Always check the oil in your lawn mower. If it is low on oil, your mower might be burning a little oil or there might be a leak somewhere. Check the color and consistency of the oil. If the oil is very dark and gritty feeling it definitely needs to be changed. If it is a medium or light milky appearance, then it might be contaminated with water or gas. If it smells like gas, then you might have a more serious problem. Make sure there is enough oil and make sure you do not overfill the crankcase. Overfilling can cause many problems.
Lets Get Started
Make sure you have supplies and tools needed before you begin.
- SAE 30 or 10W-30 motor oil
- Oil drain pan
- Shop towel
- Funnel
- 3/8" socket wrench (if needed)
Many of these supplies can be found at common stores, such as:
Briggs and Stratton Maintenance Kit https://amzn.to/33WizzG
Oil Drain Container https://amzn.to/3GVltn1
4 Piece Funnel Set https://amzn.to/3rB1rrr
Long Funnels (great for mowers!) https://amzn.to/3rxkKBS
Oil Pump Kit https://amzn.to/3fLl6Qc
You can also find many supplies and parts at Tractor Supply Co.
Start the lawn mower for a minute or two to warm up the engine. The oil will drain more freely and complete when it is warm. After shutting off the engine, be sure to disconnect the spark plug to avoid any accidental spark.
Remove the dipstick. Drain the oil from the bottom oil plug (if available), or by tilting the mower on its side (dipstick/filler tube towards the bottom), or by using an oil pump.
These methods are visually shown in a few of our Youtube videos (just click on the videos below to view).
Replace the oil plug (if previously removed). Place the funnel into the oil filler tube. Pour the recommended amount of oil through the funnel. Remember that some oil will always be coating internal parts, so less oil is needed (compared to a new or dry lawn mower). For example; the oil capacity might be 16 ounces (on a new mower), but would need only 12 ounces when changing the oil.
Fill the oil and always check the dipstick for proper oil levels. The dipstick will show a minimum and maximum level. Do not underfill or overfill. Check the owners manual for specific methods for checking the oil using the dipstick. This video explains:
You are finished!
I usually change the oil before the start of the mowing season (at least once a year). If you are a commercial mower, keep track of the hours spent running the engine and change at regular intervals (maybe after 50 hours).
Additional Videos: