How to Change Oil in Lawn Mowers. Lawnmower oil drain plug

13th June 2023

How to Change Oil in Lawn Mowers

So you finally have the ultimate lawn mower. It cuts the grass with precision. It mows evenly at faster speeds with a wide deck covering vast swaths of turf with each pass. When you first bought it, it was a well-lubricated machine that stood like a trophy in your garage.

But recently, it just hasn’t been running the way it had been when you first bought it. How can you solve this issue? Better yet, how do you change oil in a lawn mower?

A lawn mower is an investment that will provide huge rates of return if you take the time to maintain it properly. Regular maintenance and care of this piece of machinery will extend its life and help it perform just as it did the first time you used it.

Keep reading to learn all the things you need to know about how to change oil in a lawn mower as well as proper upkeep to ensure that it continues to sculpt your lawn into something that you are proud of.

What Kind of Engine Do You Have?

To know what kind of maintenance is necessary for keeping your motor running, you have to know what type of engine is driving the machine.

Most mowers nowadays have four-stroke engines. These engines are capable of burning regular gasoline straight from the pump. They also require oil to be added to the motor’s crankcase to lubricate the moving parts inside. This lubrication prevents corrosion and friction. Over time, oil in these engines will break down and lose their viscosity and must be changed.

Two-stroke engines have a different internal process than four-stroke engines. Part of these differences is how the pieces of the engine are lubricated. The crankcase on a four-stroke engine is closed and, as such, requires the oil to be added externally. In a two-stroke engine, the crankcase is used as part of the induction tract. As such, it requires that oil be mixed with the gasoline instead of being added separately.

So, in a two-stroke engine, you are essentially changing the lubricant every time you have to put fuel in to run it.

Conversely, a four-stroke engine uses the same lubricant for the engine over an extended period of time and requires that you change the it when it has broken down far enough.

When Should You Change the Oil

Several factors come into play regarding how often the oil should be changed in your machine.

At a bare minimum, you should change the lubricant at the end of every mowing season. To keep your mower in top condition, experts recommend that the oil is changed between 20 and 50 hours of use.

That is a pretty big window of time, though. So you can consider some other factors when determining where your lawn mower falls in that time spectrum.

The first consideration is how often you are mowing the yard. If you are in an exorbitant growing season and you find it necessary to mow every four days, the lubricant will have to be changed a bit more frequently than if you are mowing every ten days or so.

It also depends on the conditions of your yard. If your property has rougher terrain, bits of debris, or small rocks, then you will probably fall closer to the 20-hour end of that scale. If your lawn is pristine and flat, then you won’t find more frequent changes necessary.

Another factor that determines changing frequency is your specific geographic region and its climate. Hotter weather can be rougher on equipment and will require less time between maintenance sessions.

Change the Oil & Tune Up Lawnmower. GardenFork.T

When new lubricant is put into the crankcase, it is golden or amber in color. Over time it burns up and breaks down and turns deep brown or black. It is good practice to check your lawn mower’s dipstick before each use. If the dipstick is black or brown you know that the lubricant in your lawn mower needs to be changed.

For lawn mowers that are brand new off the showroom floor, the oil should be changed immediately following the fifth hour of use. This is because the movement of the new pieces of the motor will leave metal filings in the oil. If you leave these shavings, then you run the risk of excessive and unnecessary wear and tear on your engine.

What Kind of Oil Should You Use

There are generally three different types of oil that are suitable for use in your lawn mower.

SAE 30 is the most common type used in small engines like the one on your lawn mower. It is also ideal if you experience warmer temperatures in your area.

SAE 10W-30 can be used in areas with varying ranges of temperature. This type will improve your ability to start in colder weather. One drawback of SAE 10W-30 is that it can increase your engine’s overall oil consumption.

SAE 5W-30 is a synthetic lubricant that offers your engine the best protection at all temperatures. It improves starting capability in colder weather and will not be consumed by your engine as fast as the others.

Steps to Changing the Oil

Below you will find details of how to change oil in law mowers. Follow these guidelines to so you can do it safely and effectively.

