Honda izy lawnmower oil. Can You Use Car Oil in a Lawn Mower? (YES and NO! )

How Much Oil Capacity Does Honda 160cc Lawn Mower Can Has?

A lawnmower engine runs on oil, similar to many combustion engines. Though it is a straightforward machine, it is purposely crafted to run even on immensely top speed and intense heat. That’s why an engine needs oil to run the moving parts smoothly.

What is the Honda 160cc lawn mower engine oil capacity?

A Honda 160cc lawn mower engine can hold up to 0.58 quarts of oil (18.6 ounces). When the oil amount drops to 12 to 13.5 ounces, you should refill it to ensure smooth mowing operation.

• What is the Honda 160cc lawn mower engine oil capacity?
• How Much Oil Does A Honda Lawn Mower Hold?
• What Type Of Oil Should I Use For My Honda Lawn Mower?

• Best Single Grade Oil for Lawn Mower
• Best Multi-Grade Oil for Lawn Mower
• Best Synthetic Blend Oil for Lawn Mower
• Best Full Synthetic Oil for Lawn Mower
• Best SAE 30 oil
• Best SAE 5W-30 oil

• Best Honda Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
• Best Riding Lawn Mowers

What is the Honda 160cc lawn mower engine oil capacity?

Though car engines and lawnmowers have different structures, they function similarly. That’s why it is essential to change the oil of a lawnmower engine for optimum operation.

So, when should you change your lawn mower’s oil, and how much oil should you refill for your lawnmower? Your lawn mower engine oil capacity depends on its engines size and its model.

For example, the Honda 160cc lawn mower engine oil capacity is around 0.58 quarts of oil (18.6 ounces). You should neither overfill it nor keep the oil level too low.

Generally, in order to prevent any harm to the internal parts of a lawnmower, you want to change the oil in a lawnmower every 20-50 hours. As you don’t need to face any hassle to change the oil, you can do it on your own.

So, why should you not exceed your Honda 160cc lawn mower engine oil capacity?

Exceeding your engine oil capacity means you are overfilling it. Overfilling a lawnmower engine may affect the engine performance negatively. Overfilling may cause the transformation of oil from the engine to the air filter and air cleaner area.

How will you know whether you have overfilled your Honda 160cc lawn mower engine or not? When you overfill a lawnmower engine, you will notice blue or white is coming from the engine while using your mower to cut grass.

How Much Oil Does A Honda Lawn Mower Hold?

As a gardener, you must know the amount your Honda lawn mower can hold. Though their Honda lawn mower comes in different horsepower engines, most of them have similar oil capacity.

How much oil does a Honda lawn mower hold?

A Honda mower can typically hold 18.6 ounces. But you want to remember that a high horsepower motor works quickly and efficiently than a low horsepower motor. That’s why you need to change the oil of high horsepower earlier than lower horsepower motors.

So, you now know how much oil does a Honda lawn mower hold. Though most Honda lawnmowers have almost similar oil capacity, their performance varies based on weather conditions and the amount of oil inside them. That’s why you want to keep the optimum amount of oil without overfilling it.

What Type Of Oil Should I Use For My Honda Lawn Mower?

Petroleum Based Motor Oils are the best choice for most Honda Lawnmowers. But this type of oil comes in different types as per weather conditions and other factors. Mainly, there are four types of lawnmower oil.

Best Multi-Grade Oil for Lawn Mower. Royal Purple 01520 SAE Multi-Grade Synthetic

Product Feature

Category. SAE 10W-30 oil

Temperature. 0. 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Best Full Synthetic Oil for Lawn Mower. Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC

Best SAE 30 oil. Pennzoil

Product Feature

Category. SAE 30 oil

Temperature. Above 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Best SAE 5W-30 oil. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum

Product Feature

Category. SAE 5W-30 oil

Temperature. 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder

In addition, most Honda lawnmowers have four-stroke engines. Apart from choosing a particular type of engine oil, you need the right oil based on temperature conditions.

For example, you can’t use the same oil for excessively high temperatures that you can use for colder temperatures.

How your mower engine performs depends on weather conditions too. Because of it, try to keep the engine at the best possible conditions for the desired performance you want from it.

Here we are mentioning some best types of oil you should use for different temperatures.

How Much Oil Does A Honda Gcv160 Lawn Mower Take?

