AMSOIL Chaincase & Gear Oil
AMSOIL Chaincase & Gear Oil is built specifically for enclosed chains and gears in snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs and similar equipment. It uses extreme-pressure additives, strong anti-rust chemistry and true cold-weather performance so your driveline stays smooth and protected in deep snow, mud or frozen lakes.
Alongside it, two AMSOIL products are very commonly paired on the same machines:
AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR 100% Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil
the go-to engine oil for many modern two-stroke sleds and powersports vehicles.
AMSOIL Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant – a pre-mixed, long-life coolant designed specifically for powersports cooling systems.
Together, these three products form a complete protection package: engine, driveline and cooling system all covered with purpose-built fluids.

AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil
Chaincases and small gearboxes are often ignored until something fails. This synthetic oil is built to protect chains, gears and bearings in cold and high-load conditions.
Extreme High and low temp capabilities
It flows at low temperatures yet resists thinning and foaming when hot. That helps reduce wear and noise in chain cases, hubs and other gear housings where it is recommended. It is a smart upgrade for riders who want their driveline to last as long as the engine.
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic ATV/UTV Powertrain Fluid
Based on current product groupings and dealer recommendations, the two AMSOIL products most commonly paired and used with AMSOIL 100% AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil – Quiet, Confident Driveline Protection
When most riders think maintenance, they think “engine oil” and stop there.
But if you ride a snowmobile, ATV or UTV, your chaincase and small gearboxes work just as hard as the engine – and failures there can end a season fast.
Understanding Your Chaincase and Gearcases
What the Chaincase Really Does
On many snowmobiles and some ATV/UTV driveline setups, the chaincase connects the engine output to the track or final drive:
- A drive sprocket and chain transfer power from the jackshaft to the driven gear.
- The whole assembly runs inside a sealed housing, constantly splashing in lubricant.
- Loads are shock-type (landing jumps, hitting ice chunks, sudden throttle changes).
That means the oil has to:
- Handle sudden torque spikes without the chain stretching or gears pitting.
- Stay fluid in sub-zero temperatures so the machine doesn’t feel “draggy.”
- Resist water and condensation that creep into the case in winter environments.
Small Gearboxes Need Special Care Too
Many machines also use small gearcases for:
- Reverse mechanisms
- Secondary drives
- Accessory drives
These housings are often compact, run hot and are easy to forget during maintenance. Using a generic gear lube, or worse, ignoring them entirely, can lead to:
- Gear tooth wear
- Bearing failure
- Noisy driveline and increased drag
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil is blended specifically to handle these enclosed chains and gears, not just a generic axle.
Key Benefits of AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil
Extreme-Pressure Protection for Chains and Gears
Inside a chaincase, the chain and sprockets see high contact stress at every link. AMSOIL’s formula loads the oil with extreme-pressure (EP) additives that:
- Form a protective film under heavy load
- Help prevent pitting and scoring on sprockets and gears
- Support long chain and gear life, even in hard riding
For riders who hammer whoops, carve deep snow or pull heavy sleds, that extra EP protection is what keeps things from grinding themselves to death mid-season.
True Cold-Weather Fluidity
Cold mornings are where this oil really stands out. Its synthetic base oil:
- Stays fluid at very low temperatures, reducing drag and start-up resistance
- Helps power reach the track or wheels instead of being wasted in thick oil
- Gives a more responsive feel when you first pull away from the truck
That low-temperature performance is especially important for sleds and northern ATVs that see deep-freeze storage and trailering.
Rust, Corrosion and Oxidation Protection
Chaincases live in a harsh environment: snow, slush, moisture and occasional creek crossings. This oil includes robust inhibitors to:
- Reduce rust on chains, sprockets and bearings
- Fight oxidation that darkens and thickens the oil over time
- Help keep the internals cleaner so adjustments stay accurate
Because it is a long-life synthetic, it also outlasts many conventional chaincase fluids, which helps you stretch intervals within OEM limits and still maintain protection.
Designed for Real-World Machines
AMSOIL specifically lists this product for:
- Snowmobiles from major brands like Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha
- ATVs and UTVs that use enclosed chains or compact gear drives
It is also engineered to be a direct replacement for several OEM chaincase fluids, including popular “house brand” oils, while providing better low-temp performance and EP protection.
(Always confirm recommendations using the AMSOIL product guide or your owner’s manual.)