Preparations

You should make sure you gather everything you need beforehand. This will make it easier for you while you are carrying out the procedure. List of what you will need:

Owner’s Manual
Shop rags
The recommended new oil for your mower
Oil pan
Funnel
Cardboard or old newspaper
Proper container for safe disposal of the old oil
Socket wrench
Pipe wrench or filter wrench
Jack or automotive ramps for riding mowers

Once you have collected everything you need, you should start your mower up and allow the engine to run for a few minutes before you begin.

Allowing your engine to warm up and circulate before you change oil will remove debris from the engine.

You should always make sure to disconnect the spark plug wire before the oil change. When you disconnect the spark plug wire, you ensure that your mower will not accidentally start while you are working on it.

You can remove the spark plug entirely if it makes you feel more comfortable. This is a sure-fire way to make sure your engine doesn’t fire up.

Drain the Engine

If you have a push mower, you should prop the mower up, so the exposed spark plug faces upwards. For riding mowers, use a jack or automotive ramp to give you access to the area of the engine where the drain plug is located.

Spread the newspaper or cardboard underneath the mower and place the oil pan directly underneath the drain plug.

Using a socket wrench, loosen the drain plug (it is not necessary to remove it entirely) until it begins to drain the oil from the engine into the oil pan. Keep draining until it slows to a single drip that falls at least 4 or 5 seconds apart.

Transfer the old oil from the oil pan into a proper container. Set it aside so that you can take it to your local oil recycling facility to be disposed of properly.

Once you’re done, tighten the drain plug on your engine.

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 owner’s 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 (called the adaptor) 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.

Refill the Engine With New Oil

Locate the oil fill plug on your engine and remove it. Clean the area around the plug so that you avoid the infiltration of your engine.

Place the funnel into the engine where you have removed the fill plug and pour the oil into the crankcase. Be careful not to overfill as this can cause the motor to stop running.

After you have filled the crankcase with the recommended amount, you need to replace the fill plug. Take the clean dipstick and place it down into the dipstick shaft and remove it to ensure that it is at the correct level.

Lastly, replace the dipstick in the shaft and clean up anything that may have spilled on or around the lawnmower.

Clean Up

Once you’re done, you should clean up the area where you worked on your equipment.

Replace the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug lead wire to the engine. To ensure that you have reconnected the spark plug and its lead wire correctly, fire the engine up. This will also circulate the oil in your engine.

Additional Steps For Complete Maintenance of Your Machine

There are some other things that you can do to extend the life and efficiency of your equipment. Keep your law mower well maintained and you will make the process of lawn care so much easier!

Clean the deck each time you mow
Clean and replace the air filter as needed
Replace the spark plug as needed
Clean out the carburetor
Maintain correct tire pressure
Winterize your machine
Drain the gas from the tank
Disconnect the spark plug wire
Remove the blades for sharpening

About the author: Jeffrey Douglas is a horticultural hobbyist that loves everything related to plants and gardening. He specializes in gardens and houseplants.

How to Change the Engine Oil in a Lawn Mower

Keeping your lawn maintained helps to cut down on insect populations in the yard, builds strong roots for healthier lawns and adds an exceptional amount of curb appeal.

Lawn maintenance begins with a well-maintained lawn mower which means there are certain tasks you need to perform in order to keep the machine in top working order. One of the most important aspects of ownership is knowing how to change your mower’s oil. We’ll take a closer look at that in this article.

Preparation and Setup

Location is important when preparing to change your lawnmower’s oil. You’re going to want to avoid servicing the machine on grass or near flower beds and foliage due to the chance of oil spillage which can kill your plant life. Select a hard, flat surface such as a driveway or sidewalk and be sure to employ a drop cloth to catch any mess that may occur.

Warm oil is better. While it is certainly possible to change the oil in a cold engine, remember that this lubricant becomes more viscous at higher temperatures. A good rule of thumb is to run your mower for a minute or two to heat it up a bit. In doing this, you’ll have much less trouble extracting the old oil. It’s also good to take precautions with handling a warm mower as the likelihood of engine burns increases. It is recommended that you use work gloves to mitigate the risk of injury.

Finally, you will want to remove the spark plug wire from the plug itself and keep it away to avoid any sort of accidental engine start. The last step in your preparation should also include cleaning the area around the oil fill opening as this prevents any outside debris or dirt from entering the oil reservoir.