The Honda Gcv160 Lawn Mower is mainly a 4-stroke engine, which is perfect for residential purposes. Its fuel tank capacity is 0.98 U.S. quarts of oil (0.93 liters). This powerful machine can take a heavy load of grass cutting with consistent performance.

How much oil does a Honda gcv160 lawn mower take?

As with some 4-stroke engines, the Honda gcv160 lawn mower can hold up to 0.58 US quarts of oil (0.55 liter). With this amount of oil, you can run the lawnmower for several days. After running your lawnmower for several days (20-50 hours of usage), you can refill or change the oil to optimum engine performance.

So, knowing how much oil does a Honda gcv160 lawn mower helps you determine your engine oil capacity and when you should change the oil.

When You Should Change Your Honda Lawn Mower Oil?

There is no scope to know how much oil is remaining in a two-stroke engine. However, four-stroke Honda Lawn engines have the accessibility to know how much oil is left.

Check your lawn’s engine oil before each cutting session and top it off if needed. Garden experts recommend changing your lawn mower oil after the first 3-5 hours of use if the machine is entirely new.

Though most manufacturers include oil in the engine, the oil level often gets lower as they test the machine’s performance. That’s why they tell their customers to change the oil as early as possible.

Besides, since new engines initially wear out their parts, metal filings are released into the oil during the internal movement of parts. As a result, leaving it, there will result in excess wear.

The perfect time for changing lawnmower oil depends on the lawnmower type. Two types of Honda Lawnmowers are mainly available in the market.

Some Best Lawn Mowers Using 160cc Honda® engine

Best Riding Lawn Mowers. Craftsman 17ARFACQ091

If you have a walk-behind mower, change the oil a minimum of one time for each season or at least after 50 hours of usage.

On the other hand, if you are using a riding mower, at least a one-time seasonal oil change is required. If you are using it heavily, count 100 hours of usage and change it after 100 hours.

Most Honda lawn mowers have manual instructions where it is clearly stated how much oil you can fill for your engines. Additionally, every four-stroke lawnmower engine includes an oil level mark or dipstick, letting you know when you should change the oil.

What Happens If You Run A Honda Lawn Mower Without Oil?

As you have already known, a lawnmower engine functions just like a car engine. Just like car engines, lubrication is also needed for lawn mower engines. The motor of a lawnmower uses oil to lubricate the internal components.

What happens if you run a Honda lawn mower without oil?

It is possible to run your Honda lawn mower without oil. But running your Honda lawn mower without oil will cause wear out or damage issue for the internal parts. Gradually, you will notice performance deterioration for your lawnmower engine. In addition, low oil level indicators are found on some lawnmowers; the mower won’t start unless you refill or change the oil.

Can You Use Regular Motor Oil In A Lawn Mower?

Yes, you can use regular motor oil in a lawnmower if your lawnmower has a four-stroke engine. In general, regular motor oil is okay for lawnmowers with four-stroke engines.

However, it is best to check the instruction manual to know if the engine is compatible with the oil or any mentioned prohibition for a particular oil type.

Some automobile engine oils are only designed to use for large engines as they have excessive viscosity. As a result, it isn’t always better to have more.

In addition, some models of Honda riding mowers and push mowers are allowed to use regular motor oil. However, if the models have a two-stroke engine, you can’t use regular motor oil. It is because they required a mixture of oil and fuel in a specific portion due to their small engines.

What Is The Best Oil For A Honda Lawn Mower?

No one knows better which type of oil you should use for your lawnmower than the manufacture. Hence, always follow your manufacture’s recommendation to add oil.

Using different oils may be necessary, as we discussed earlier, based on weather conditions, engine type, etc.

Here we are mentioning few best oils for Honda lawn mowers:

Final Thought

It is essential to know your Honda 160cc lawn mower engine oil capacity. You can refill or change the oil according to it. It is vital that you regularly change the oil in your engine so that it can perform at its best. If you take too much time to change the oil, it may lead to damage to the internal moving parts. Ultimately, your maintenance cost will increase. So, treat your lawnmower wise properly to cut grass precisely.

