What Type And How Much Oil For My Lawn Mower
Quick Links:
Before you are able to change the lawn mower oil on your Briggs & Stratton® small engine, its important to understand the oil type and capacity required. The type of equipment you use, the engine within, and the temperature outside determines what type of oil to use, how much you need and the cost of the oil. Use the Oil Finder tool below to find the right oil for you.
Step : Preparation The Husqvarna Lawnmower
Park the mower at a place that can deal with an accidental oil spill. When you remove the oil, it is always possible that some of it will spill on the ground. Then let the Husqvarna lawnmower run for 10 to 15 minutes. That will warm up the oil, and makes it much easier to replace. It also makes checking the oil level easier.
Step : Check The Oil Level
Before starting the engine, is it a good idea to check the oil level. You can do this as follow:
- Flat area: Make sure the lawnmower is parked on a leveled site.
- Open the fill cap: Find the fill cap, remove it, and clean it with a cloth.
- Clean: thoroughly clean the cap and the area around the crankcase.
- Check the dipstick: Check the oil level by re-inserting the dipstick. When you take the dipstick out, you will see the thick oil layer attached to it. If its near the low marking, your mower needs more oil. If its been some time since you last changed the oil, you should completely change it instead of just topping up on what was already there.
- Add oil if needed: If the level is not ok, add oil and check again. If the level is higher than it should, you have to remove some of the excess oil.
Recommended Reading: How To Cover A Patio
Use An App To Keep An Eye On Your Oil
As in every other area of life, lawn mower maintenance is now being assisted by computer technology. For some high-end mowers, there is already a Bluetooth app you can download onto your phone to remind you when it is time to change the oil and air filters and to perform other tasks related to tuning up your mower and keeping it in good working order. These apps keep track of the hours of use on the mower engine and will alert you when its time to perform maintenance tasks. Some apps can even be used to order replacement parts online.
How To Change Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid In Lawn Tractor
Remove the drain plug , or remove the breather tube. Turn the transaxle up side down and let the fluid drain overnight.
Fill the transaxle with approximately 2.5 quarts or 80 ounces of fluid. During the filling process connect a drill to the fan/pulley shaft and spin the transaxle to purge the air out of the system allowing room for more fluid. Make sure the hydro disengage lever is engaged so the axles will turn as you spin the fan/pulley shaft with a drill.
You May Like: How Do You Measure For A Patio Umbrella Replacement
What Happens If You Dont Change Oil In Lawn Mower
If you dont 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 damage significant damage to your engine. People often dont think about putting money into their mowers until they dont start or encounter other engine problems.
Final Steps To Change Oil In A Lawnmower
Once you have the oil reservoir filled to the proper level, you will need to place the spark plug wire back on the spark plug. Your used oil is recyclable and most towns and counties have ordinances on proper disposal. You should check with your local government to find out the specifics, but chances are youll need to transfer it from a catch pan into a sealable container. Empty household detergent containers are perfect for this just be sure the oil has cooled before you do this. Seal the cap tightly and bring your oil to a recycling center. Most gas stations and auto repair shops will accept used oil although some will charge a slight fee.
Be sure you change your mowers oil annually or after 50 hours of use to keep it in top working condition. If your machine has an air filter, youll want to change that annually as well .
Congratulations, you now know how to change the oil in a lawnmower!
Also Check: How To Redo A Paver Patio
Change The Oil Filter
Oil filters keep the lubricant from being infiltrated by larger pieces of dirt and debris. If debris is allowed through the filter, it will cause excessive engine wear to your mower.
While the filter may not require changing every time you perform a change, it does warrant checking it every time.
A good rule of thumb is that you should change the filter at least once a year, but this is a basic guideline. Refer to your owners manual for information about the frequency at which you should change the filter specific to your piece of equipment.
Once you have located the filter, use your hands or the pipe/filter wrench to remove the filter from the engine.
After you have removed the filter, you should clean the area where the filter attaches to the mower as well as the seal on the new oil filter.
Wipe some new engine lubricant onto a shop rag and lubricate the seal on the new filter. Place the new filter onto the adaptor and tighten into pace using the pipe/filter wrench or your hands.
