Proper oil installation is recommended to extend the life of your engine. Over-filling or under-filling your engine's crankcase with oil can cause permanent damage to important components within the engine. In this video, Pete will instruct you how to properly fill and check your oil level within the engine.
Here's a quick recap of the video:
Installing Engine Oil
Always use your manufacturer's factory recommended motor oil. Most lawn mower engines require 10W-30, however, please consult your service manual or a servicing dealer for the correct oil specifications for your engine.
Don't put the entire quart into the engine. There are many different styles of small engines that require different quantities of oil. For the correct amount of oil, either check your owner's manual or fill slowly while checking the oil level frequently. Remember that it is nearly impossible to drain every drop of oil out of the crankcase when draining the oil so even measuring the correct fill size will not work.
Helpful Tip: Remember that bubbles and air pockets can form as you pour the oil into the oil fill tube. Allow the oil to settle before checking the level. Push the dipstick down into the filler tube a few times, then remove the dipstick and clean it off with a clean rag or paper towel. Then, put the dipstick down into the tube, hold it for a few seconds, then remove and check the oil level.
Because we're adding new oil, the dipstick can sometimes be hard to read. On many dipsticks, there is a patterned side and a smooth side -- you may need to turn the dipstick to the smooth side and angle it into the light to see where the oil is on the dipstick.
As stated before, over-filling or under-filling an engine crankcase can cause serious damage to an engine. Over-filling can cause the engine to blow out seals which can be a costly repair. Under-filling can cause a lack of lubrication which could result in seizing the engine or having a rod blow out of the side of the engine. We don't want to hear about either of those things, so let's make sure we check always check our oil before using a piece of equipment!
