Brute lawn mower oil. How Much Oil Does a Lawn Mower Take? Helpful list

How Much Oil Does a Lawn Mower Take? Helpful list

The correct amount of engine oil in a mower is important; too little or too much can be fatal, and both will void your manufacturer’s warranty.

So how much oil does a lawnmower take? Most walk-behind mower engines like Briggs and Stratton will take from empty approximately.65 us quarts (.6lt); Honda walk-behind mowers will take a little less.58 us quarts (.55lts).

If your mower is a tractor mower, check out (internal link) “Can I use 10W30 in my mower?”.

For exact specs, see:

This post should have you covered. If you need video help, check out “Checking mower engine oil video” and “Mower engine tune-up video”. The videos walk you through the process of checking, topping up, and changing your mower engine oil.

What Oil Type?

Oil type recommendations will vary between makes, and you should, of course, use the oil type specified. While your mower may be branded Cub Cadet, Toro, etc., it may well be fitted with a Honda, Briggs Stratton, Kohler, or some other engine make.

The engine maker will be marked on the cover. Mostly, oil type is dependent upon outside temperatures, as this changes the viscosity (resistance to flow) of oil. Modern engines will use a multi-grade such as 10W30 and older engines SAE30.

Single Grade Oil

Single-weight oil such as SAE30 has a good working range (40 to 100 deg F) and is fine for older engines. I prefer to use multi-grade oils, they offer greater protection from temperature swings, and modern engines are designed to use them. If you’re using any four-stroke engine in colder temperatures, you will need multi-grade oil.

Multi Grade Oil

Multi-grade is best for modern engines. This oil was developed to help better protect engines within a larger temperature swing range before their development. Car owners would have to change their oil to a lighter grade oil for winter use—Multigrade, so-called as they are blended oils.

Take, for example, the grade 10W30. The 10W part relates to the grade of winter oil in the blend, and the 30 part relates to the protection offered at hotter temperatures. The resistance to flow rate is tested and graded at 0 degrees F and at 212 degrees F.

If you need lawnmower engine oil check out the Amazon link below.

Synthetic Oil

Part synthetic and full synthetic oils will offer the very best protection. However, they are expensive. Another great advantage to modern blended oils – the detergent component in the oil actually cleans and breaks down combustion-related contaminates inside the engine.

These contaminants turn into a black sludge, aka Black death, which loves to eat away at the metal and clog up vital oil passages. Use only quality oils. Otherwise, you may void your warranty. Look for the seal of ​API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles).

Dipsticks

The style of dipsticks varies. However, they all operate on the same idea of an upper mark and a lower mark. These marks can be holes, lines, hatched areas, etc. When the oil level is between these two marks, it’s okay, but aim to have it at the upper mark. If your oil level is high and your engine is smoky, you need to check out “Leaking gas from air filter”.

Adding Oil

If you need to add oil, add in small amounts and allow it to settle before rechecking. If you’ve too much oil, drain some off and recheck. Too much oil will cause the mower to blow white smoke.

Removing Oil

Remember to disable your mower and turn the fuel off before turning your mower over to remove oil. A much better option to drain the oil is to use an oil/gas siphon. It’s a real time saver, it’s clean, and it’s easy. Just drain the oil out through the dipstick tube.

You’ll find a link to the oil siphon I use here on the “Small engine repair tools page”. It works best if the engine was running a while first, just long enough to warm the oil, helping it move more freely.

Checking Engine Oil Level Adding Oil

1 Level – The mower should be cold and on level ground. If your mower has already been running, just allow the oil to settle for five minutes before checking.

2 Locate – Locate the dipstick. Usually, they are positioned on the side of the engine. The dipstick itself will be marked with an oil symbol or can be brightly colored.

3 Dipstick – Dipsticks come in different styles, but all do the same job. A lower mark (L) and an upper mark (F). When the oil level is in the hatched area, it’s OK. But aim to have it at the F mark.