Follow These Steps To Change Your Lawn Mowers Oil:
Step One: Getting Started
Begin by starting your lawn mowers engine to let it warm up for about 60 seconds. After turning off the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure your lawn mower doesnt accidentally start while youre working. With a towel or rag, clean old oil and dirt from the dip stick shaft and drain plug areas. Following clean-up, remove the dip stick.
Step Two: Draining the Oil
If youre changing the oil on a push mower, begin by propping up the mower deck so the spark plug is facing up. Place the oil-safe container underneath the mower. With a socket wrench, unscrew the oil plug counterclockwise until oil can escape. Empty the oil from your mower into an oil-safe container.
Step Three: Replacing the Oil Filter
Begin by locating the oil filter on your lawn mower or tractor. Twist the oil filter counterclockwise to remove it. Inspect the seal of the oil filter for any dirt or debris and clean it off. Using new engine oil, lubricate the clean sealing gasket so that it appears clean. Once it appears clean and well-lubricated, place the new oil filter into the filter adapter and screw it back into place by hand. Using a wrench, tighten the oil filter.
Step Four: Refilling the Engine Oil
Choose Stanley & Son for all your outdoor power equipment repairs and maintenance. Schedule your lawn mower service with us today.
Read Also: How To Make A Gravel Patio
How To Check Oil Level
Make it a habit to check the oil level and appearance each time you’re about to start a small engine. Checking the oil while the engine is cold and most of the oil is in the crankcase yields the most accurate reading.
For oil checking procedures on lawnmower applications, please watch our “Checking Engine Oil – Lawnmower Engine” video:
- Step 1: Locate the oil fill cap on the crankcase to start. Fill cap locations vary, depending on the make and model of your engine.
- On newer models, look for an oil can symbol or the word “oil” or “fill” stamped on the plug.
- On small tractors, you may have to lift the hood to locate this cap.
- Some engines contain either an extended oil fill tube or a standard fill hole with a dipstick for inspection.
- Others require you to remove the fill cap to check that the oil is at the fill line or the top of the fill hole.
- Step 2: Clean the Crankcase: To prevent dirt and debris from falling into the crankcase, use a clean cloth to wipe the area clean before removing the cap.
- Step 3: Inspect the Oil. If there is no dipstick, dab the oil with a clean tip of the cloth to inspect the oil. If the engine includes a dipstick cap, remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
- To ensure an accurate reading, reinsert the dipstick completely. If the dipstick cap is a screw-in type, ensure an accurate reading by screwing in all the way before removing it to check the level.
- Then, remove it again and check the oil level.
Before Starting: How Often To Change Lawn Mower Oil
Changing your Husqvarna mowers engine oil is an important maintenance task that should be performed regularly throughout the lifetime of your equipment. But when should you change your mower’s oil?
The frequency of oil changes will depend on several factors including the type of mower you own, the dustiness of your environment and the quantity of grass cutting work itself. However, a good rule of thumb is to check the oil level once for every five hours of continuous use and to change the oil a minimum of once per season.
Read Also: Do French Patio Doors Both Open
How Long Can A Lawn Mower Run Without Oil
If you are using a domestic mower, it will seize quicker as it sits for a while between uses, but if you are using a commercial mower, you wont get many hours of use out of it.
If you want to keep your mowers running for longer periods of time you will need to invest in an oil change kit. You can buy a kit for around £20 from most garden centres.
If you dont have a garden centre near you then you can also buy the kit online from a number of online retailers.
How Often Should You Change Mower Oil
Taking proper care of your lawn mower will help your machine run well for years to come. One overlooked aspect in lawn mower maintenance is how frequent oil changes should take place. Engine oil and oil filters should be replaced at least once every spring or summer, or every 50 hours of use whichever comes first.
Recommended Reading: How To Make Patio Private
How To Check Lawn Mower Oil
To accurately determine the right time to change lawn mower oil, be sure to check the oil when the engine is cold.You do this by removing the dipstick and wiping it clean and then inserting it inside the engine. Typically, the oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.Also, your lawn mower oil should be yellow or amber in color. So, if the oil is dark in color, it would be best to replace it with fresh oil.
