Lawnmowers are expensive devices, and no one is looking forward to having to replace them. Therefore, it is essential to keep the oil to the correct level to keep the engine in good working condition and enhance engine life. If the oil is not at the right level, it can cause some severe problems to your engine, such as overheating, wear and tear due to increased friction and smoke. Keeping the lawnmower topped correctly is an essential part of engine maintenance, and we will help you understand in detail how you can keep the oil at correct levels and why you need to do so.
How Much Oil Does a Lawnmower Take:
- Oil capacity for walk-behind mowers is typically 15oz to 18oz. Some types need 20oz to 24oz. Oil must be changed every 50 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.
- Oil capacity for riding mowers is typically 48oz to 64oz. Oil must be changed every 100 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.
- The oil capacity is typically mentioned in the engine owner’s manual.
We further dive into why it’s essential to keep the oil at the right level, what your lawnmower’s oil capacity is, how much oil you need to add, and when to check for and change the oil.
Contents
Why is it Important to Keep the Oil at the Right Level:
Engine oil serves multiple functions to maintain the engine in good working order. It keeps the engine cool and prevents it from overheating. Oil also helps to lubricate the engine to avoid damages.
Overheating damages the engine material by causing warp, expansion, swell, and even crack. If the metal gets too hot, the piston can weld into the cylinder, destroying the engine. If your lawnmower engine does not have enough oil, it will surely overheat, which will cause damages that cannot be repaired.
If the engine has enough oil to perform lubrication, it will increase friction between the parts, causing wear and tear, ultimately reducing engine performance and life. In some terrible cases, the engine will break altogether due to the lack of lubrication.
Note: It is vital to know that the lack of enough oil is alarming. Too much oil is not any good either. If your engine has too much oil, it will have issues starting. Too much oil in the engine can become aerated, diminishing its lubricating and cooling ability, creating a scenario that is almost similar to if the engine does not have any oil.
Oil Capacity of a Lawn Mower:
What’s the oil capacity of a lawnmower engine?
A single answer can not accurately answer this question. All lawnmower engines are not the same, and therefore there are different oil capacities.
The precise figure of how much oil does your lawnmower engine needs can only come from the manufacturer. You can also search for an accurate figure on the internet with your engine’s make and model number.
Knowing the exact volume is not necessarily the most important thing. So we can give you a general guideline or rough estimate of how much oil does your lawnmower engine needs.
There are two main types of lawnmowers, and the oil capacities of their engines are different. The two types are walk-behind lawnmowers and riding lawnmowers. The oil capacity of most walk-behind lawnmowers is 15oz to 18oz. However, some models of walk-behind lawnmowers have an oil capacity of 20oz to 24oz.
Riding lawnmowers have higher oil capacity than walk-behind lawnmowers. Typically, the oil capacity of riding lawnmowers is in the range of 48oz to 64oz.
How Much Oil Should You Add to a Lawnmower?
As said earlier, knowing the exact volume is not the most important information. All you need to know is how to keep the engine topped up to the right level for smooth operation.
We’ll teach you how to do this.
Before you add oil to a lawnmower engine, you need to check how much oil there is in it already. This does not apply to when you are adding oil to a new engine for the first time. To check how much oil is already present in the engine, use a dipstick.
To check the level, remove the cap and clean the area around the cap so no dust falls into the oil, then pull the dipstick out. Wipe it clean with a cloth and then reinstall the dipstick. Make sure that the teeth on the cap match the grooves on the dipstick tube.
After a moment, take it out again. You’ll see the level of oil on the dipstick. The dipstick has two levels- a minimum level represented by the word “Low” or the letter “L,” and a maximum level represented by the word “High” or the letter “H.” The oil level in your lawnmower needs to be between those two levels. However, it must be noted that the oil level should be closer to the maximum level than the minimum level. Give enough time to the oil to settle before rechecking the level every time.
Once you have checked the level, the decision is yours to make. If the oil is already closer to the max level, it’s fine. However, if it is a little lower, add some oil until it reaches roughly the right level. To do this, add the oil slowly and keep checking with the dipstick like before until it reaches the correct level.
You can use a funnel to make the pouring process easier.
● What to do if you added too much oil?
If you added too much oil and it’s now above the max level, you can remove some using a suction pump or by tilting the mower sideways so that the excess oil goes to the drain pan.
When you add oil to a new engine for the first time, add oil slowly and keep checking with the dipstick until it reaches the right level.
When to Check Oil of a Lawnmower?
As we mentioned before, keeping the right oil level is one of the essential factors in engine maintenance. To make sure that your engine always runs smoothly, check the engine oil level regularly.
And if your next question is what exactly is the definition of regularly, it’s our advice that you get into the habit of checking the oil level every time you refuel.
Once you get into this habit, you will know that engine’s oil level is fine, and if it is lower than it should, you can top it up in time. Checking it regularly and seeing that it loses oil quickly is a good indicator that something is not ok with the engine.
When to Change Oil?
Not only do you need to check the oil level regularly and top up to the right level, but you also need to change the oil periodically.
Over time, the oil in your lawnmower engine gets contaminated with debris or become diluted. In any of these cases, the oil loses its abilities required for cooling and lubricating.