Removing the Old LawnMower Oil

Extracting the old oil is one of the most important steps in the process. You’ll want to ensure that you remove as much of the old product as possible. Here are three methods to help you do so:

Use a siphon: If using a siphon place one end of the tube into the dipstick/oil fill hole until it reaches the bottom of the oil reservoir. Place the other end of the siphon into a structurally sound container that you will specifically use for this and future oil changes. Make a note to use a container that is easy to handle as you will need to transfer your oil into approved containers for proper disposal. Finally, place wood blocks or other sturdy material under the wheels of the mower on the opposite side of the oil fill hole. This helps to remove as much of the oil as possible.
Remove the oil plug: Depending on what type of mower you have, you can remove the oil plug to drain out the old lubricant. Refer to your owner’s manual for the location of your drain plug and be sure you have the proper sized socket wrench for the job. Once located, position the plug over your catch container and remove it. When the oil is fully drained, replace the plug securely.
Tilt Method: If you do not have access to a siphon, you can drain by tilting the mower on its side. When tilting the mower, position the oil fill cap over the container you are using to collect the used oil. Once positioned correctly, remove the fill cap and let the oil drain completely. You should be aware of the fuel level of the mower when using this method and should only attempt to do so with an empty or near the empty tank to avoid spillage. This method also requires you to make a note of where the air filter is located as you do not want to contaminate it with draining oil.

Fill With New Oil

Now that the old oil has been removed, it’s time to fill your reservoir with fresh lubricant. Once again, refer to your owner’s manual for the approved type of oil for your mower and the proper amount your machine requires. Keep in mind that both over and underfilling your oil reservoir can be harmful to the life of your mower. Fill the oil tank and replace the dipstick cap. Let the oil settle for at least two minutes and then check the level with the dipstick to ensure you have a proper fill.

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 you’ll 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 mower’s oil annually or after 50 hours of use to keep it in top working condition. If your machine has an air filter, you’ll want to change that annually as well (You may need a filter or pipe wrench to remove it).

Congratulations, you now know how to change the oil in a lawnmower!

How to change the oil in the Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower, step by step

An oil change is one of the most fundamental steps as far as engine maintenance is concerned. People tend to ignore oil changes for small engines such as those on lawnmowers. However, changing your oil at regular intervals can undoubtedly enhance your engine’s life and prevent you from unwanted engine problems such as an engine seizure. If you’re just wondering how to do an oil change for your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower, this blog post will help you with a clear step-by-step approach.

How to change the oil in the Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower, step by step:

Step 1. Prepare your Lawnmower
Step 2. Disconnect the spark plug cable
Step 3. Tilt the mower and set it up
Step 4.Drain the oil
Step 5. Replace the oil filter
Step 6. Check all the connections
Step 7. Add the new oil and test the engine

LAWNMOWER OIL Change the Simple Way ( no wrenches ! )

Gas Lawnmowers have relatively small engines compared with cars. Most recent models use a four-stroke internal combustion engine with a separate oil tank. This oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, such as the pistons or the crankshaft. The lubrication ensures that the parts’ wear rate is minimized, thus enhancing the engine’s overall life. As a general guideline, oil changes should be performed at the start or end of every season. For walk-behind mowers, oil changes should be carried out after 50 hours of use, whereas for riding lawnmowers, you should change the oil after every 100 hours of use.

In more detail, I will explain the procedure for changing the oil on a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower.

Replacing the oil in your Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower:

Before replacing the engine oil, check your Lawnmower’s user manual. It should contain information about your mower’s various parts, including the oil drain plug’s location and the preferred oil and oil filter. Also, the typical oil quantities (48 ounces or 64 ounces / 0.35-0.4 L) will be mentioned. Briggs and Stratton lawnmower manuals are usually quite detailed and contain a lot of information that can help you.

Step 1: Prepare your Lawn Mower for the Oil Change

Ensure that you have the needed tools and products for the oil change, like new oil and a new oil filter. The tools you need are an oil pan, a screwdriver, a strap wrench, a simple wrench, some scrubs, and hand gloves.

Turn the engine on and let it run. A few minutes should be sufficient. This will raise the oil flow by warming it to a suitable temperature. Oil’s viscosity decreases with temperature, so removing it will get more comfortable. Avoiding this step will make it difficult to drain the engine’s oil, and the left oil residue may mix with the new one.