Where Riders Use Chaincase & Gear Oil in the Real World
Snowmobiles in Deep Snow and High Speed
Snowmobile riders often push driveline components harder than they realize:
- Long lake pulls at high speed
- Deep-powder climbs where the track is constantly loading and unloading
- Aggressive ditch-banging with repeated landing impacts
In each case, the chain and gears see shock loads. A purpose-built synthetic chaincase oil helps:
- Keep the chain from stretching prematurely
- Reduce whine and growl from the gearset
- Maintain consistent performance from early-season rides to spring slush
ATVs and UTVs in Mud, Towing and Work
Many ATVs/UTVs use compact gearcases in addition to (or instead of) differentials. Riders use them for:
- Plowing driveways
- Towing trailers and sprayers
- Crawling rocky or muddy trails
Those tasks often mean heavy loads at low speed, which is the toughest combination for gears. Using AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil helps:
- Reduce wear during slow, high-torque operation
- Support quieter operation over time
- Keep performance consistent even when machines are worked every day
Companion Product #1 – AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR 100% Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil
Why Riders Pair INTERCEPTOR With Chaincase & Gear Oil
Most modern two-stroke sleds run:
- A 2-stroke injector oil in the engine
- A chaincase oil in the driveline
When riders choose AMSOIL for the chaincase, they often choose AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR 100% Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil for the engine. Product guides and dealer sites commonly recommend INTERCEPTOR alongside Chaincase & Gear Oil for two-stroke snowmobiles.
That pairing gives you:
- Clean, protected combustion up front
- Stable, protected power transfer out back
Built for Modern Two-Stroke Engines
INTERCEPTOR is designed specifically for high-output 2-stroke engines, including:
- Direct-fuel-injected (DFI) sleds
- Electronic-fuel-injected (EFI) and carbureted machines
- Many popular current and recent snowmobile platforms
Key advantages include:
- Strong protection against piston ring and exhaust power-valve sticking
- Excellent cold-temperature flow (very low pour point) for fast oil delivery
- Low smoke and odor, which makes long days on the trail more pleasant
- Additives that help prevent plug fouling
When your engine is making clean power with INTERCEPTOR, the chaincase can focus on getting that power to the track through AMSOIL Chaincase & Gear Oil.
How INTERCEPTOR Complements Chaincase & Gear Oil
Think of it as a matched set:
- INTERCEPTOR protects the engine’s moving parts from combustion heat and friction.
- Chaincase & Gear Oil protects the chain, gears and bearings from driveline shock and load.
Using both together means:
- Fewer surprises mid-season
- A smoother, quieter sled
- More confidence to ride hard when conditions are good
Companion Product #2 – AMSOIL Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant
Heat Control for High-Revving Engines
Engines in sleds, ATVs and UTVs are compact, high-output and often work in low-airflow conditions (deep snow, slow woods work, loaded trailers). Cooling is critical.
AMSOIL Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant is designed specifically for these applications and is often listed as a recommended coolant alongside Chaincase & Gear Oil in sled and ATV/UTV lookups.
Pre-Mixed Convenience and OEM Compatibility
This coolant is:
- Pre-mixed 50/50 with high-purity water
- Built on an ethylene-glycol base that meets OEM requirements
- Ready to pour – no measuring or mixing needed
That matters for riders who want to:
- Reduce the chance of mixing mistakes
- Top off quickly in the garage or trailer
- Stay within OEM guidelines for coolant type
Long-Life, All-Season Protection
Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant also offers:
- Up to five years of service life under normal conditions
- Protection against corrosion in aluminum-heavy cooling systems
- Boil-over protection to about 226°F (108°C) and freeze protection down to roughly –34°F (–37°C)
It is formulated without borates, nitrites or phosphates, which helps limit deposit formation and protects sensitive components.
How Coolant Fits Into the Protection Package
With a full AMSOIL setup:
- INTERCEPTOR keeps the engine internals protected.
- Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant keeps engine temperature in the safe zone.
- Chaincase & Gear Oil keeps the driveline quiet and durable.
This “all-around” approach is what many serious sled and ATV/UTV owners want: fewer weak links and easier long-term ownership.
