I've got a 3 year old B@S 4HP push mower, I just changed the oil recently, cleaned the filter, and replaced the plug, the problem is this was the 1st time any of this has been done to the mower...should I change the oil again soon or wait till the end of the season? The new oil still appears clean, I did drain it out the bottom even though the manufacturer's prefered method is to turn it upside down. It runs good, not much smoke at all.
B@S push mower oil change
- Thread starter MustangGT
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Blue or black smoke? I imagine a good portion of push-type lawn mowers never get the oil changed, much less even checked and they run for many, many years so you probably don't have anything to worry about, but if you're feeling nervous, just change halfway through the mowing season and use a good HDEO 15w40, maybe even a half ounce or so of ARX if you have any laying around.
If you want to be anal, you should change it again after another 8-10 hours run time and then just once at the end of each season.
You probably noticed a fair amount of glitter in the used oil if the light was good. That glitter won't go away after just one oil change. And of course there's no filter to catch any of it.
But, as 55 points out, this is usually overkill. These engines usually put up with a lot of abuse just fine.
The preferred oil drain method is to drain oil out through the lowest point in the sump. Dumping it on its side is usually easier, however. This is OK as long as there is little or no fuel in the tank.
--- Bror Jace
You probably noticed a fair amount of glitter in the used oil if the light was good. That glitter won't go away after just one oil change. And of course there's no filter to catch any of it.
But, as 55 points out, this is usually overkill. These engines usually put up with a lot of abuse just fine.
The preferred oil drain method is to drain oil out through the lowest point in the sump. Dumping it on its side is usually easier, however. This is OK as long as there is little or no fuel in the tank.
--- Bror Jace
mustang, what oil did you use?
How long do you use the mower at a time and how many times a month.
If (4) 30 minute sessions a month, I would change at the end of the season like BrorJace said.
I use Mobil 1 10w30 API SL in my 15 year old Murray w/ 3.5hp B&S.
Only minimal smoke at start up.
How long do you use the mower at a time and how many times a month.
If (4) 30 minute sessions a month, I would change at the end of the season like BrorJace said.
I use Mobil 1 10w30 API SL in my 15 year old Murray w/ 3.5hp B&S.
Only minimal smoke at start up.
Right now I went with SuperTech 30 WT just because it was .98 cents a quart. My mowing takes about 30-45 minutes (small yard) once a week, so I guess I'll wait and change it this fall.
I had a similar thing with the mower I have now. I got it from my dad when it was about 5 yrs old, had been sitting for 2 yrs, and I doubt he ever changed the oil in it. I drained the oil, changed the plug, cleaned the carb, and it started on the first pull. It is just now starting to blow a little blue smoke when starting, I am using some MaxLife 10w-40 I have. Once that is gone, I may switch to a straight 30 weight to see if it helps with the smoking problem. The biggest problem I am having now is the mower itself is starting to fall apart, but the engine seems fine.
OT. I wonder why they even put a drain plug on these engines when the always say to turn the mower sideways? I guess they don't want people accidentaly cutting their hands off.
I always drain from the plug, while I have the blade off for sharpening. Just easier for me.
OT. I wonder why they even put a drain plug on these engines when the always say to turn the mower sideways? I guess they don't want people accidentaly cutting their hands off.
I always drain from the plug, while I have the blade off for sharpening. Just easier for me.
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