Like oil capacity, the period after which oil needs to be changed depends on the type of lawnmower. For walk-behind lawnmowers, the oil needs to be changed every 50 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first. For riding lawnmowers, the oil needs to be changed every 100 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.
You can also adopt the habit of changing oil as part of your lawnmower’s annual spring service before the start of the growing season.
What Oil Type to Choose?
The choice of oil type depends on your engine’s requirements and the running temperature of your mower.
It would be best if you referred to the engine’s user manual for information about oil grades. Engine oil grades are denoted by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and a number that indicates the oil viscosity. For example, SAE 30 is the most common oil grade for small engines such as lawnmower engines.
You can find engine oils at oil shops, automotive repair shops, and service stations. If you know a place where mowers are sold, you can find engine oils there too.
Related Questions:
● Is it ok if the oil level is above the maximum level on the dipstick?
Overfilling is not advised. Too much oil in the engine causes many problems. Overfilled engines have trouble starting and produce a lot of smoke. Overfilling also reduces the strength of the oil.
● Does the frequency of oil change depend on the usage environment?
Yes. How quickly the oil loses its quality depends on the environment in which the mower is used. Dustiness and temperature are some of the factors that affect oil qualities, such as viscosity.
Final Remarks:
An essential part of the lawnmower engine is keeping the oil at the right level and changing oil periodically. As far as the oil level is concerned, you need not worry too much about the exact volume. Instead, keep the level between the minimum and maximum levels but closer to the maximum level. For an oil change, it should be done after every 50 hours of operation for walk-behind mowers and 100 hours of operation for riding mowers or annually, whichever comes first.
The video links were very helpful for visual learners like me
Thank you for your feedback, Brad! I’m glad the video links were helpful for visual learners like you. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
I never thought about the impact of oil on my lawnmower’s engine before
Keeping your lawnmower’s oil at the right level is crucial for engine performance and longevity, Arthur. Thanks for reading the blog post and gaining some valuable insight!
I didn’t realize how crucial oil level was for the engine’s health
Keeping the oil at the correct level is crucial for your lawnmower’s engine health. Regularly checking and topping up the oil will ensure the engine runs smoothly and prolong its life.
I will look into the right oil type for my lawnmower’s engine now
Thanks for taking the time to look into the right oil type for your lawnmower’s engine, Shannon. Keeping the oil at the correct level is crucial for engine maintenance and longevity. Let me know if you have any questions!
Great article, I learned a lot about lawnmower maintenance
Thank you, Mattie! I’m glad you found the article helpful in understanding lawnmower maintenance. Keeping the oil at the right level is key to a healthy engine.
I will make sure to check my lawnmower’s oil level regularly now
Thanks for your comment, Zachary! Regular oil level checks are crucial for your lawnmower’s engine health. Remember to keep it between the min and max levels. Happy mowing!
This article has made me more aware of the importance of oil maintenance
Thank you, Rose! I’m glad the article helped you understand the importance of oil maintenance for your lawnmower. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Thank you for explaining the consequences of too much or too little oil
Thank you for reading! Keeping the oil at the right level is crucial for your lawnmower’s engine. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
I appreciate the detailed explanation on how to check the oil level
Thank you for your feedback, Beverley. I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I’ve always neglected checking my lawnmower’s oil, but not anymore
Thank you for sharing your experience, Ashley! Regularly checking your lawnmower’s oil is crucial for engine maintenance and longevity. Keep up the good work!
Good to know the differences between walk-behind and riding mower oil capacities
Thanks, Zoe! Understanding the oil capacities of walk-behind and riding mowers is crucial for maintaining a healthy engine. Keep that oil topped up for peak performance!
I never knew changing the oil was this important for a lawnmower
I’m glad you found the information helpful! Keeping the oil at the correct level is crucial for a lawnmower’s engine health and performance. Thank you for reading!
Very helpful information, thanks for sharing
Thank you for your kind words, Sam! It’s great to hear that you found the information helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions about lawnmower maintenance.
I never knew the oil change frequency depends on the type of lawnmower
Oil capacity for lawnmowers varies by type, with walk-behind mowers typically needing 15oz to 24oz and riding mowers 48oz to 64oz. Regular oil checks and changes every 50 hours or annually ensure engine health.
Great tips, I didn’t know oil level was so important
Thank you, Gail! Maintaining the oil level is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your lawnmower engine. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.
Very informative and easy to understand, thank you
Thank you, Clarence! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Remember to check and maintain your lawnmower’s oil level regularly to keep the engine running smoothly.
I appreciate the reminder to regularly check and change the oil
Thank you for your comment, Herman. Regular oil checks can help prolong your lawnmower’s engine life and keep it in good working condition.
I will definitely be more mindful of my lawnmower’s oil level from now on
Thank you for your comment, Dolores! Being mindful of your lawnmower’s oil level is crucial for engine health and longevity. Good luck with your maintenance routine!
This was a nice breakdown of oil maintenance for lawnmowers
Thank you, Scarlett! We’re glad you found the breakdown helpful. Keeping your lawnmower’s oil at the correct level is crucial for its longevity. Let us know if you have any other questions.
The final remarks summarized everything nicely, thank you
Thanks so much, Armando! I’m glad you found the final remarks helpful. It’s crucial to maintain the correct oil level in your lawnmower engine to ensure its longevity and performance.