4 Low Oil – This oil level is way too low. It’s below the low oil level mark indicated here by the lower hole.

5 Add Oil – Add oil in small amounts, and this will prevent overfilling. Let the oil settle before checking.

6 Oil Ok – This is the correct level for oil. Check the oil with every refueling.

7 Too Full – Too much oil here; it’s way above the top hole (Full mark). This can damage the engine and cause oil leaks and white smoke. If the oil level is very full, it will stall the engine. We’ll need to remove some.

Why Check The Oil?

Because the correct quantity and quality of the oil are critically important to the life of the engine, some mowers are fitted with a safety switch that won’t allow the mower to start if the oil level is low. It’s a fantastic idea; lots of otherwise good engines are lost due to a lack of oil.

Unfortunately, not all mowers have this feature, so it’s important to check your oil regularly; an easy way to remember…. check the oil every time you fill the gas tank. An incorrect oil level can damage your engine beyond economic repair. An oil level that’s too low causes excessive heat, friction, and premature wear or complete seizure of the engine.

An oil level that’s too high can:

• Cause engine to smoke
• Cause no start
• Aerate the oil – reducing its ability to cool and lubricate

Lawnmower engines that don’t have an oil filter generally don’t have an oil pump. This means they employ the splash method of lubrication. An overfull oil level can be especially harmful to these engines.

When to Change The Oil?

Change your oil once per season or every 50 hours of operation. Oil needs to be changed as it gets contaminated and diluted by fuel and other deposits associated with combustion and metal friction. If neglected, this oil turns into a diluted sludge which offers little protection to the engine.

Changing the oil is an easy job. Only basic tools are required. Some of the latest generation Briggs and Stratton engines won’t need an oil change ever; they’re designed to run clean. Mmmm…. I think I’d change the oil; old habits die hard. Check out “Lawn mower tune-up”.

Related Questions

Can you put too much oil in a lawnmower? Too much oil in a lawnmower engine can cause white smoke, and oil leaks, and in some cases, the engine won’t start. The fix is simple, drain out the excess oil.

Can you use car oil in a lawnmower? Car engine oil types such as 5w30 or 10w30 are OK to use in lawn mower engines.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!

A smoking lawn mower is never a good sign. Whether the smoke is blue, white, or black, here’s how to identity and address the issue without the help of a professional.

By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila | Updated Sep 24, 2020 1:40 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Q: Recently, my mower started billowing smoke when I powered it up, so I shut it off immediately. Why is my lawn mower smoking? And is it a fire hazard? I want to know how to proceed so I don’t harm the machine.

A: Your lawn mower can emit smoke for numerous reasons—many of which don’t require the services of an expert. A homeowner can usually identify the reason for a smoking lawn mower by gauging the color of the Cloud coming around the engine, then fix it accordingly before lasting damage occurs. Keep in mind that all mowers with internal combustion engines contain the same basic parts, but the configuration of those parts varies widely, depending on manufacturer and model. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to access a specific part of your lawn mower’s engine.

White or blue smoke may indicate an oil spill on the engine.

If you’ve recently changed the oil in your mower and the engine is emitting white or blue smoke, it’s possible that some of the oil spilled onto the engine. Similarly, you could’ve spilled oil on the engine by mowing on a slope greater than 15 degrees or tipping the mower on its side. The smoke may look disconcerting, but it’s completely harmless. Solve the problem by restarting the mower and allowing the spilled oil to burn off. If you tip the mower often for cleaning or maintenance, check your owner’s manual to determine the best way to reduce the risk of oil leaks.

An overfull oil reservoir may also cause white or blue smoke.

Ensure you didn’t overfill the mower by checking the oil level with the dipstick located on the reservoir. To do this, remove the dipstick cap, wipe off the stick with a rag, and reinsert it into the reservoir. Then remove the dipstick once again and determine the oil level in comparison to the recommended “fill” line on the stick. If the level is too high, drain the oil (consult your owner’s manual for instructions), then refill the reservoir with it. Start checking the oil level with the dipstick after you’ve added about ¾ of the amount recommended in the manual. Continue to add small amounts of oil until the level matches the recommended “fill” line. Also note that using the wrong grade of engine oil may cause blue or white smoke. Consult the owner’s manual for the exact type of oil recommended for your mower.

