The Modalities of Lawn Mower Oil Change
Maintaining your engine is a critical remedy to improve the functionality of the machine. The oil change is among the many practices that highly impact the engine. A lawn mower requires frequent oil changes to prevent the failure of its parts. The change enhances the mower’s durability and performance.
The engine is specially designed that when it starts, other parts of the tool rub each other in quick motions. Therefore, while working with a faulty engine, it may damage many parts of the lawn mower. Oil is the most crucial liquid that increases the lifespan of your machine. The oil helps the parts grind well without crashing each other. Frequent oiling and changing the oil increases the lifespan of a lawn mower.
The process of changing the engine oil is simple, quick, and reliable. There are two methods that you can use to remove the oil from the oil fill tube. Depending on the model of the mower, determine the ideal method to use between tilt or siphon methods.
- Tilt Method. This procedure is easy as it requires you to tilt the mower carefully. By using a dipstick tube, gently empty the oil into an empty container. This method is ideal when you are sure that the lawn mower does not have fuel.
- Siphon Method. The method is also known as the pump method. This procedure requires you to use an Arnold Siphon Pump to get rid of the oil in the oil fill tube. After removing the oil, put it in a safe container for disposal.
The Role of Oil in Maintaining the Engine Parts
The primary role of oil in a lawn mower is to:
- Provide lubrication to the moving parts of the mower’s engine. The procedure reduces friction, thus reducing overheating. In addition, oiling the machine parts reduces fusing incidences that cause engine failure.
- Oiling the engine removes impurities and dirt around the engine system. The oil cleans tiny metal shavings to avoid damaging other engine parts.
Occasional changing of the oil in your lawn mower plays a significant role in maintaining the machine. It is also ideal to make sure you go through the lawn mower’s manual or seek professional assistance. The lawn mower manual shows the ideal oil and oil filter to use on your machine. This guide educates on the right amount of oil needed to run the engine sufficiently.
How to Change the Oil in a Lawn Mower
1. Check and prepare the recommended oil for your lawn mower. If need be, replace the oil filter and catch pan. You may also need to check if your mower is fitted with a drain plug. If the case is different, choose the ideal method you may use to drain the old oil from the lawn mower.
2. Warm the engine up. Usually, warming up the mower engine makes the oil removal effective. When the oil is warm, it flows freely. At times the engine may accidentally start. Thus, it is ideal to unplug the spark plug cable.
3. Ensure you thoroughly clean around the oil fill area. Clean off the dirt or debris that is likely to get in the engine.
4. If your lawn mower model has an oil drain plug, open it to drain the available oil. Where your lawn mower does not have a draining plug, use the siphon pump to collect the oil. After draining the oil, it is ideal to let the oil drip out for some minutes before putting the lawn mower back in an upright position.
5. Place your lawn mower in an upright position and tighten the drain plug. After draining the old oil, it is time to put in fresh and clean engine oil. It is important to note that under-filling or over-filling your lawn mower with oil is dangerous. Make sure you refer to the user manual to know the right amount of oil to use on your lawn mower.
6. Gradually add the engine oil while pausing for a couple of minutes for the oil to level up. Make sure you constantly check the level of the oil using a dipstick. Once the oil gets to the line indicated “full,” do not add more engine oil to avoid overfilling.
7. Tightly seal the oil cap and attach back the spark plug cable. If need be, you may be required to insert gas for the lawn mower to start.
The oil change is an easy, convenient, and safe way to maintain your lawn mower. However, it is ideal to always refer to the user manual before commencing the process.
When to Change the Oil
Changing the oil of your lawn mower is a vital activity that maintains and increases the durability of your machine. Depending on the type and brand of lawn mower, you may be required to change the oil regularly. Below are insightful recommendations to help you know when to change the oil in your mower.
- Regarding new lawn mower engines, you may need to change the oil after the first use or after five hours of running time.
- It is recommended that for an older lawn mower, you should change the oil at least once a season or after every 50 to 100 hours of running time.
- Before changing the oil, it is ideal and valuable to always check the oil before starting work. Sometimes, the strenuous conditions may determine how often you can change the oil. Other factors that may lead to frequent changes of oil are cold or hot weather, dusty, and wet environment.
Your Safety Comes First While Changing Oil
While working on your lawn mower, it is vital to make sure you are safe. To avoid injuries, ensure you have the right gear, such as gloves for handling objects. Some crucial safety measures you should take include:
- Avoid operating the machine in an enclosed area. The lawn mower produces exhaust fumes full of carbon monoxide that is harmful to the human body. Ideally, run your lawn mower on an open field or a workshop.
- Make sure you remove the spark plug to put off the mower completely. The move helps in avoiding abrupt or accidental turn-on. Removing the spark plug offers an assurance that the machine won’t fire even when touching or turning the blade.
- Place the mower away from any flames or ignitions. Petrol or gasoline is usually highly flammable.
The Bottom Line
Changing your lawn mower’s oil is one of the most effective and efficient ways of maintaining the engine. The oil helps the engine run powerfully and smoothly without damage. Using oil on your lawn mower extends the life of the engine and other parts.
Depending on the model of your lawn mower, check out how often to change the oil. The right type of oil is as well ideal in improving the performance of your lawn mower. To enhance the durability of your mower, make sure you often change and replace broken or faulty parts.
Use the ideal fuel and clean the mower regularly to improve or maintain its performance. Always remember to refer to the mower’s manual book to ensure you are doing the right thing. Alternatively, consider taking your lawn mower to a professional mower mechanic for specialized help.
