Lawn Mower Oil Change | Complete How-To Guide

Regular oil changes keep your mower running longer. Skip them and you’ll face expensive repairs or premature engine failure. This guide covers oil changes for all major mower brands.

Table of Contents

• When to Change Oil
• Oil Types and Capacity
• Push Mower Oil Change
• Riding Mower Oil Change
• Brand-Specific Instructions
• Common Mistakes

When to Change Oil

New Mower Break-In

Change oil after the first 5 hours of operation on a new engine. Manufacturing debris and metal particles contaminate the initial oil quickly.

Regular Schedule

Usage Level	Change Interval
Light (weekly)	Once per season or 50 hours
Moderate	Every 25-30 hours
Heavy (commercial)	Every 25 hours or weekly

Other Times to Change

• After hitting objects - Metal particles may contaminate oil
• Before storage - Fresh oil protects during off-season
• Oil looks black and gritty - Contaminated beyond useful life
• Low oil pressure warning - Change and check level frequently

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Clean vs dirty lawn mower oil comparison]

Oil Types and Capacity

Recommended Oil Types

Engine Type	Recommended Oil	Alternative
Push mower (air-cooled)	SAE 30	10W-30
Riding mower	10W-30	SAE 30 (warm climates)
Honda engines	SAE 30 or 10W-30	Honda 4-stroke oil
Kohler engines	10W-30	Kohler PRO oil
Briggs & Stratton	SAE 30 or 10W-30	Briggs synthetic

Temperature Considerations

• Above 40°F (4°C) - SAE 30 works great
• Below 40°F (4°C) - Use 10W-30 for easier starting
• Year-round use - 10W-30 covers all conditions

Oil Capacity by Engine

Engine Size	Typical Capacity
Push mower (140-190cc)	15-20 oz (0.5-0.6L)
Large push (190cc+)	18-20 oz (0.55-0.6L)
Riding mower (single)	48-64 oz (1.4-1.9L)
Riding mower (V-twin)	56-64 oz (1.7-1.9L)

Always check your owner’s manual for exact capacity.

Push Mower Oil Change

Tools Needed

• Drain pan or container
• Funnel
• Socket wrench (if equipped with drain plug)
• Shop towels
• Fresh oil
• Oil filter (some models)

Method 1: Tip and Drain

Most push mowers don’t have drain plugs. You tip the mower to drain oil through the fill tube.

Step 1: Prepare the mower

Run engine for 2-3 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil drains faster and carries more contaminants. Disconnect spark plug wire.

Step 2: Position drain container

Place a drain pan under where oil will pour out.

Step 3: Tip the mower correctly

Tip the mower so the carburetor and air filter face UP. This prevents oil from flooding the carburetor.

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Correct mower tipping direction for oil drain]

Step 4: Drain the oil

Let oil drain completely. Rock the mower slightly to get remaining oil out.

Step 5: Return to level

Set mower back on all four wheels.

Step 6: Add new oil

Pour fresh oil slowly through the fill tube. Check level with dipstick. Fill to the FULL mark but don’t overfill.

Step 7: Check for leaks

Reconnect spark plug. Start engine and let idle for a minute. Check around the fill cap for leaks.

Method 2: Drain Plug

Some push mowers have a drain plug on the bottom of the engine.

Step 1: Locate the drain plug

Usually on the side or bottom of the engine block. May be a square or hex head.

Step 2: Warm the engine

Run for 2-3 minutes. Shut off and disconnect spark plug.

Step 3: Position container and drain

Place pan under plug. Remove plug and let oil drain completely.

Step 4: Reinstall plug

Clean the plug threads. Reinstall and tighten snugly (don’t overtorque).

Step 5: Refill with fresh oil

Add oil through fill tube. Check level.

Riding Mower Oil Change

Riding mowers have drain plugs and often include oil filters.

Tools Needed

• Drain pan (holds 2+ quarts)
• Socket set
• Oil filter wrench
• Funnel
• Fresh oil
• New oil filter
• Shop towels

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm the engine

Run for 5 minutes to warm oil. Park on level surface. Engage parking brake. Turn off and remove key.

Step 2: Locate drain plug and filter

The drain plug is on the bottom of the engine. The oil filter (if equipped) is on the side.

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Riding mower drain plug and filter location]

Step 3: Position drain pan

Slide pan under drain plug. Make sure it’s big enough to catch all the oil.

Step 4: Remove drain plug

Use appropriate socket. Let oil drain completely - this takes several minutes.

Step 5: Replace oil filter

While oil drains, remove the old filter. Wipe the filter mounting surface clean. Apply thin film of fresh oil to new filter gasket. Install new filter hand-tight plus 3/4 turn.