Black smoke may indicate that the mower is “running rich,” or burning too much gasoline.

Your lawn mower’s carburetor regulates the ratio of gasoline to air mixture. If the carburetor isn’t getting enough air, the mixture has a higher percentage of gasoline, which can create black exhaust smoke. It’s possible that a dirty or clogged air filter is preventing sufficient airflow into the carburetor. Try replacing the air filter. (Note: air filters vary by mower model; view example air filter on Amazon.) Next, run your lawn mower for a few minutes. If the black smoke still appears, the carburetor might need to be adjusted in order to increase airflow. Either take the mower to a professional or adjust the carburetor yourself with instructions in your owner’s manual.

Take your mower to a repair shop if necessary.

If the previous steps don’t correct blue or white smoke, your mower could have a more serious problem, such as an air leak in the crankshaft (the cast iron or cast aluminum case that protects the moving parts of a mower’s engine). Continuing blue or white smoke could also indicate that some of the engine’s components or seals are worn out and need replacement. Similarly, if black smoking still persists after you’ve replaced the air filter and adjusted the carburetor, you could be facing a more serious mechanical issue. All of these problems require the help of a professional. If your mower is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer for the location of the nearest servicing dealer; problems stemming from a factory defect or poor workmanship may garner free repairs. If your mower is not covered under warranty, a reputable small-engine repair shop should also be sufficient to get the job done.

What Type of Lawn Mower Oil Should I Use

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Your lawn mower needs the right kind of engine oil used in the right way. Read on to learn about different lawn mowers and the oil they need.

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Why Lawn Mower Oil Matters

Like all internal combustion engines, lawn mower engines need oil to run. Even simple engines have many moving parts, often designed to work at extremely high speeds and temperatures. This is why the lubricating and cooling action of oil is essential. Without it, your lawn mower’s engine would quickly overheat, seize and be ruined.

Lawn Mower Oil Types

Motor oil comes in different grades, based on viscosity and how the oil behaves at different temperatures. Most mowers have what are called four-stroke engines. This means they burn straight gasoline as it comes from the service station pump, but they also require motor oil to be added separately to the crankcase of the engine. 10W30 is a common motor oil grade suitable for many lawn mowers. Your owner’s manual will tell you the exact grade required, but in almost all cases 10W30 is the right stuff for a four-stroke engines.

Any brand of oil that’s suitable for cars or trucks will work fine in your mower. All reputable oil includes a service rating in addition to a viscosity rating. Look for oil that’s designated SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher.

• Single Grade Oil: A single grade level oil typically without additives to change its viscosity and represents only at higher temperatures (100°C).
• Multi Grade Oil: A multi grade level oil that uses additives to provide better viscosity at a range of temperatures.
• Synthetic Blend Oil: A mixture of regular and synthetic oil with additives to help perform at colder temperatures without the cost of a full synthetic oil.
• Full Synthetic Oil: An artificially created lubricant with a wide range of benefits designed for use in high performance and commercial engines

Some lawn mowers have two-stroke engines, and these require oil in a different way than four-stroke engines. All two-stroke engines burn gasoline and oil at the same time. In the case of lawn mowers, two-stroke engine oil is mixed with the gasoline before it goes into the tank. Mixing ratios of gas to oil vary, but usually range from 30:1 (4-1/4-oz. of oil to one gal. of gas) to 50:1 (2-1/2-oz. of oil to one gal. of gas). The owner’s manual for your lawn mower lists the mixing ratio of gas to oil.

Two-strokes are becoming less common because of emissions regulations, but they’re still around. How do you know if you’ve got a two-stroke or four-stroke engine in your lawn mower? Your owner’s manual is the best source of guidance.

How to Choose the Right Lawn Mower Oil

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Some experts say that more expensive “small engine oil” is the only type of oil you should put in your mower with a four-stroke engine, but that’s not true. Standard engine oil made for cars and trucks is the highest quality available today and it works optimally with all four-stroke engines. Got a two-stroke engine? Any two-stroke motor oil made for air-cooled engines, such those in chainsaws, water pumps and weed eaters, will work perfectly in your two-stroke lawn mower engine.

