Change the Oil in a Lawn Mower

Simple steps in changing oil in a Briggs & Stratton or other manufactured engine.

Steps

Unplug the spark plug wire before any repair or maintenance is made to any mower.
Use a hand siphon hose from auto or hardware store to empty gas from the tank.This prevents spillage onto mower deck & prevent possible fire if ignited by spark plug later. A damaged spark plug wire or plug may ignite any gas spilled.
Look under the mower deck for the oil drain plug.Most are square & recessed for a socket wrench set,socket extension fit (3/8's) drive.Others may be just a common drain plug or bolt
Either prop the mower or hold up & use the socket to loosen the drain plug or bolt.Be sure to have a drain pan under the deck to catch the used oil.
After oil is a mere drip re-install the drain plug or bolt, but do not over tighten or strip.Drain the used oil into an empty oil container (or suitable container) using a funnel, for future "safe" disposal at a local Hazardous Waste Disposal Site.These sites are usually managed by local landfill sites.
After drain plug is closed & has a proper seal,prepare to then refill the oil filler hole to proper fill point.Some mowers have the filler hole on top with a dip stick while others are lower on engine near the deck.This type does not have a dip stick, but must be filled to limit,near cap space.Use standard S.A.E 10w30 or 5w30 motor oil.
Check to see that oil cap is installed on filler & then refill gas tank & attach spark plug wire.

Yearly general maintenance like oil changes in spring, or before seasonal use will extend engine life of your machine. We all want to keep or mowers running at their best & routine maintenance ensures most issues can be prevented.
Oil has to be checked more on older mowers than new as they tend to burn it faster however,before every use is a good practice.We need blood in us to survive & engines need oil.
Use a safe disposal method at local garage or waste disposal site & not put into common trash collection.
Use caution while handling used oil as can be a source of harmful chemicals. It is recommended you wear rubber, latex, vinyl or synthetic gloves.If not wash hands using a reliable grease or oil removal detergent immediately after you are done.
Change every year,normally in spring prior to mower use using recommended type of oil.Some prefer 5W30 over 10W30 as has a greater viscosity range.If your oil is black mid season you should consider changing again. However if your mower is used normally & not over worked one change will suffice.

Use caution when handling used oil. You may wear rubber or latex gloves.
Before oil change remove spark plug wire from plug & drain fuel to prevent spills or possible spark from plug later when started up.
Dispose of used oil "safely" at any Hazardous Waste Disposal Site that accepts it.