How to Check Your Small Engine Oil

Before starting, we just want to remind you that you should always refer to your manuals before doing any of the work, to make sure you won’t get into trouble. And make sure that you are using the right kind of oil for your engine, or else your engine may easily get malfunctioned. 

Gradually, we change our lawn mower’s small engine oil after 50 hours of use. However, the frequency of just simply “checking” the oil can be much more often. 

Usually, we advise you to check your oil for every one hour of use. Checking is important because you can get a grasp of how your oil’s situation is. If it is not in good condition then you should replace it. On the opposite, if your oil is fine, then just keep going with your work. If you are using our lawn mower too often or in harsh weather conditions, then you might even check it every time you use your machine.

The following steps that we are about to mention is how you should check your engine oil. Remember that you should always check the oil when the engine is cold, which means it has been turned off for a long while.

Step 1: Park your lawn mower

Park your lawn mower on a place that is flat, and keep your lawn mower from moving. This way, the oil will stand still and you can check the true level of oil in your machine.

Step 2: Find your oil fill cap

To check the oil level in your small engine, begin by locating the oil fill cap on the crankcase. 

The location of the fill cap may vary depending on the engine's make and model. Newer models typically have an oil can symbol or the words "oil" or "fill" stamped on the plug. 

For small tractors, you might need to lift the hood to find the cap. Some engines have an extended oil fill tube or a standard fill hole with a dipstick for inspection. 

Others require you to remove the fill cap to ensure the oil level reaches the fill line or the top of the fill hole. Familiarize yourself with the specific oil checking method for your engine to maintain optimal performance and proper lubrication.

Step 3: Clean your crankcase

This is a small step but don’t forget it! Clean your crankcase so that it would look greater. And just don’t use anything to clean your crankcase, because the slightest dust or debris might get into the oil and make the oil mixed with those substances, which reduces the effectiveness of the oil. 

Remember to use a clean cloth to clean the area around your crankcase before removing the caps to come to the final step.

Step 4: Check the oil

You can start this step by removing the cap out. There are usually two things happen at this point:

• If your cap is the model that has no dipstick that is connected to the cap, then use a clean cloth to simply dab the oil to inspect it.
• For engines with a dipstick cap, then don’t just conclude it right there. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it completely for an accurate reading. 

If your dipstick is a screw-in type, make sure to screw it in all the way before checking the level. Once you are done, remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. Ensure the oil mark falls between the lines displayed on the dipstick, never exceeding the FULL line or falling below the ADD line. Following these steps will help you maintain the appropriate oil level in your engine for smooth and reliable performance.

Over time, motor oil naturally degrades, even if it remains stagnant within the engine. To ensure optimal engine performance, it's crucial to monitor the quality of the oil regularly. 

Before adding new oil, take a moment to inspect the oil can for an expiration date. If the oil has passed its expiration date, then you should just get rid of it right away to avoid any potential issues. 

Ideally, the oil should appear as a clear and amber color. However, if you notice that the oil looks hazy, burnt, or contains debris, then these signs indicate that the oil has deteriorated and an oil change is necessary.

By staying proactive in checking and maintaining your mower's oil, you can ensure a healthier engine and enhance the longevity of your equipment.

1. Can I use any type of motor oil for my mower?

It is essential to use the type of motor oil recommended by the mower's manufacturer. Different mowers may require specific viscosity grades and oil formulations to ensure proper lubrication and performance.

2. How do I dispose of used motor oil from my mower?

Used motor oil should never be disposed of in the trash or poured down the drain. It is considered hazardous waste and must be taken to an authorized recycling center or a designated collection site for proper disposal.

3. What should I do if my mower's oil level is below the "ADD" line on the dipstick?

If the oil level is below the "ADD" line, it's essential to add the correct type and amount of motor oil to bring it up to the recommended level. Overfilling or underfilling the oil can impact engine performance, so follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully.