The small engines that power lawn mowers require oil changes in the same way that automobile engines do. The oil in most lawn mower engines should be changed every 20-50 hours of operation.
The owner’s manual for a lawn mower will specify how frequently the mower’s oil should be changed. An oil change should be performed at the very least once a year, in conjunction with other seasonal tune-up maintenance.
This article will walk you through the process of changing the oil in most lawn mowers. Changing mower oil is a simple process that can be completed in as little as five minutes.
Red Lawn Mower getting some maintenance
Step 1: Prepare for the Oil Change
There are a few things to do before removing the old oil from the mower.
1. Warm up the engine
In order to speed up the oil change process, it’s a good idea to let the mower engine warm up first. As a bonus, it will be a lot easier to get rid of all of the old oil.
2. Clean around the oil fill area.
Clean the oil fill area with an air compressor or a dry towel.
3. Prepare an oil pan to catch the oil.
You’ll need an oil pan or something similar to catch the oil that comes out of the lawn mower. Placing the pan on the side of the mower that will be tipped over to drain the oil will be most effective.
Step 2: Dump the Old Oil
The mower is now ready for its oil to be drained, thanks to the preparation work that has been completed.
4. Remove the oil fill cap.
5. Tip the lawn mower on its side to drain its oil.
If you have the opportunity, turn the mower on its side for about a minute to allow the old oil to drain out completely before continuing.
Step 3: Replace the Oil Filter (if Applicable)
However, while the vast majority of walk-behind lawn mowers do not have oil filters, there are a few models available that have them built into the engine design. If your mower model has an oil filter, we’ve included the steps for changing it below in case yours does as well.
To complete your oil change, skip ahead to Step 10 if your lawn mower engine model does not include an oil filter.
6. Prepare something to catch the oil.
If you remove the oil filter from your lawn mower, you risk spilling the oil it contains.
Find a small container that can fit under the filter as you unscrew it to catch the oil.
7. Unscrew the old filter.
The old filter simply unscrews.
8. Coat the seal of the new filter with oil.
Before installing the new oil filter, it is necessary to coat the seal with oil to ensure that it is properly sealed.
Apply a thin layer of motor oil to the outside lip of the new filter with your finger. Remove the old filter and discard it. The application of a thin coat of oil will ensure that it seals tightly once it is in place.
9. Install the new oil filter.
As you screw in the new oil filter, make sure it touches the plate that it is supposed to seal against. After that, tighten the filter by turning it a quarter or half turn.
Step 4: Refill Mower Oil
This means that the mower is now ready for its engine oil to be replaced. Recall that overloading the oil in a lawn mower engine can be just as detrimental as under-fuelling the engine.
Consult the mower’s owner’s manual to determine the exact amount of oil that the mower requires.
The dipstick on the mower should be the final arbiter when determining the proper oil level. The majority of mowers require between 2/3 and 3/4 of a quart of oil.
10. Add engine oil gradually until it is full.
Check the oil level with the dipstick a few times while you’re filling it.
The risk of overfilling is reduced by creeping up on the “full” line like this.
11. Replace oil cap.
Your lawn mower oil change is now complete.
Conclusion
Changing the oil in your lawn mower’s engine will help it run more powerfully and consistently. This, along with other simple equipment maintenance procedures, will significantly increase the life of your tools.
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