Step 2: Disconnect the spark plug cable

Always disconnect the spark plug cables when working on a gas engine. This is a safety step to ensure that the engine may not start unintentionally. Turn off the ignition, separate the pull cord, and apply the parking brakes before you begin. Park your Lawnmower on an even hard surface that can deal with oil spills.

Step 3: Tilt the mower and set it up

The next step is to tilt the mower. All lawnmowers have their oil drain at the base, while some have an oil dipstick at the top. So tilt the mower with support or lift it high enough using a lawnmower lift. Don’t forget to wear some safety gloves, as the oil can be hot.

Step 4: Drain the oil

If your mower is one of those types with a dipstick, remove the dipstick before loosening the oil drain nut. This develops an air channel that will make draining the oil more efficient. Turning the blades and pulley to a side would be best before loosening the oil drain nut. Carefully remove the oil drain plug. You can use some rugs to protect you from sharp lawnmower blades. Turn the oil drain plug nut anticlockwise to open it. Ensure the drain pan is situated beneath the mower to collect the oil.

Always use safety gloves to keep your hands from getting messy from the crude oil and protect them from the hot oil. If you own an air pump, you can use this as an additional step to ensure that all the oil is drained. Use the pump to blow in the oil tank from the top. The air pressure will wipe away any oil residues left.

Step 5: Replace the oil filter

Some of the more recent lawnmowers have an oil filter. Some older models do not. It is recommended to replace the oil filter when you change your engine oil. If your Lawnmower does not have one, you can skip this step. Start with loosening the oil filter with the help of a strap wrench. When you are done loosening it, you can plug it out. The oil filter may hold some oil, so drain all the oil drops from it too. You can use the same drain pan to gather the trickling oil from the filter. Take a new oil filter and put on some oil on the top. This will make assembling the new oil filter easier. Fit the new oil filter, and make sure the oil filter seal remains intact.

Step 6: Check all the connections

Check all the various parts for tight ensuring tight connections. The oil drain plug should be tightened properly. Remove the pieces of rug from the mower blades. Put the dipstick in your mower and remove the mower from the platform.

Step 7: Add in new oil and start the engine

According to the Briggs and Stratton lawn mower user manual, the refilled oil amount is typically 48 ounces or 64 ounces. The type of oil suggested for everyday usage is SAE 10W-30. Depending on your Lawnmower’s size, it may have two oil fill plugs (ordinarily yellow or white) on each side of the engine; either one can be used to fill the engine with oil to the correct level. Next, engage the spark plug and turn on the ignition. Let the mower breathe fresh air as the new oil circulates its engine. This will help it normalize.

While changing the oil, you must keep in mind your mower engine’s condition. Older and weaker mowers generally need thicker and more viscous oils like SAE 20W-50. If you are not sure, consult an expert.

The used oil should be disposed of according to local regulations.

Additional concerns:

To increase the lifetime of your Lawnmower and to ensure that the machine will start without problems, some precautionary measures are suggested:

Replace after 30-40 hours: Replace engine oil after 30-40 hours of use or usage in the first month.
Never use a non-detergent oil: A non-detergent oil can shorten the engine’s service life and hinder the machine’s functionality.
Do not use 2-stroke oil: Avoid using oil suitable for a different engine type, like 2-stroke oil. It can damage the engine and cause a stalling issue. You must always use a good quality and brand-specific oil with no compromise.
Flat surface: Whenever changing the engine oil, bring the Lawnmower to a flat surface. It will contribute to easing the task of oil changing.
Use Gloves: Use gloves while doing your maintenance work. It will prevent any personal damage from sensitive components or hot oil.
Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the battery’s power cable to avoid unwanted accidents like a short circuit.
Screwdrivers: Operate the screwdrivers carefully so that no wear and tear of screws occur.

Frequently asked questions:

Which oil is best for lawnmowers?

The type of soil depends on the engine condition of your Lawnmower. It also depends on the working environment. In warmer climates for outdoor kinds of machinery, SAE 30 is your best option. In colder areas, you should stick with SAE 5W-30 motor oil. If you are in a place where the temperature fluctuates between 0° and 100° Fahrenheit, you should use an SAE 10W-30 motor oil.

Where is the drain plug located?

Look at the bottom of the engine body. Around the bottom, you should see a single bolt. That is your oil drain plug. However, the oil drain plug is located beneath the engine block near the crankshaft on vertical shaft engines. You will require a standard size 3/8″ ratchet and extension (no socket) to remove the square plug. A simple way to track the drain plug is to follow the oil tank and its curvatures to its bottom.

