lawnmower oil change

frank_f15 · Apr 17, 2003

vince that is the way it is goingto be done here from now on. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Apr 17, 2003

I have a Scott's from HD with a 6 1/2 hp B & S engine on it. The manual tells you that to change oil you do as several have suggested..... turn the thing on it's side/upside down and drain out the fill tube. I read it a couple of times. Never heard of such a thing. I think the reason for it is that with the newer mowers, some have blade brakes that would get in the way of a drain from the bottom.

Rod

frank_f15 · Apr 17, 2003

seems like a dumb way to drain oil. but i imagine that is what a dealer would do and charge u $40 to do it. would have been much simpeler to adda drain tap on the side of the engine.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 17, 2003

adda drain tap on the side of the engine.

In the eyes of the manufacturer that equates to $ $ $. They don't have to change the oil. When was the last time you changed spark plugs in one of the new compact cars. You're lucky to even be able to TOUCH it, much less get a wrench in there to change it!

Rod

Anonymous Poster · Apr 18, 2003

Why would the manufacturers want to make it easy for us to change the oil ? Less oil changes = more mowers sold = good for profit /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

5030 · Apr 18, 2003

If it's a Briggs, don't change the oil at all, when it blows, put on a new motor, they are cheap anyhow. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Get a Honda replacement, they have a provision for oil drain and will las at least 2 seasons.

Daryl
Forage Services, L.P.

Molerj · Apr 19, 2003

Just a couple things. If you do turn it over to pour the oil out the fill tube, make sure you remove the air filter. I just had a fellow bring a Yardman push mower in that he said wouldn't start. Seems when he turned the mower over to change the oil the paper filter got oil soaked & wouldn't let enough air in to let the engine start. Also the blade brake usually is a strap type affair that works off the flywheel & is located on the engine. It shouldn't interfere with the drain plug. But as you all said, those drain plugs can be in some stupid places. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Anonymous Poster · May 1, 2003

Ever consider that they DON'T want you to change it? Kinda like today's cars running with plugs and coolant that *supposedly* last 100,000 miles. They probably figure a change every few years is sufficient. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Just kidding, I'm **** retentive about maintenance, so I'd never let it go that long. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

One of my push mowers is a 95 Snapper w/5.5hp Briggs. Thing runs like a friggin gorilla and I just turn it upside down and drain it out the fill hole. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I don't have to worry about the air filter as it's on the other side from the oil fill.

centex · Jul 25, 2003

I work in a lawnmower repair shop and that is how we do it.

LBrown59 · Dec 16, 2004

Yep, it's obvious that in a lot of design work these days, the people drawing on the paper (oops...age showing...now they got computers to draw) NEVER actually touch a prototype or finished product.
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I think it's worse than that.
Like I keep telling my wife; I don't think the people making the products they sell ever use their stuff.
Because if they did they couldn't help but notice their short comings , defects or other problems.