- Begin your mower's oil change with warm oil.
- Remove the spark plug wire for safe lawn mower maintenance.
- Clean the area around the oil tank.
- Remove the dipstick and prepare to drain the oil.
- Drain the Oil.
- Return the mower to an upright position.
Full Answer
How often should a lawn mower have its oil changed?
Most mower engines need their oil changed every 20-50 hours of operation. A mower’s owner’s manual will indicate how often to perform oil changes on the mower. At the very least, an oil change should be done annually with other seasonal tune-up maintenance.
How do you change the oil on a lawn mower?
- Seal the gas tank: Seal the gas tank by removing the gas cap and covering the opening with a plastic bag. ...
- Empty out the old oil: Remove the dipstick from the oil filler tube and tip the mower to drain the oil. ...
- Refill with clean oil: Refill the engine with clean oil. ...
How do I check and change lawn mower oil?
Watch on
- Stop the engine. Then, locate the oil drain plug. ...
- Drain the Oil. Wipe the area with a rag to prevent debris from falling into the crankcase when you open the drain plug.
- Change the Filter. If your engine has a filter, replace it at least once a season, more often under heavy use (see Small Engine Maintenance FAQ).
- Add lawn mower oil. ...
- Dispose of oil. ...
How to do an oil change on a lawnmower?
- Warm up the engine to get the oil moving and kick up any debris so you can get it out. ...
- Turn off the engine. ...
- If you need to tip the mower to access the drain plug, prevent fuel spilling: remove the fuel tank, empty the fuel tank, or seal the fuel cap with a ...
- Note: Skip this if you have an oil extractor. ...
- Locate and clean around the drain plug. ...
How do you change the oil on a yard machine riding mower?
0:262:21Riding Lawn Mower Oil Change Instructions - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe small end of the oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump remove the drain plug and drain the oil intoMoreThe small end of the oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump remove the drain plug and drain the oil into the catch container. When the oil stops dripping replace the drain plug remove the drain sleeve.
Where is the oil drain plug on a yard machine?
Find the drain plug on the side of the mower's engine. It will be near the bottom of the engine. On some models, it will be a small, black hose clamped to the engine with a square, threaded plug on the end. On other models, it will be a stationary metal tube with a square, threaded plug.
How much oil does a yard machine riding mower take?
Riding mowers: Oil capacity is typically 48oz or 64 oz*. Change engine oil every 100 hours or annually, which ever comes first.
How do I drain the oil from my lawn mower?
Tipping to Drain the OilLocate your air filter, spark plug and dipstick tube.Place a drain pan on the floor.Tilt the engine so that the dipstick tube is towards the pan and drain the oil through the dipstick tube.
How do you change the oil in a lawn mower without drain?
0:504:23How To Change The Oil In A Honda Lawnmower Without A Drain PlugYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell there's two methods you can tip the lawnmower over and catch the oil in a drain pan or you canMoreWell there's two methods you can tip the lawnmower over and catch the oil in a drain pan or you can use an oil evacuator pump.
Do riding lawn mowers have oil filters?
This article and its video explain how to change lawn mower oil on most mowers, and how to change oil filters on mowers that have them. The small engines that run lawn mowers need their oil changed just like car engines. Most mower engines need their oil changed every 20-50 hours of operation.
How often should I change the oil in my riding lawn mower?
For existing riding mowers, it is recommended to change and replace the oil at least once a season, or for every 100 hours of run time.
How much oil goes into a lawn mower oil change?
Most small engines need 20 to 24 fluid ounces of oil. Small engines typically use SAE 30 single-weight detergent motor oil service-rated SG or higher, but some can use multiviscosity oils such as 10W-30 or 10W-40. Fill the crankcase slowly. Keep tabs on the oil level by checking with the dipstick as you add oil.
What type of oil do you use in a riding lawn mower?
SAE 30 the most common, and is is typically used in warmer climates. SAE 10W-30 is best for varying temperature ranges and is best for starting in cold climates. The trade off here is the potential for higher oil consumption. Synthetic oil is also an option for your riding lawn mower.
How do you drain oil?
1:023:09How to Change Oil in Your Car (The Easy Way) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut it on get it loose. Yeah. Then you get the drain balls out it'll drain into the pan and won'tMorePut it on get it loose. Yeah. Then you get the drain balls out it'll drain into the pan and won't make a mess at all. As you can see there's no splatter anywhere. Everything goes into the pan.
What happens if you don't change oil in lawn mower?
If you don't change oil in your lawn mower, the oil becomes very dirty and breaks down. The oil loses its cooling agents and detergents which can cause significant damage to your engine. People often don't think about putting money into their mower until the mower doesn't start or encounters other engine problems.
Where is the oil drain plug on a Briggs and Stratton?
Typically, however, on vertical shaft engines, the oil drain plug is located beneath the engine block near the crankshaft. To remove the square plug, all that is required is a standard size 3/8" ratchet and extension (no socket).