Changing The Oil On Your Small Engine
After checking the oil level and reading through the Oil Type & Capacity FAQ its time to run the engine for several minutes. Draining the oil while it’s warm will carry off many floating particles that would otherwise settle in the engine.
For oil changing procedures on lawnmower applications, please watch our “Changing the Engine Oil – Lawnmower Engine” video:
- Step 1: Stop the engine then disconnect the spark plug lead and secure it away from the spark plug. Then, locate the oil drain plug. On mowers, the plug is typically below the deck and may be obscured by a layer of grass and debris.
- Step 4: Add lawn mower oil to capacity . Then, run the engine at idle and check for leaks. Avoid overfilling the crankcase. Too much oil can cause the same type of engine damage as not having enough.
- Step 5: Dispose of oil and soiled ragsin accordance with local environmental statutes. In many areas, oil can be left at curbside with other recyclables, provided it is sealed in a recyclable container. Also, you can drop it off with a participating Briggs & Stratton service dealer.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Stained Concrete Patio
S For Changing Lawn Mower Oil
Regardless of the method, the process will be more straightforward if the engine is warmer. That helps the oil to flow freely and entirely out of the tank.
Run the engine for about 15 minutes, then place the mower on a flat surface. Also, remember to clean the working area and prepare the oil drain pan. You may use towels to wipe the oil change area. If you use the tilt method, remember to lay some newspapers or cardboard to catch oil spillage.
Disconnecting the spark plug wire also comes first before any lawn mower maintenance for safety. Keep the spark plug away from the mower to avoid unintended ignition and fire.
For the siphon method, insert the pump into the dipstick till it hits the engines bottom. Dip the other end of the pump into the oil drain pan and manipulate the pump handle to siphon out the oil manually.
Put the oil drain pan beneath the dipstick tube if you prefer the tilt method. Ensure that its on the opposite side of the air filter, so the old oil doesnt contaminate the filter. Keep leaning the mower while ensuring that the oil flows into the drain pan. Maintain the leaning posture until the flow reduces to a drip.
Once youre done draining the oil, carefully tilt the mower to return it to its upright position and let it rest on its wheels. Remove the pump if you were using the siphon method.
How Do You Drain The Oil On A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
Draining the Oil Push the drain tube that came with the mower onto the fitting thats revealed after you remove the plug. Place a drain pan under the tube. Push in on the tube and turn it slightly in a counterclockwise direction. Pull straight out on the tube and allow the oil to drain from the tube and into the pan.
Recommended Reading: How Often Do You Fertilize Your Lawn
Don’t Miss: How To Cover A Patio With Fabric
How To Change The Oil In A Lawn Mower
wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 161,466 times.Learn more…
Lawn mowers, like cars, need their oil changed every now and then. Not changing the oil in a lawn mover can significantly reduce its lifespan. If you are wondering how to change the oil in your lawn mover, then you came to the right place. This wikiHow will tell you how you can change the oil in a lawn mover.
The Best Way To Change The Oil On A Riding Lawnmower
Manufacturers typically recommend changing the oil in riding mowers annually or after every 50 hours of use. Change it more often if you mow in extremely dusty conditions. 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.
Also Check: Do It Best Patio Furniture
Change Your Engine Oil Filter
This is also the time to change your engine oil filter. The filter traps a lot of impurities so its a good idea to replace it whenever you change your oil.
Thats all there is to it. If you keep your engine oil clean, your mower will thank you.
Whats The Process Of Changing Lawn Mower Oil
You can use two methods to change the oil in your lawn mower. The correct procedure depends on the type of machine youre using.
The siphon or pump method, for instance, involves using a pump or siphon to drain oil from the fill tube into a disposal pan. Also, you can use the tilt method, which entails slanting the mower to the side and draining the oil by using a dipstick tube into a drain pan. If the tilt method works for you, youll need to wait till your lawn mower runs out of fuel. Here are the steps to follow.
Read Also: Grill Gazebo Metal Roof