How to Change Your Craftsman Lawn Mower Oil
- 1). Empty the gas tank by running the Craftsman mower until the engine dies. Remove the gas cap and verify that the tank is empty except for a very small quantity of gas at the bottom of the tank. This will prevent any gas spills during the oil change. Replace the gas cap.
- 2). Move the mower to a flat place with adequate space to work and put down some old newspapers in the work area to catch any spilled oil. Pull the spark plug wire connector off the spark plug and place it securely to one side. Remove the combination oil filler tube cap and dipstick gauge and lay it in a clean place.
- 3). Tip the mower on its side so the two wheels on the side opposite the oil filler tube are up off the floor with the mower rotated far enough to have the deck or blade cover slightly past perpendicular to the floor. Let the old oil drain from the oil filler tube into a suitable container. To minimize splatters and spills, use a pan-type container with a height of 3 inches or more and a top opening of 5 inches or more. Rock the mower a bit to get the last bits of oil out.
- 4). Lower the mower back down onto all four wheels and wipe off any spilled oil with old rags or paper towels. Add new 30W detergent motor oil until the oil level is at the fill mark on the dipstick. The 4.5 horsepower unit requires about 20 ounces of oil.
- 5). Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and replace the oil filler tube cap to complete the oil change.
- 6). Pour the used oil through a funnel into a container with a top to store it temporarily until you can take it to a disposal site. Many auto parts stores or your local pollution control center will accept the old oil for recycling.