Since there are many components to checking and changing lawn mower oil, we break down:
How to Check the Oil Level
How to Change the Oil
How to Locate the Oil Drain
Since there are many components to checking and changing lawn mower oil, we break down:
How to Check the Oil Level
How to Change the Oil
How to Locate the Oil Drain
WARNING: Always read the engine and equipment manual(s) before starting, operating, or servicing your engine or equipment to avoid personal injury or property damage. See an authorized dealer or contact Briggs & Stratton if you are unsure of any procedure or have additional questions. Find all Engine Safety Warnings
When you pour fresh oil into the crankcase, it's a golden or amber color. Gradually, the heat, dirt particles and agitated air in the crankcase cause the oil to darken. Dark oil is not only dirty; it has also lost much of its ability to coat and protect engine components.
When to Change the Oil in Your Small Engine
The new EXi mower engine doesn’t require oil changes, so you only need to check and add oil.
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:
The oil mark on the dipstick should be between the lines shown on the dipstick. It should never be above the FULL line or below the ADD line.
After checking the oil level and reading through the Oil Type & Capacity FAQ it’s 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:
Rather than tipping your mower to change the oil, you may utilize the Oil Drain which is very effective, but can be difficult to locate on the underside of your mower. 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).
On horizontal shaft engines it would be located below the centerline of the crankshaft, on the base of the engine block. Typically an adjustable wrench would remove the square plug.
PLEASE NOTE: Vertical shaft engines, Series 300 to 550, may not feature a bottom oil drain as shown above. If this is the case, oil must be poured out of the oil fill tube as outlined in your engine Operator's Manual.