Briggs and Stratton : Changing your Oil

Changing The Oil

Once you decide the oil needs changing, check your Operator's Manual to determine the type of oil, and make sure you have enough on hand. Then, run the engine for several minutes. Draining the oil while it's warm will carry off many floating particles that would otherwise settle in the engine.

Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug lead and secure it away from the spark plug. Then, locate the oil drain plug. On mowers, the plug is typically below the deck and may be obscured by a layer of grass and debris.

Wipe the area with a rag to prevent debris from falling into the crankcase when you open the drain plug. Tilt the mower deck and position some newspaper and an oil pan or jug beneath the mower. Use a socket wrench to run the plug counterclockwise, allowing the old oil to drain ( image A) . If the plug also serves as a fill cap, it may have two prongs so you can loosen it by hand or use a screwdriver or hex key for additional torque. Replace the drain plug by twisting clockwise and tightening with a box wrench or adjustable wrench.

Image A:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

If your engine has a filter, replace it at least once a season, more often under heavy use (see "Regular Maintenance"). Replace the filter by twisting counter-clockwise on the body, using a filter wrench or pipe wrench.

Lightly oil the filter gasket with clean engine oil. Install new filter rated for your engine. Screw in the filter by hand until the gasket contact the filter adapter ( image B)
. Tighten the filter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn.

Image B:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Add the appropriate quantity of oil ( see your  Operator's Manual). Then, run the engine at idle and check for leaks.

After an oil change, dispose of oil and soiled rags in accordance with local environmental statutes (image C) . In many area, oil can be left at curbside with other recyclables, provided it is sealed in a recyclable container. Check the regulations in your area.

Image C:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

For oil changing procedures on lawnmower applications, please watch our "Changing the Engine Oil - Lawnmower Engine" video:




Choose The Proper Oil


Lawnmower Oil
Briggs & Stratton lawnmower oil is formulated to meet the unique demands created by air-cooled 4-cycle engines. Tested and approved by Briggs & Stratton engineers. Warranty certified and recommended in all Briggs & Stratton manuals. A high-quality detergent oil classified SG/CD by the API. Conveniently sized for today's engines.


100% Synthetic Oil
SAE 5W30 Using Synthetic oil offers better wear control of your engine, even under severe operating conditions. Since synthetics have better "inherent strength" they have the ability to keep functioning at the highest level for the longest possible time.


Low Temperature Oil
Recommended for snow throwers, tractors, pressure washers, generators, and all other outdoor power equipment operated under 50 ºF (10 ºC). The Genuine Briggs & Stratton Low Temp Oil is design exclusively for your Briggs & Stratton engine.


2-Cycle Ashless Oil
A premium-quality ashless oil with gas stabilizer for use in air-cooled 2-cycle engines. Ashless-oil formulation leaves no residue and prevents plug fouling and engine deposits. Pre-diluted to mix quickly with leaded or unleaded gasoline and may be used in oil-injected systems.

For related information regarding engine break-in procedures, please visit our Recommended engine break-in procedure FAQ.

Courtesy ofBriggs & Stratton Website