Step 6: Reinstall drain plug

Once oil stops dripping, reinstall plug. Tighten securely.

Step 7: Add fresh oil

Pour new oil through fill tube. Add slightly less than full capacity. Check level with dipstick. Add small amounts until FULL mark reached.

Step 8: Check for leaks

Start engine. Let idle for 2 minutes. Check around drain plug and filter for leaks. Top off oil level if needed.

Brand-Specific Instructions

Honda HRX217 Oil Change

Honda’s GCV190 engine uses the tip-and-drain method.

Capacity: 18.5 oz (0.55L)

Oil type: SAE 30 or 10W-30

Procedure:

1. Run engine 2-3 minutes
2. Disconnect spark plug wire
3. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick
4. Tip mower with air filter UP
5. Drain into container
6. Return to level and refill
7. Check level - fill line on dipstick

Honda tip: The fill tube is small. Use a funnel to avoid spills.

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Honda HRX217 oil fill location]

Toro Recycler Oil Change

Toro Recyclers with Briggs engines use the tip method.

Capacity: Varies by engine (15-20 oz)

Oil type: SAE 30 or 10W-30

Procedure:

1. Warm engine briefly
2. Remove dipstick
3. Tip mower (air filter up)
4. Drain completely
5. Refill to full mark

Toro tip: Some models have a drain hose attachment to make draining cleaner.

Craftsman M220/M230 Oil Change

These Briggs-powered mowers use the standard tip method.

Capacity: 15-18 oz depending on model

Oil type: SAE 30 or 10W-30

Procedure: Same as general push mower method above.

Craftsman tip: The M230 has a slightly larger capacity than the M220. Check your manual.

Troy-Bilt TB110/TB230 Oil Change

MTD-built mowers follow the same Briggs procedure.

Capacity:

• TB110: 15 oz
• TB230: 18-20 oz

Oil type: SAE 30 or 10W-30

Procedure: Standard tip-and-drain method.

John Deere S100 Oil Change

John Deere riding mowers have drain plugs and filters.

Capacity: 48 oz (1.5 quarts)

Oil type: 10W-30 (John Deere Turf-Gard recommended)

Filter: AM125424 or equivalent

Procedure:

1. Run engine 5 minutes
2. Park level and engage brake
3. Remove drain plug (under engine)
4. Replace oil filter
5. Reinstall plug
6. Fill with 1.5 quarts
7. Check level

[NEED REAL IMAGE: John Deere S100 oil drain location]

John Deere tip: The first oil change on a new S100 should be at 8 hours, then every 50 hours or annually.

Husqvarna YTH Riding Mower Oil Change

Husqvarna riders use Briggs or Kohler engines.

Capacity: 56-64 oz depending on engine

Oil type: 10W-30

Filter: Model-specific (check manual)

Procedure: Standard riding mower procedure with plug and filter.

Ryobi 40V/80V Electric Mowers

Electric mowers don’t need oil changes! One benefit of battery power.

Maintenance: Keep the blade shaft clean and lubricated. Some models have grease fittings.

Common Mistakes

Overfilling

Too much oil causes:

• White/blue smoke from exhaust
• Oil leaking from seals
• Hard starting
• Potential engine damage

Fix: Drain excess oil until level is correct.

Wrong Oil Type

Using automotive oil or wrong viscosity can cause:

• Poor lubrication (too thin)
• Hard starting (too thick)
• Increased wear

Stick with: SAE 30 or 10W-30 designed for small engines.

Not Warming Engine First

Cold oil:

• Drains slowly
• Leaves contaminants behind
• Takes longer to change

Always: Run engine 2-5 minutes before draining.

Forgetting the Filter

On riding mowers, changing oil without changing the filter defeats the purpose.

Replace filter: At every oil change.

Tipping Wrong Direction

Tipping with carburetor down causes:

• Oil in carburetor
• Oil in air filter
• Hard starting after change

Always tip: Air filter and carburetor facing UP.

Not Checking Level

Assuming the capacity is exact leads to overfilling or underfilling.

Always check: Dipstick after adding oil. Add small amounts until correct.

Oil Disposal

Used motor oil is hazardous. Dispose of it properly.

Accepted at:

• Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, NAPA)
• Service stations
• Municipal recycling centers
• Some quick-lube shops

Never:

• Pour down drains
• Put in regular trash
• Dump on ground

Related Guides

• Small Engine Oil Guide
• Lawn Mower Maintenance
• Honda HRX217 Repair Guide
• John Deere S100 Problems
• Toro Recycler Repair Guide

Summary

Oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for gas mowers. They’re quick, cheap and extend engine life dramatically. Change oil at least once per season - more often for heavy use. Use the right oil type, check the level after filling and dispose of old oil properly. Your mower will reward you with years of reliable service.