A Step By Step Guide for Changing Your Lawn Mower’s Oil
Last week, we talked about how to give your lawn mower a full tune up. Whether you’ve got a walk behind lawn mower, lawn tractor, or a zero turn mower, the best thing you can do for your mower is to regularly change the oil. Frequent oil changes will extend the life of your mower and keep your engine running great. If you’re not sure how to change the oil in your lawn mower, here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
How Often Should I Change my Oil?
In order to get the most out of your lawn mower and keep it running great season after season, it’s important to regularly change the oil. But, the question is—how often is “regularly?” In order to get the most out of your lawn mower and keep it running great, it’s advised to change your oil every 50 hours, or at the beginning of each mowing season – whichever comes first.
Getting Started
Before you begin, you will need a few items to change your oil.
- Oil Filter
- Motor Oil
- Funnel
- Oil Drain Pan
- Socket Wrench
NOTE: Before doing any work to your lawn mower, make sure you disconnect the spark plug cable! This will keep the mower’s engine from engaging during maintenance.
Removing the Old Oil
After your spark plug cable is disconnected, the first step is to drain the old oil.
- Place an oil-safe container under your mower.
- Locate the drain plug. (Consult your manual to find the drain plug. If you have a riding mower or zero turn mower, you might need to use a jack to lift up the mower so you can access the underside.)
- Use a socket wrench to turn the drain plug counter-clockwise until oil begins to flow out.
- Recycle oil properly at your local oil recycling facility. DON’T dump any oil down the drain or on the ground.
Note: Most walk behind lawn mowers don’t have a drain plug; you will have to tilt the mower back and prop it up so oil can drain out of the fill tube.
Replace Oil Filter
If your lawn mower is equipped with an oil filter, it is recommended that the oil filter be changed at least once per year.
- Locate the Oil Filter (Consult your manual.)
- Twist the oil filter counter-clockwise until it can be removed
- Clean the seal of the oil filter
- Apply new engine oil to the seal so that it is well lubricated.
- Screw the new oil filter into the filter adapter.
Refill Engine Oil
Once the old oil has been removed and the oil filter has been replaced, then it’s time to refill the engine oil.
- Locate the oil fill tube of your lawn mower.
- Pour the recommended amount of oil down the fill tube. (Most walk behind lawn mowers hold between 18 and 20 ounces oil; consult your manual to see how much oil your mower needs.)
- If your lawn mower is equipped with a dipstick, wipe it clean, and then insert it into your oil fill tube. Check the oil level on the dipstick to see if you have the proper amount of oil.
After you change your oil, then your lawn mower is ready to mow! With regular oil changes and proper maintenance, your lawn mower should continue to run great year after year! Mutton Power Equipment in Fort Wayne, Indiana has everything you might need along the way, from oil filters, to OEM Replacement Oil and more. Visit our online store or stop in and see us either of our two Fort Wayne Locations. We also offer full service and repairs – give us a call today at (260) 432-9438.