Building a Complete Protection Package for Your Machine
For Snowmobile Riders
A typical snowmobile protection bundle might include:
- INTERCEPTOR 2-Stroke Oil (engine)
- Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant (liquid-cooled systems)
- Chaincase & Gear Oil (chaincase and gear drives)
Benefits:
- Strong cold-start performance from both engine oil and chaincase oil
- Clean power-valves and reduced deposits in the engine
- Quiet, smooth driveline operation through the season
- Reduced risk of rust inside cooling and chaincase components
For ATV/UTV Riders
On ATVs and UTVs, you might combine:
- A dedicated AMSOIL ATV/UTV engine oil (0W-50, 5W-50, 10W-40, etc., depending on spec)
- Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant (for liquid-cooled models)
- Chaincase & Gear Oil where the machine uses enclosed chains or compact gear drives
That combination helps:
- Handle long days of plowing, towing and farm work
- Keep driveline components from wearing out before the rest of the machine
- Maintain smooth running in both summer and winter
How to Service Your Chaincase With Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil
(Always follow your owner’s manual for exact intervals and procedures. The steps below are a general guide, not a replacement for manufacturer instructions.)
Tools and Supplies
- Correct amount of AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil
- Basic hand tools to remove drain and fill plugs
- Drain pan and rags
- New sealing washers or O-rings if required by your model
Basic Service Steps
1. Warm the Machine Gently
Run the machine briefly so the existing oil warms and flows more easily. You don’t need to fully heat-soak it – just enough to reduce viscosity.
2. Safely Support the Vehicle
Park on a level surface. Use a stand or jack if your machine requires the track or wheels off the ground. Set the parking brake and follow all safety procedures.
3. Remove the Drain Plug
Place the drain pan under the chaincase or gear housing. Remove the drain plug carefully and allow the old oil to drain completely.
Look for:
- Metal particles on the magnetic plug (a light “fuzz” is common, chunks are not)
- Milky or heavily discolored oil, which can indicate water intrusion or overheating
4. Inspect the Plug and Seals
Clean the drain plug thoroughly. Replace any crush washer or O-ring that shows damage or flattening.
5. Reinstall the Drain Plug
Tighten to the torque value specified by your service manual. Over-tightening can strip threads or distort the case.
6. Fill With Fresh Chaincase & Gear Oil
Remove the fill plug. Add AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil slowly until it reaches the specified level:
- Some housings use a sight glass
- Others use the bottom of the fill hole as the level
Do not overfill; excess oil can cause foaming and drag.
7. Reinstall the Fill Plug and Test
Reinstall the fill plug with a fresh washer or O-ring if needed. Start the machine and move it gently through its range of operation so the oil circulates.
Check for:
- Leaks at drain and fill plugs
- Abnormal noises from the chaincase or gear housing
If all looks and sounds good, you’re ready to ride.
How Often Should You Change Chaincase Oil?
Most manufacturers specify chaincase service at:
- A set mileage or hours
- Or once per season, whichever comes first
Using a premium synthetic like AMSOIL often allows you to stay at the upper end of the OEM interval while maintaining a strong margin of protection. For extreme use (racing, deep-powder mountain climbs, heavy utility work), many riders choose to service more often as inexpensive insurance.
Who Benefits Most From AMSOIL Chaincase & Gear Oil + Companions?
Trail and Family Riders
If you:
- Ride groomed trails on weekends
- Haul family and friends on a couple of machines
- Want to avoid mid-season breakdowns
Then running INTERCEPTOR in the engine, Powersports Antifreeze in the cooling system, and Chaincase & Gear Oil in the driveline gives you a simple, high-confidence setup that just works.
Aggressive and Mountain Riders
If you:
- Ride off-trail or in deep powder
- Climb, jump and hammer the throttle
- Own a high-output sled that runs near its limits
Then you are exactly the rider who benefits from the extreme-pressure and cold-flow behavior of AMSOIL Chaincase & Gear Oil, plus the high-temperature stability of INTERCEPTOR and long-life coolant.
Work and Utility Owners
If your ATV or UTV:
- Plows snow
- Tows equipment
- Runs many hours at low speed and high load
Then protecting every part of the drivetrain matters. Combining appropriate AMSOIL engine oil, Chaincase & Gear Oil where specified, and Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant helps keep downtime low and equipment earning its keep.
Final Thoughts – A Small Amount of Oil Protecting Very Expensive Parts
The chaincase, small gearboxes and cooling system often get less attention than engine oil changes. Yet failures in any of those areas can:
- End a riding trip
- Cost far more than a few quarts of premium fluid
- Shorten the life of an otherwise great machine
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Chaincase & Gear Oil delivers:
- Strong extreme-pressure protection
- Excellent cold-weather flow
- Rust and oxidation resistance
- Long-life performance for snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs
Paired with AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR 100% Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil and AMSOIL Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant, you get a complete protection system that covers the engine, driveline and cooling loop with matched, high-quality synthetics.
That means more reliable starts, quieter running and fewer surprises – so you can focus on what you actually bought the machine for: riding.