How to Change Your Craftsman Lawn Mower Oil

Good maintenance keeps it running.

Regular oil changes could extend the useful life of your Craftsman walk-behind mower. For example, the owner's manual for the Craftsman 4.5 horsepower 20 inch side discharge mower recommends an oil change after the first two hours of use and subsequent oil changes after each 25 hours of use or at least once per year if use is light. Oil changes for a Craftsman motor are similar to those for many other models and types of walk-behind mowers.

Things You'll Need

• Old newspapers
• Pan-type container
• Rags or paper towels
• 30W detergent motor oil
• Funnel
• Storage container with top

Instructions

1. Empty the gas tank by running the Craftsman mower until the engine dies. Remove the gas cap and verify that the tank is empty except for a very small quantity of gas at the bottom of the tank. This will prevent any gas spills during the oil change. Replace the gas cap.

2. Move the mower to a flat place with adequate space to work and put down some old newspapers in the work area to catch any spilled oil. Pull the spark plug wire connector off the spark plug and place it securely to one side. Remove the combination oil filler tube cap and dipstick gauge and lay it in a clean place.

3. Tip the mower on its side so the two wheels on the side opposite the oil filler tube are up off the floor with the mower rotated far enough to have the deck or blade cover slightly past perpendicular to the floor. Let the old oil drain from the oil filler tube into a suitable container. To minimize splatters and spills, use a pan-type container with a height of 3 inches or more and a top opening of 5 inches or more. Rock the mower a bit to get the last bits of oil out.

4. Lower the mower back down onto all four wheels and wipe off any spilled oil with old rags or paper towels. Add new 30W detergent motor oil until the oil level is at the fill mark on the dipstick. The 4.5 horsepower unit requires about 20 ounces of oil.

5. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and replace the oil filler tube cap to complete the oil change.

6. Pour the used oil through a funnel into a container with a top to store it temporarily until you can take it to a disposal site. Many auto parts stores or your local pollution control center will accept the old oil for recycling.

Tips & Warnings

• Store used oil in a sturdy container such as a plastic laundry detergent bottle. Avoid light duty containers like milk or water jugs.

• Avoid storing used oil in old oil containers to avoid reusing it by accident.

• Do not switch any trouble light or flashlight on or off near the gas tank when it is open. Switches can produce sparks that can ignite explosive gas vapors.

• Check the oil level each time before starting to mow and add oil if necessary.

• Oil level should come only to the full line on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

References

• Manage My Life: Craftsman Mower Owner's Manual