How to drain oil from a siphon pump?
Place a container with a capacity of no less than 64 ounces under the oil-drain sleeve or position it to catch the oil from the Siphon Pump. Remove the drain plug, and drain the oil into the container. When the oil has completely drained, wipe the area around the oil drain and replace the drain plug.
What are the parts of a riding lawn mower?
When you need parts for your riding lawn mower, you can use the MTD Genuine Parts Part Finder to find the correct one. Common parts include: 1 Filters 2 Blades 3 Belts
Can you use the wrong oil on a riding mower?
Using the wrong type and/or weight of oil can cause premature engine wear and even failure. If your engine has an oil filter, also check the operator's manual regarding the correct replacement. Note that if your riding mower is damaged from hitting an object in your yard or has complicated engine trouble, it is best to take it to ...
Do riding lawn mowers need oil?
As part of routine maintenance, it's important to check and replace your riding lawn mowers' engine oil and oil filter. Performing this maintenance as scheduled in your owner's manual will ensure your machines' engine performs as designed and will extend its service life.
Is synthetic oil good for riding mowers?
The trade off here is the potential for higher oil consumption. Synthetic oil is also an option for your riding lawn mower. SAE 5W-30 is a great all-around alternative to conventional oil. As always, consult your owner's manual before adding oil to your equipment. Using the wrong type and/or weight of oil can cause premature engine wear ...
How to clean a lawn mower with cold oil?
1. Set the mower on a level, hard surface. Start the engine and let it run for 1 to 2 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil drains easier than cold oil. Turn off the mower.
Can dirt enter oil fill tube?
Do not allow dirt or debris to enter the oil fill tube. It can damage the engine. Diana K. Williams is a certified Master Gardener, has more than a decade of experience as an environmental scientist, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and environmental studies from the Ohio Northern University.
Can you use a siphon to drain oil from a lawn mower?
Some automotive stores accept used motor oil. Instead of tipping the mower to drain the oil, a siphon can be used to suck the oil out of the engine. When tipping the mower to drain the oil, never tip it so the air filter side is down toward the ground.
Why do you need to change oil on a mower?
Oil protects moving parts inside the engine from heat and dirt. It can lose some of its protective properties over time, and it has to be changed as it collects all those fine dirt particles. Make it a habit to change the oil right after the end of the mowing season each year.
How to get oil out of a filter?
Be ready to catch some oil that spills out of the filter port on the engine block and from the filter itself. Clean the mounting ring on the engine block as well as the engine compartment. Add a thin coat of fresh oil to the new filter’s gasket and screw it on.
Where is the oil drain plug on a motor?
Locate your oil drain plug on bottom of the motor on either the left or right side of the engine compartment. Some drains have a twist cap, others a valve you turn by hand, and still others require a wrench to turn the valve.
Can you dump old oil in a lawn mower?
Many dealers that sell oil for riding lawn mowers take used oil and dispose of it properly. Never dump old oil down a drain, into a sewer or on the ground. Oil is a powerful pollutant that damages ground water and streams. Robert Korpella has been writing professionally since 2000.
Why do lawn mowers need oil?
They require oil for the same reason your car does – to keep moving parts lubricated and to protect the life of your investment. Advertisement. What Type of Oil Does a Yard Machine Lawn Mower Use? Image Credit: WadeMachin/iStock/GettyImages.
What happens if you overfill your oil canister?
When you overfill the oil, a few things can go wrong. If you're lucky, it's just a little excess and it'll burn off while the engine heats, causing the engine to produce white smoke. This should settle down. But other problems can cause more grief – all solvable but still worth avoiding by filling the canister cautiously. One issue can be the spark plugs fouling. If oil gets on these, they won't spark and the engine won't start. Plugs can be cleaned or replaced. Another problem can be oil getting on the filter, which can clog it and starve the engine for air, resulting in the engine failing to start or sputtering and dying. The filter can also be cleaned or replaced.
What is the temperature of SAE 5W30?
Oil comes in different weights meant for operating in different seasonal temperatures. SAE 5W30 is intended for 40 degrees Fahrenheit down to -30 degrees Fahren heit, so it's unlikely you'll be mowing the lawn much in those temperatures. A synthetic SAE 5W30, though, offers the coverage for varying climates, working well anywhere from 100 degrees ...
Can you use additives on yard machine oil?
Do not use oil additives for your Yard Machine oil. These are unneeded and can, in fact, void your warranty coverage. Finally, ensure the oil is marked as "For Service Class SF, SG, SH" or higher. These indicate engine manufacture years.
Is Briggs and Stratton synthetic oil warranty compliant?
Briggs & Stratton recently amended its warranty coverage to stipulate that synthetic oil is now considered warranty-compliant. Synthetic oil has been engineered to resist heat better, slowing down its degradation and giving what some feel is better protection for your engine.
