How to Add Oil to Lawn Mower

You probably use your lawn mower more than any other yard equipment. Keep it properly tuned and running with the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Owner's manual
• Oil
• Rag for checking dipstick
• Container to catch used oil

1. Check your owner's manual for the type of oil to use in the lawn mower. Most will use an SAE 30W oil, but your options vary depending on the climate in your area. Your owner's manual contains this information.

2. Siphon the gas out of the gas tank, or cut the lawn and use up all of the gas. You will be turning the mower over and don't want to get gas all over the mower.

3. Disconnect the sparkplug wire. Tuck it away from the sparkplug and make sure it will not touch the sparkplug as you turn the mower over.

4. Locate the oil container on your lawn mower. Take the dipstick out and slowly turn the lawn mower onto its side so the oil can drain out. Place a container under the lawn mower to catch the oil.

5. Turn the lawn mower upright. Add fresh oil and check the dipstick to make sure it is at the appropriate level. Your owner's manual will tell you exactly how much oil to use.

6. Tighten the dipstick, reconnect the sparkplug wire and add gas before starting your mower again.

7. Start the lawn mower and allow it to run for 30 seconds. Turn it off, and check the oil dipstick to see if you should add any oil.

Tips & Warnings

• If your oil container is on the side or bottom of the mower you may not have to turn the mower on it's side to drain the oil. Some lawn mowers have drains, so you can simply open the drain to release the oil.
• Never turn the lawn mower over completely or with the sparkplug facing down. This will drain the oil into the air filter, which you will then have to replace.

Resources

• To find more lawnmower information visit lawnmowerfacts.com.

[sorensentrees]

on 7/27/2009 I just saved myself a ton of time and a whole big mess by using an oil change vacuum pump to suck all the oil and debris out through the dipstick tube. I bought the LiquiVac system at Lowe's for $35 and changed my oil in just minutes. Plus, all the oil was sucked out into a portable container so I could transport it to the recycling center. You've got to try this thing. I found their website: http://www.liquivac.com