Is SAE 30 the same as 10w30?

No, SAE 30 is a single-viscosity oil. 10w30 is multiple viscosity. Recommended engine oil viscosity changes with temperature because natural oils change viscosity with temperature. An SAE 30 oil will thin out at higher temperatures.

Final remarks:

Replacing your engine oil can increase the lifespan and durability of your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower. It is suggested to check the quality of engine oil regularly. Old oil will increase the wear and tear of your engine and eventually even damage the engine. Changing the oil in a lawnmower is not a complicated job, and it should not take you more than 30 minutes. If you change the oil, always replace the oil filter if your Lawnmower has one. Hopefully, this blog gave you the user guidelines for changing the Briggs and Stratton Lawnmower oil.

Save Money and Time with a DIY Lawn Mower Oil Change: A Beginner’s Guide with Pictures

Doing a mower oil change, especially on a modern mower, is a gift; the manufacturers are making them so DIY and user-friendly that I doubt you’ll need a tool.

So when should you do a mower oil change? Lawnmower engine oil should change at least once per season or every 50 hours of operation. Most engines will take a 1/2 quart (.6lt) of 10w30 engine oil.

If your yard is challenging terrain, hilly, over an acre, or dusty, then a second oil change mid-way through the season will help protect the motor. Clean the air filter regularly, about every 25 hours, more often in very dry, dusty conditions. Ideally, a mower needs a full tune-up at the start of the season, and it’s only a little more work than an oil change.

This post covers the oil change and tune-up process; if you need additional help, check out “Mower tune-up video.” The video walks you through the whole process step by step. Easy oil draining technique, adding oil (type and quantity). It also covers plug change, air filter change, carburetor bowl draining, and blade sharpening. You know, a complete pre-season tune-up.

When to Tune-up

This is a question I get a lot. I tell my customers to service their mowers at the start of the new season before the first cut. Mowers that overwinter can often have issues that arise from being idle, such as stale gas in the carburetor, sticking valves, sticking wheels, cables, etc.

Moisture can collect inside the engine if the storage area isn’t heated. That’s why I recommend a tune-up in the spring.

Proper winterizing will eliminate many problems; check out “Lawn mower winterizing”. If your mower is a tractor mower, check out this guide, “Riding mower maintenance”.

Modern mowers are user-friendly; increasingly, manufacturers are adding little features that make DIY repairs almost enjoyable. Features like: large easy to read dipstick; large fuel filler opening; fuel shut-off valve; quick-release air filter cover; carburetor fuel bowl drain plug; easy oil drain.

Knowing how to service and repair your own mower is a useful skill. Four-stroke lawn mower engines are simple, and most are designed thoughtfully so that the homeowner can easily DIY service.

Tune-up Includes – Change engine oil; change plug; clean/replace air filter; fuel filter (if fitted); drain carburetor bowl; inspect and sharpen blades or replace; inspect drive belt; lube all axles and controls.

The Tools You Need

While doing an oil change likely won’t require any tools, a tune-up will require just basic ones. Doing a tune-up might sound like a lot of work, but really it isn’t. It’s also not technical, and no special tools are needed. Like many tasks, it’s about the right knowledge and good preparation.

WD40
Socket set with plug socket
Selection of wrenches
Selection of screwdrivers
Torx drivers
Pliers
Inspection light
Flat file
Wire brush
Oil catch
Gloves
Goggles
Dust mask.

Check out all the tools I use here on the “Small engine repair tools” page.

Tune-up Parts You Need

All engines will have a model code and date stamped. Briggs and Stratton stamp their codes into the metal valve cover at the front of the engine. Kohler has a tag, and Honda has a sticker on the body.

After you find these numbers, buying the tune-up kit online is easy. Most mower engines are common, so you won’t have a problem getting a match-tune-up kit.

The tune-up kit includes oil; plug; air filter; fuel filter (if fitted); new blade (optional).

Check out part numbers with your engine maker.

Engine Code – The engine code is useful information when ordering a tune-up kit.

Your mower may not be the same as the demo model, but that’s not important; the process will be close to identical no matter what model you have. There are many different makes of mowers, and many are fitted with the very reliable Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine. Kohler and Honda are also quite popular engines.

