ATV oil change problem

[Tuc]

Ok guys, here's one that defies the law of gravity. Yesterday I decided to change the oil in my quad (09 Honda Rubicon). Removed the drain plug, filter, spring and washer and no oil comes out. Ok, thinking the worst (no oil in er) I remember the oil light never ever came on and there's also oil showing on the dipstick. So I stick a small screw driver up into the drain plug hole thinking something is stopping the oil from draining out....nothing. Finally I start the engine up for a few seconds and out it comes.    ?

I have been changing oil  in my own ATV's for 15 years and never before came across a situation like this. There is still some oil up in there and the only way I know how to get it out is 'start the engine' for a few seconds a drain it.  Like, WTF is going on here?

[Doug N]

Sounds like your crankcase vent might be plugged.

[walleyes]

Sounds like your crankcase vent might be plugged.

Except Tuc said he checked the fluid level with the drain plug which at that point it would of vented the crank case..

Sounds to me like you have something blocking the drain area. Possibly crud or a chunk of something,, I would split the crank case or have it done and checked out..

[Tuc]

I was out for awhile, came home and it was all drained out. Must have been something blocking it and my screwdriver didn't clear it. I looked through the old oil and couldn't find a thing....Strange!

[JIMMY 808]

Might try a small magnet on the drain plug could be something there.  My uncle bought a Lexus car and he found a hammer in the engin compartment.

[Tuc]

My uncle bought a Lexus car and he found a hammer in the engin compartment

Ya, I'm thinking there's something in there. It's a 09 and I've changed the oil often and never had the problem before so maybe something broke off inside there.

Thanx for all the suggestions!

[Huntnut]

Did you take the drain plug out of the motor or out of the oil tank?

[Tuc]

Hunt, the drain plug is right behind the oil filter.

[Huntnut]

On a Rubicon there is also a drain on the oil tank.

[Tuc]

Ok, I never use that one.

[Huntnut]

How much oil does yours hold?

[Tuc]

4.5 L,  Huntnut what year and make is your Rubicon?

[walleyes]

4.5L,, are you sure Tuc.. I have never seen an ATV use more than 1.5,, but I have not changed on anything newer than an '06 mind you..

[Tuc]

Walleyes lots of oil in the Rubicons. I keep 4.5 in mine but I believe you can max out at just over 5L.

[Huntnut]

They hold about 5.5 liters. The transmission works off of oil pressure so they needs lots of oil to keep things cool.

[walleyes]

Wow,, I would of never guessed,, geez the old 350 Chevys only took 4 litres lol.. But that's good for the motor the more oil in reserve the longer it takes to break down.. Good old Honda..