• SAE 30 Oil: Engine oil best suited for warmer temperatures. Try top rated Pennzoil SAE 30 Motor Oil.
• SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Oil: Synthetic mower oil good for warm and cold weather use. Try top rated Castrol Edge 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
• SAE 10w-30 Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oil that can help in colder temperatures. Try top rated Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil.
• SAE 15w-50 Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oil typically used for high end and commercial engines. Try top rated Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 15W-50 Motor Oil.

The best way to mix gas and oil for a two-stroke engine is to put the required amount of oil into your empty gas can, then go to the gas station and fill it up. Before using the mixed gas, give the can a shake to so the oil and gas are properly mixed.

What is Synthetic Oil and Should I Use It In My Lawn Mower?

Synthetic oil is superior to lubricants made from crude oil, and your lawn mower engine may last longer if you use synthetic. Essentially, it is a synthetic lubricant made up of chemical compounds designed to give engines the performance and protection that natural oil may not be able to provide. According to Briggs and Stratton, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of small engines, the use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil change intervals. Regular, non-synthetic oil works well, too. I’ve used non-synthetic in some of my small engines for 30 years, and these motors still start and run as if they were new.

How Often to Check and Change Lawn Mower Oil

Only lawn mowers with four-stroke engines have oil that can be checked and changed. Tuning up a lawn mower at least once a season, which includes changing the oil, is essential for maximizing fuel economy and extending the life of the engine. Aside from that:

If your four-stroke engine lawn mower is new, change the oil after the first three to five hours of use. As parts of a new engine wear initially, the internal movement of parts releases tiny metal filings into the oil that will cause excess wear if left there.

• Walk-Behind Mowers: Change oil in mower at least once a season or every 50 hours of use.
• Riding Mowers: Change oil in mower at least once a season or every 100 hours of use.

The owner’s manual for your lawn mower lists the amount of oil required, but you’ll do fine following the dip stick or oil level mark that’s part of every four-stroke lawn mower engine.

How to Check Lawn Mower Oil

Before each mowing session, you should check your lawn mower’s oil level and top it off if necessary. To do so:

• Place your lawn mower on a level surface and let it sit idle for a few minutes so that the engine oil can settle.
• Remove the oil cap and wipe the dipstick off with a clean cloth. Put it back into the oil tank and tighten the cap.
• Once again, remove the cap and check the oil level on the dipstick. The level should fall between the “full” and “add” marks. There may be differences in the appearance of these marks depending on the brand of mower you own. Some dipsticks may have only two holes to indicate “full” and “add”, or a cross-hatched pattern. Either way, you want the oil level to be between the two holes or marks. As close to the “full” side as possible without exceeding it.
• Whenever more oil is needed, add it in small increments and repeat this process between each addition to prevent overfilling the engine.

How to Change Lawn Mower Oil

When looking to change the oil in a lawn mower, follow these steps to check off this simple and easy maintenance check.

How Much Oil Does a Mower Take?

Depending on the make and model of lawn mower, push mowers have an oil capacity ranging between 13-1/2-and 22-ounces and riding mowers between 48-and 64-ounces. A mower’s operator’s manual will always list the proper amount of oil recommended for its engine.

What Does SAE Stand For in Oil?

SAE is the acronym for the Society of Automotive Engineers. They are an organization that sets global standards in a variety of fields related to transportation and aerospace. It is the responsibility of the SAE to ensure that automotive oil is standardized throughout the world.

Can You Use Car Oil in a Lawn Mower?

Yes. As previously stated, engine oil made for cars and trucks is the highest quality oil on the market and it works optimally with nearly all four-stroke engines.

Steve Maxwell is an award-winning content creator who has published more than 5,000 articles, shot countless photos and produced video since 1988. Using his experience as a carpenter, builder, stone mason and cabinetmaker, he has created content for Mother Earth News, Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman, Cottage Life, Canadian Contractor, Canadian Home Workshop, and many more. Steve lives on Manitoulin Island, Canada with his wife and children in a stone house he built himself. His website gets 180,000 views each month, his YouTube channel has 58,000 subscribers and his weekly newsletter is received by 31,000 subscribers each Saturday morning.