How to Drain Fluid From a Mower

Fresh oil can improve your mower's performance.

Most lawnmower manufacturers recommend you change your machine's oil regularly. If you haven't done so for a while and have begun to notice a deterioration in your lawnmower's performance, you'll probably find a splash of fresh oil has a rejuvenating affect on it. Before you do so, you'll need to make sure you've emptied out all of the old oil in your machine.

Things You'll Need

• Cinder blocks
• Old newspaper
• Ratchet and socket set
• Pan

Instructions

1. Unplug your mower from its power source.

2. Tip your mower back to expose its underside and position some old newspaper beneath it. Prop it against a wall or some cinder blocks to gain access to its undercarriage.

3. Position a pan beneath your mower's drain hole, and then loosen the cap protecting it with your ratchet. You should be able to find the drain hole on the base of the body of your machine, above its blades.

4. Allow your mower's engine to drain completely before refilling it with fresh oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Some lawnmower models have a drainage plug on top of their motor. You'll need to remove the plug and tip your mower upside down over a pan to change the oil if this applies to your machine.

References

• Briggs and Stratton: Equipment Know-How
• Florida Gardener: How to Tune-Up Your Lawn Mower