B&S oil change from the top

[535678]

I just changed the oil on my grandfather's mower after mowing his yard. The motor is a B&S Quantum LSQ 6.5 HP.

Couldn't find the drain plug so I drained it from the top, but only got 12 ounces drained (hot). Replaced it with 12 ounces of 10w30 synthetic. Although it runs much better on synthetic, the dipsticks on these motors are terrible, so I couldn't tell if the oil level was low or adequate because the whole dipstick comes out "wet". This problem seems especially bad with synthetic because the oil sticks to everything and brushes against the dipstick when you remove it.

How do I know if the motor has enough oil?

 

[DutchBrad]

I am no expert, but I thought those B&S engines took around 20 ounces?? I might be wrong....

 

[abycat]

For the level wait a day or at least a couple hours and carefully remove it and check. They are a pain but still doable. If it is a push mower it should have a plug under the motor above the blade. It should be 2-5 inches away from the shaft. They are not picky with the oil level. Alot of people that race them put less in than specified for less resistance in the crankcase. Ive overfilled many and i have never had a prob. Im sure A waayyy over fill or 1 oz of oil is gonna mess it up but it is made to be used by the average idiot homeowner. You could also look up the sevice manual and get the fluid amount.

 

[535678]

I guess my question is whether 18-20 ounces *should* have drained from the top when I tipped it over. If yes, then the mower was chronically low on oil to begin with because I only got 12 ounces.

The next time I'm over there I will check the dipstick again, but was just wondering in the mean time.

 

[The motor guy]

The drain plug is underneath the deck. I think it fits a 3/8" drive ratchet to undo it. I always just dump the lawn mower on its side with the dipstick side facing closest to the ground. I practically have the mower upside down when I turn it over. I don't know how they expect anyone to change the oil using the bolt underneath.

 

[fxrider]

Might want to clean the air filter now, after leaning it over it will have some oil on the filter.

 

[Hermann]

Over the years I have found it difficult to remove more than 16 oz when servicing those 20 oz engines.

 

[Joe72Mart]

^^^^^
+1

 

[535678]

Originally Posted By: Hermann
Over the years I have found it difficult to remove more than 16 oz when servicing those 20 oz engines.


How much do you get on average?

 

[lexus114]

I thought the 6.5hp Briggs called for 5w30 Synthetic?

 

[Hermann]

Originally Posted By: 535678
Originally Posted By: Hermann
Over the years I have found it difficult to remove more than 16 oz when servicing those 20 oz engines.


How much do you get on average?


Usually right at 16 oz. It nice that I get 2 changes from one qt and dont have to collect or throw out misc amounts.

 

[tmorris1]

Originally Posted By: fxrider
Might want to clean the air filter now, after leaning it over it will have some oil on the filter.

Not if you tip it to the side with the fill hole. Carb and filter are up then.