How to Change Lawn Mower Oil

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Last updated October 28, 2026 · Applies to: lawn mowers from Toro, Husqvarna, Honda, Troy-Bilt, John Deere and Craftsman and others

Step 1: Run the engine briefly to warm the oil

Step-by-step instructions for this step are being written.

Engine oil system (splash-lubricated): Fill cap / dipstick → Crankcase → Dipper / slinger → Breather → Drain plug → Low-oil sensorFill cap / dipstickcheck levelCrankcasecapacityDipper / slingersplashes oilBreathervents crankcaseDrain plugor tip to drainLow-oil sensorsome engines
Engine oil system (splash-lubricated). Too much oil can be pushed into the breather and burned; too little seizes the engine.

Step 2: Drain the oil

Step-by-step instructions for this step are being written.

Engine oil system (splash-lubricated): Fill cap / dipstick → Crankcase → Dipper / slinger → Breather → Drain plug → Low-oil sensorFill cap / dipstickcheck levelCrankcasecapacityDipper / slingersplashes oilBreathervents crankcaseDrain plugor tip to drainLow-oil sensorsome engines
Engine oil system (splash-lubricated). Too much oil can be pushed into the breather and burned; too little seizes the engine.

Step 3: Replace the oil filter if fitted

Step-by-step instructions for this step are being written.

Engine oil system (splash-lubricated): Fill cap / dipstick → Crankcase → Dipper / slinger → Breather → Drain plug → Low-oil sensorFill cap / dipstickcheck levelCrankcasecapacityDipper / slingersplashes oilBreathervents crankcaseDrain plugor tip to drainLow-oil sensorsome engines
Engine oil system (splash-lubricated). Too much oil can be pushed into the breather and burned; too little seizes the engine.

Step 4: Refill to the full mark

Step-by-step instructions for this step are being written.

Engine oil system (splash-lubricated): Fill cap / dipstick → Crankcase → Dipper / slinger → Breather → Drain plug → Low-oil sensorFill cap / dipstickcheck levelCrankcasecapacityDipper / slingersplashes oilBreathervents crankcaseDrain plugor tip to drainLow-oil sensorsome engines
Engine oil system (splash-lubricated). Too much oil can be pushed into the breather and burned; too little seizes the engine.

Step 5: Dispose of the used oil

Step-by-step instructions for this step are being written.

Brand notes

Brand-specific notes for Toro, Husqvarna, Honda and Troy-Bilt are being researched.

When to take it to a shop

Hand it over if the engine still will not run after the fuel, spark and air checks, if you find metal in the oil or the engine is seized, or if the machine is under warranty (opening it yourself can void it).

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Frequently asked questions

Answers being written: What oil does my lawn mower take? · How often should I change mower oil? · Can I tip the mower to drain the oil? · Can I use car oil in a lawn mower?