My neighbor Mr. Cooper explained the importance of changing the oil in riding mowers when I first purchased a model a few years back.
He told me that oil tends to lose its protective properties with time as it collects fine dust particles and dirt. But there were a lot more questions I had in mind related to the type of oil needed and the frequency of oil change.
However, the most important question was - “how to change oil in riding lawn mower models?” So, I started watching videos on YouTube and reading articles on the internet to gain both practical and theory-based knowledge on the topic.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, your friend, and fellow gardening enthusiast. And today, I’m here to help you learn how to go about the oil-changing process. I’ve compiled all the knowledge I’ve gained in the form of this brief guide to create a better understanding.
If you wish to extend the service life of your lawn mower, follow the steps explained below. Also, pay close attention to the type of oil required for your model.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Based on my lawn mower’s instruction manual, I use SAE30, especially during the warmer months here in Texas. But if you live in areas with varying temperatures, it’s better to use SAE 10W-30. It also helps in starting the lawn mower in cold weather conditions. On the other hand, SAE 5W-30 is the best alternative to most conventional oils.
Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s manual before adding or changing the oil of your mower.
It’s crucial to change the engine oil and filter of a riding lawn mower every year or once in 50 hours of its usage. I make it a point to change the oil of my model at least once every summer to ensure that it runs smoothly throughout the year.
Here are the steps you need to follow while changing the oil in a riding lawn mower.
Start by gathering all the tools and equipment needed to change the oil in the mower, including the oil, oil pan, wrenches, and the filter (provided your model needs one). Once you have all the supplies in place, set the lawn mower on a flat surface and run its engine for a minute to allow the oil to move inside the case.
You can then turn off the engine, allowing it to cool for around 10 minutes. Also, ensure that the spark plug is disconnected to prevent the engine from accidentally kickstarting.
Next, locate the oil drain plug of the mower, usually found on either the left or right side of the engine’s compartment on the motor’s bottom. Now, most plugs come with a twist cap, while others come with a valve that has to be turned by hand. But it’s still advisable to keep a wrench at hand to turn the valve.
After opening it, attach a hose to the drain, or you could place a funnel with an attached hose below the drain. The hose will help direct the flow of oil to the pan, preventing it from spilling over the bottom of the compartment. Also, open the oil cap and allow the system backpressure to promote better oil flow.
Most lawn mowers, if not all, come with an oil filter located on the engine’s side. If the model you own comes with one, use an oil filter wrench to loosen it. Just be prepared to catch the oil that spills out from the filter and the filter port.
Once you clean the mounting ring on the engine compartment and block, add a coat of the new oil to the gasket of the new filter and attach it to the mower. You can then tighten it using your hand till it makes contact with the mounting ring. Finish it off with another half turn.
After you close the drain valve and wipe the residual grime and oil, begin pouring the fresh oil into the port. Make sure you only pour the amount specified in the manufacturer’s manual. After all, excess oil will only add smoke to the exhaust, damaging the spark plug.
Next, reconnect the spark plug, start the engine, and allow it to run for a few seconds to distribute the oil inside the engine case. Check the oil level once again after this is done, and add more oil if needed.
Finally, don’t forget to recycle the old oil by taking it to a verified oil recycling center. Dealers that sell riding lawn mower oil will take the old oil and dispose of it in the right way. Never try to dump the oil into the sewer, on the ground, or down the drain since it’s a powerful pollutant that tends to damage streams and groundwater.
That brings me to the end of this informative guide. I hope you’re now fully acquainted with the steps involved in changing the oil in a riding mower.
Before I go read the latest edition of “Country Gardens,” I’d like to remind you of the importance of changing the oil in a mower. Make it a point to replace the oil after every mowing season, but you may also change it more frequently if you work in dusty conditions.
After all, the oil usually protects the mower’s engine from dirt and heat. That’s all from my end. I’ll be back soon with yet another useful guide. Till then, happy mowing!
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