Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

[Straightup]

I have a Craftsman 6.5 HP Mower with the Briggs motor. It is just starting its second season and I thought I should change the oil. I looked, but can't find my manual

Is there a drain somewhere, or do you just tip it up and let it run out the fill tube?

I'm pretty sure I used 30 weight non-detergent oil in it. Is that right?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jeff

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

Don't tip it over. Usually there is a drain plug underneath the deck. I use a vacuum oil changer because it's easier. I think B&S calls either for 30W or syn. 5W30 that's good for all temperature ranges, so I use that.

 

[Pony]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

The drain plug with either have a square bolt head or e a 3/8 socket......it should be under the deck as DR says.

I think I remember using 10w30 for an overhead valve briggs motors.

 

[bandit86]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

dont use non-detergent oil. since there is no oil filter, you need the detergents in it. I put 10W40 castrol gtx in mine, I'll run straight 30 next time

 

[dolluper]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

Try this site Briggs you can also get a manual just need your model number PDF files...this will help you for now a mainentance guide
http://www.yardsmarts.com/equipment/tune-up/index.asp

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

Don't tip it over. Usually there is a drain plug underneath the deck. I use a vacuum oil changer because it's easier. I think B&S calls either for 30W or syn. 5W30 that's good for all temperature ranges, so I use that.

Iv seen way to many plugs under the mower removed to change the oil and know one can seem to ever get them to seal again. Personally i tip my mower over to change the oil and drain it out the fill hole. Been mowing with it for 20 years. Your call, i think the vacuum pump would be the best way about it. That way you wouldn't have to worry about the gunk at the bottom causing problems.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

I take them out and have never had a problem with them leaking {must be Canadian made LOL's} if I did I'm sure a little teflon tape {plumbers tape}would seal them up from any leaks.....but if you cross thread it well thats a different story ....oversize plug and tapping required if the same size tap doesn't work

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

Use straight 30w. That is what B&S recommends.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

Thanks very much for all the responses - exactly what I needed.

Jeff

 

[arboldt]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

You really need to check your owner's manual.

For almost 35 years I would set the mower up on something and find an oil drain plug. Then 4 or 5 years ago I bought our current mower. The owner's manual recommends tipping it on its side and draining the oil out the fill tube. I seem to recall they said the drain screw on the bottom wasn't the lowest point of the crankcase so it didn't actually drain everything out

When you're not sure, always follow instructions in the manual.

 

[jimchere]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

I've got a Craftsman with a 6.5HP B&S (model year 2002). Believe it or not, I actually filed the owner's manual away!!! To change oil, tip it on its side and drain it out of the fill/dipstick tube. Takes 20 Oz. of oil to fill back up (assuming you get it all out). Manual recommends straight 30W, but you can use multi-vis 10W-30 though manual states oil consumption might be a bit higher in hot weather.
I just changed it in mine yesterday. Wasn't hard at all, an it took about 18 Oz. to fill it back up. I put Pennzoil 10W-30 in it since that's what I had on hand.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

I've got a Craftsman with a 6.5HP B&S (model year 2002). Believe it or not, I actually filed the owner's manual away!!! To change oil, tip it on its side and drain it out of the fill/dipstick tube. Takes 20 Oz. of oil to fill back up (assuming you get it all out). Manual recommends straight 30W, but you can use multi-vis 10W-30 though manual states oil consumption might be a bit higher in hot weather.
I just changed it in mine yesterday. Wasn't hard at all, an it took about 18 Oz. to fill it back up. I put Pennzoil 10W-30 in it since that's what I had on hand.

If you use 10w-30, you better check that oil very often. I had a B&S engine that I used 10W-30 in and I burnt it up not realizing how fast it used oil.

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: Craftsman Mower how to change oil and what type

Always use 30w nondetergent oil. Some engines like honda you do tip on it's side. Briggs will have a drain plug. Use the end of your ratchet and pop it into the square hole in plug. What the hell, while your under there take the blade off and sharpen it. If you have to turn it on it's side to work on it ,turn it over carb side up. or you will fill the carb with oil from crank case. I use a jack stand under the front of the deck. And lay on a chunk of plywood. Have fun.