride in heavy mud, check the engine oil and drivetrain fluids for a milky or frothy appearance. That is a common sign of water contamination, and it means the fluid should be changed before you keep riding. Cold-weather use is another factor. If you ride in freezing temperatures, the lower first number in a multigrade oil, such as the 0W or 5W in 0W-40 or 5W-40, helps oil reach the top of the engine quickly at startup. In hot climates, a higher second number can provide more protection at operating temperature, but you should still stay within the range recommended for your machine.Conventional, Synthetic, and Verification
Synthetic oils generally offer better cold-start flow and better stability under high heat. That can be an advantage in a hard-working utility ATV that sees slow speeds, heavy loads, and hot days. Conventional oil is often more affordable and can still be suitable for many owners, especially if you change it on a reasonable schedule. A synthetic blend sits between the two and is a common choice for this class. Whichever you choose, make sure it is a powersports oil, not an automotive oil with energy-conserving additives. Those additives can be harmful to wet clutches and some internal components. Finally, the exact engine oil viscosity, oil quantity, and drivetrain fluid types for your specific 2013 Can-Am Outlander 800R DPS should be confirmed in the owner's manual or with a dealer. That is a quick check, not a reason to avoid the job. Once you have the right fluids on hand, you can service the machine with confidence and keep it working the way a utility ATV should.Related Shopping Categories
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your ATV's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.