Tune-up Process

Here’s the stepped process; you don’t need to follow it in this order; this is how I usually do it. I do begin the process by warming the engine; it helps the oil flow. Warm oil moves more freely than cold. Warm oil also drains more quickly, which helps bring all the contaminants with it.

Be sure to wear gloves and goggles when working with gas, and do so in a well-ventilated area. Remember to disable your mower by removing the plug wire before actually starting any work.

I’ve covered it in video format, also. You’ll find the video here on “Tune-up video.”

Note on blade sharpening: In this guide, I do not remove the blade to sharpen. However, removing the blade to sharpen is the best practice. The blade ideally should be balanced after the sharpening process. An imbalanced blade leads to vibration.

All that said, when a blade is in good condition, it is acceptable to sharpen it while remaining on the mower. Removing the blade comes with risks, too; a blade must be tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Too loose is obviously bad, but too tight is problematic, also.

A mower blade, coupled with a blade boss, works together to help protect the crankshaft from damage. The blade is designed to slip on the boss in the event of a blade strike. This prevents crankshaft damage; over-tightening the blade bolt, as you can imagine, could be a costly mistake.

If you do choose to remove the blade to sharpen and balance or replace it altogether, use a torque wrench to tighten it. You’ll find videos in the video library covering torque wrench use, sharpening, balancing, and fitting blades, and a ton of other repairs also. You’ll find a post here on the torque wrench I use.

1 – Remove the plug wire (Twist Pull) and leave it off until you are ready to start the engine later in the process.

2 – Turn off the gas tap if fitted. Or pinch the gas line gently with grips. When turning your mower over, always turn the carburetor side up.

3 – Remove and replace the plug. Check that the replacement plug is the same. Thread in the new plug by hand before using the plug tool.

4 – Snug the plug down and give it a little tightening. Not too tight! Don’t fit the plug wire just yet.

5 – Not all mowers will have a gas filter like this. Gas filters may be directional and will have an arrow pointing to the carburetor.

Some filters will be built into the gas line; these types of filters can be cleaned and reused.

Some gas tanks will have a filter mesh screen at the bottom. You may have to remove the tank to clean it, depending on how bad it is.

6 – Remove replace the air filter. Clean the air box being careful not to allow dirt into the carburetor.

7 – Check your blade for damage or excessive wear. If worn, replace. A new blade will be easier on the mower and your lawn. Never attempt to repair a bent blade; this will weaken the metal and can lead to injury.

Removing the blade for sharpening and balancing is advised. If the blade is in good condition, you can sharpen it in place. See replacing mower blades video here.

8 – We will sharpen this blade in place. It is, however, always better to remove, sharpen and balance the blade before tightening to spec. An imbalanced blade leads to vibration.

Here we’ll file the face of the leading edge to remove any small nicks.

9 – Here, we’ll file at the same angle as the bevel; some blades will have the bevel facing the other way.

10 – Now dress the opposite side to remove the burrs. A sharp blade is the secret to a beautiful, healthy lawn, and it extends the life of your mower.

11 – Most mowers will have a belt to drive the mower. Check the condition of the belt and the pulleys.

These belts have a difficult job and can be the cause of various issues. Regular inspection will tell you if your belt is at the end of its life. Things to look for are flat-spotting, glazing, cracking, and fraying.

12 – Drain the oil while the engine is still warm; this helps the draining process.

13 – Add oil a little at a time, and check the level. Overfilling is not good for the engine. It will cause oil leaks, misfiring, and lots of smoke. Most small engine mowers will take a little over half a quart (.6lt) of 10w30 engine oil. Yes, you can use car engine oil. See the oil chart below.

14 – Do not thread in dipsticks to check the level; just push in and remove to check. The full level on this dipstick is at the top of the hatched area.

15 – Spray all controls with WD40. Spray front rear Axles also. WD40 lubes and protects from rust.

About the Author

John Cunningham is a Red Seal Qualified automotive technician with over twenty-five years experience working on all types of equipment, grass machinery, ATVs, Dirt bikes, cars, and trucks. When not writing how-to articles, he may be found in his happy place – Restoring classic machinery.

You may find the following links helpful:

How to Change Oil in Lawn Mowers. Lawnmower oil drain plug