B&S Dipstick Versus Oil Capacity In Manual

[gregk001]

1993 Briggs & Stratton 5.5 HP, 124702-3115-01 on a Toro 21” GTS II.
Dipstick reads right on full mark. When using the drain plug on the bottom of the engine only 16 ounces drains out (with mower sitting level). The manual says the engine should take 20 ounces. I called the dealer and he says the sump will hold back the extra 4 ounces and to just believe the dipstick. I have had the thing for 14 years and always kept the oil level on the full mark. I have never measured the quantity of oil drained out before and did not notice this discrepancy until it was filled up and ready to go for this season. Next time when I change the oil I will try tipping the mower to see if I can get more oil to drain out but figured I would ask here first. Can there really be 4 ounces of oil trapped somewhere in the engine? Thanks for any help.

 

[-Clayton-]

There probably is 4 ounces of oil that doesn't drain out, I wouldnt worry too much about trying to get it out though.

Apparently it's not hurting anything if it was made in 93.

Most cars keep somewhere around 1/2 quart+ hidden inside them during a oil change , Some here obsess about getting that stuff out though.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

"The manual says the engine should take 20 ounces."
Actually, it says ABOUT 20 ounces.

 

[gregk001]

I just want to be sure that I have the correct amount of oil in the engine. Since I always kept the oil level on full in the past I may not have had problems. Now the engine is starting to use a little more oil and I worry that it could run it dangerously low. Is there anyone that has worked on these engines who could confirm that 20% of the oil could fail to drain out of the drain hole in the bottom of the engine? Is it normal that this engine should only take 16 ounces when changing the oil?

The owner’s manual is pretty specific but I know that they can be wrong at times.

Operator's Manual
FORM NO. 3315-628 Rev. A
Page 6
"FILL CRANKCASE WITH OIL - Initially crankcase must be filled with 20 ounces (0.6) Liters of SAE 30 oil."

 

[lars11]

Seems like a lot of lawn mower oil is sold in .6 liter bottles in sweden. Even so, my B&S 40 does not seem to swallow that much without showing above the full mark on the stick... Reason? I don't know, but I would rely on the dip stick before the theoretical 0.6 liter suggestion. Not a great idea to overfill any engine. Foaming may occur in the Briggs I've been told.

 

[tmorris1]

You are fine, fill it to the full line on the dipstick and relax. Any engine made will hold back a little oil in the engine.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Quote:

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I just want to be sure that I have the correct amount of oil in the engine. Since I always kept the oil level on full in the past I may not have had problems. Now the engine is starting to use a little more oil and I worry that it could run it dangerously low. Is there anyone that has worked on these engines who could confirm that 20% of the oil could fail to drain out of the drain hole in the bottom of the engine? Is it normal that this engine should only take 16 ounces when changing the oil?

The owner’s manual is pretty specific but I know that they can be wrong at times.

Operator's Manual
FORM NO. 3315-628 Rev. A
Page 6
"FILL CRANKCASE WITH OIL - Initially crankcase must be filled with 20 ounces (0.6) Liters of SAE 30 oil."

---

Owners manual that you can download from Briggs for your specific engine says "ABOUT".
Minor point though. Fill it to the full MARK however much it takes. IF the engine is using oil, you obviously will have to check it and top it off more frequently.

 

[gregk001]

Thanks Bill. That tip about downloading the manual from Briggs did the trick. That manual says About 20 oz. on page 4 and also says 18 oz. on two other pages. If 16 ounces is what I am getting out and 18 ounces is the correct capacity then that is close enough for me.