You’re about to tackle your lawn, ready to get that perfect, manicured look. But before you even turn the key, you need to make sure your trusty Briggs and Stratton lawn mower is properly oiled. A lack of oil can lead to serious damage, costing you time, money, and the enjoyment of a well-maintained lawn. This guide will take you through the essential steps of finding the right oil, understanding how much oil your mower needs, and the best practices for adding it.
Quick Answer: The amount of oil your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower needs depends on the engine size and model. You can typically find the recommended amount in the owner’s manual, on the dipstick, or on a sticker attached to the mower. Most Briggs and Stratton engines use between 16 and 20 ounces of oil.
Deciphering the Oil Capacity
Determining the precise amount of oil your lawn mower needs is crucial to avoid overfilling or underfilling. These are the most common ways to find this information:
1. Consult the Owner’s Manual
This is your first stop for accurate oil information. Your owner’s manual will specify the exact oil capacity for your specific Briggs and Stratton engine model. You can typically find the manual online or via the Briggs & Stratton website if you’ve lost the printed copy.
2. Check the Dipstick
Many Briggs and Stratton lawn mowers feature a dipstick, which acts as a gauge for the oil level. The dipstick has markings that indicate the “full” and “low” levels.
- To check your oil level: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, and reinsert it all the way. Remove it again and check the oil level on the dipstick. If it’s between the “full” and “low” marks, you’re good to go. If it’s below the “low” mark, you need to add more oil.
3. Inspect the Mower
Many Briggs and Stratton mowers have a sticker or label that provides the oil capacity. It’s often located near the oil fill cap or on the engine itself.
Understanding Oil Types for Your Briggs and Stratton Mower
Not all oils are created equal! Briggs and Stratton recommends using SAE 30 oil for their lawn mowers. Here’s why:
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SAE 30: This type of oil has a thicker viscosity, which makes it ideal for the high temperatures generated by lawn mower engines. It provides excellent lubrication and protection, even in hot conditions.
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Multi-Viscosity Oils: Some lawn mowers may specify using multi-viscosity oils, like SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. These oils have a lower viscosity at lower temperatures, allowing for easier starting in cool weather. They then thicken up at higher temperatures, providing good protection when the engine heats up.
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Synthetic Oils: Synthetic oils offer excellent performance and extended life compared to conventional oils. They resist breakdown at high temperatures and can help extend engine life. However, they are often more expensive.
Important Note: Always check your owner’s manual or the engine label to determine the specific oil type recommended for your lawn mower. Using the wrong type of oil can harm your engine.
Changing the Oil in Your Briggs and Stratton Mower: A Step-by-Step Guide
Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the health of your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine. Here’s how to do it:
Materials You’ll Need:
- SAE 30 oil (or the type recommended by your manual)
- Oil funnel
- Oil drain pan
- Wrench or socket (if your drain plug requires it)
- Rag or paper towels
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Steps:
- Safety First: Always wear gloves and safety glasses when working with oil. Park the mower on a flat, level surface. Make sure the engine is cool before starting.
- Locate the Drain Plug: Find the drain plug, usually located at the bottom of the engine crankcase.
- Prepare to Drain: Position your oil drain pan directly under the drain plug.
- Remove the Drain Plug: Use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove the drain plug. Be careful as hot oil will be flowing out!
- Drain the Oil: Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
- Replace the Drain Plug: Once the oil is drained, clean the drain plug and its threads with a rag. Reinsert and tighten the plug.
- Fill the Crankcase: Remove the oil fill cap (usually located on the top of the engine) and slowly add the recommended amount of oil using the oil funnel.
- Check the Oil Level: Once you’ve added the oil, check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is between the “full” and “low” marks.
- Clean Up: Dispose of the used oil properly. You can often find oil recycling facilities at automotive stores and garages.
Prolonging the Life of Your Mower Engine: Beyond Oil
While regular oil changes are essential, there are other practices that will help keep your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine running smoothly:
1. Maintaining a Clean Air Filter
A clean air filter allows the engine to breathe properly, preventing dirt and debris from entering the engine and causing wear. Replace your air filter regularly, as recommended in your owner’s manual.
2. Using Fuel Stabilizer
Fuel can deteriorate over time, leading to gum and varnish deposits that can clog fuel lines and injectors. Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent this, especially if you’re storing the mower for a long period.
3. Regular Spark Plug Replacement
The spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture in your engine. Over time, it can wear down and become fouled with carbon deposits. Replace your spark plug as recommended in your owner’s manual.
4. Storing Your Mower Properly
When storing your mower for the winter or a long period, ensure the fuel tank is empty. Run the engine until it’s out of fuel. Then, drain the carburetor by tilting the mower and starting it briefly. This will help prevent fuel from gumming up the carburetor during storage.
Conclusion
Keeping your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower properly oiled is essential for its longevity and performance. By understanding the oil capacity, using the recommended oil type, and following a regular maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your mower continues to provide years of reliable service. Just remember, a little bit of attention and care today will go a long way towards enjoying a healthy lawn and a happy, well-maintained mower for years to come.
FAQ
How much oil does a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower need?
The amount of oil your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower needs depends on the model and size of the engine. However, most Briggs and Stratton lawn mowers require between 18 and 20 ounces of oil. You can find the specific amount of oil needed for your mower in the owner’s manual.
Always check the oil level before starting your lawn mower. If the oil level is too low, it can damage the engine. If the oil level is too high, it can cause the engine to smoke or leak oil.
What type of oil should I use in my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
The type of oil you should use in your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower will depend on the climate you live in. If you live in a warm climate, you should use a 10W-30 oil. If you live in a cold climate, you should use a 5W-30 oil. You can find the specific type of oil recommended for your mower in the owner’s manual.
It is important to use the correct type of oil for your lawn mower. Using the wrong type of oil can damage the engine.
How often should I change the oil in my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
You should change the oil in your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower every 25 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first. It’s important to change the oil regularly to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent wear and tear.
You can change the oil yourself, or you can take your lawn mower to a qualified mechanic. If you are changing the oil yourself, be sure to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Where can I find the oil fill cap on my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
The oil fill cap is typically located on the side of the engine, near the dipstick. It may be marked with an oil can symbol or the word “Oil.” To find the specific location of the oil fill cap on your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower, refer to your owner’s manual.
It is important to use the correct oil fill cap. Using the wrong cap can damage the engine.
How do I check the oil level in my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
To check the oil level in your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower, first, make sure the engine is cold. Then, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the oil fill tube and remove it again. The oil level should be between the “Full” and “Add” marks on the dipstick.
If the oil level is below the “Add” mark, add oil to the fill tube until it reaches the “Full” mark.
What happens if I run my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower with too much oil?
If you run your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower with too much oil, it can cause the engine to smoke or leak oil. This is because excess oil can build up in the engine’s crankcase and be forced out through the engine’s breather system.
If you notice your lawn mower smoking or leaking oil, check the oil level and add or remove oil as necessary.
What happens if I run my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower with too little oil?
If you run your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower with too little oil, it can cause serious damage to the engine. This is because oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, and without enough oil, these parts can overheat and wear down.
If you notice that your lawn mower is making unusual noises or running poorly, check the oil level and add oil as necessary.