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buy them at Walmart, eBay, or Etsy

Honda lawn mowers have manual instructions. Etsy, eBay

Briggs Stratton 30W Engine Oil. Etsy, eBay

Honda 08207-10W30 PK2 Motor Oil. Etsy, eBay

Pennzoil (550034991-6PK) SAE 30 Motor Oil. Etsy, eBay

Lee Safin was born near Sacramento, California on a prune growing farm. His parents were immigrants from Russia who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution. They were determined to give their children a better life than they had known. Education was the key for Lee and his siblings, so they could make their own way in the world. Lee attended five universities, where he studied plant sciences and soil technologies. He also has many years of experience in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a commercial fertilizer formulator.

Thoughts on How Much Oil Capacity Does Honda 160cc Lawn Mower Can Has?

Can You Use Car Oil in a Lawn Mower? (YES and NO!)

Has the time come to change your lawn mower oil? If so, you might be wondering if you can use motor oil in a lawn mower. Some people will tell you that you don’t have to buy separate oil for your car and your lawn mower. This is true to some extent, assuming that you use high-quality oil in your car.

Keep reading to find out more about the type of oil to use in your lawn mower. We’ll also answer some questions you might have about lawn mower oil and offer some tips for changing the oil.

What Oil Can You Use In a Lawn Mower?

The type of oil you use will make all the difference in how long your lawn mower lasts and the quality of service it gives you. There are many types of oils out there but we recommend that you only invest in a high-quality oil. If you want to learn more about lawn mower oil, we recommend this interesting tutorial.

One of the factors to keep in mind when picking lawn mower oil is the climate in your area. But, you should also heed your manufacturer’s recommendation for the best oil to use in your mower.

Some of the oil options from which to choose are:

• SAE 30: This is the most common type of oil used in small engines like those found in lawn mowers.
• SAE 10W-30: This high viscosity oil is specially formulated for cold temperature. It is ideal if you live in cooler regions but colder temperatures may mean higher oil consumption.
• SAE 5W-30: If you live in very cold temperatures, you will need specially made oil that can withstand extreme weather. The SAE 5W-30 is a good choice.
• Synthetic SAE 5W-30: Synthetic lawn mower oil is the preferred oil for lawn mowers. Not only is it gentler on the metal parts of the mower; it also offers protection regardless of the temperature. You will get the most out of synthetic oil whether you live in extremely low or high temperatures. Most synthetic SAE 5W-30 oils are also formulated for lower oil consumption.

Does Lawn Mower Oil Need Additives?

When changing oil for your lawn mower, it is best not to use special additives. You will come across claims encouraging you to add special concoctions to ‘improve your lawn oil.’’ But, these are unnecessary; they may adulterate and lower the quality of the oil.

That said, some manufacturers recommend using oils with additives such as detergent additives, anti-wear agents, friction modifiers, viscosity index improvers, or dispersants. Each type of additive plays its own role whether that is lubrication or separating solid particles from the oil. Before using any additive, be sure to find out what your manufacturer recommends for your particular type of lawn mower.

Is Car Oil the Same As Lawn Mower Oil?

Carmakers urge their customers to use premium conventional oil, which includes synthetic 5W-30, 5W-20, or 5W-30 oil for cooler temperatures. For areas with slightly higher temperatures, 10W-30 oil is advised.

Oil for four-stroke lawn mower

Modern lawn mowers have a four-cycle or four-stroke engine, which stores oil and gasoline in separate compartments, as is the case with motor vehicles. Most lawn mower engines use SAE30 oil or 10W-30 oil, which are also popular options for auto engine oil.

The oil you use for your car’s engine is the same one you can use for your lawn mower. However, make sure that your motor oil is of high quality before using it in a lawn mower engine, which is comparably smaller and less hardy. The quickest way to shorten the life of your lawn mower is to use low-quality engine oil.

Oil for two-stroke lawn mower

Two-stroke lawn mowers are no longer common and have been replaced by the more fuel-efficient, cleaner, and quieter four-stroke mower. But, just in case you have a two-stroke mower, you should not fill it up with the same oil that you use in a vehicle.

Unlike four-stroke engines that have separate compartments for gasoline and oil, two-stroke engines mix gasoline with oil. A lightweight oil is required to mix with the gasoline to thoroughly lubricate the parts of the small, lightweight engine.

For this reason, you should not use motor oil in a two-stroke lawn mower, as the oil tends to be heavier and can bog down the small engine. Instead, use your manufacturer-recommended lightweight oil to protect your engine and preserve its longevity.

How Often Should You Change Lawn Mower Oil?

Every lawn mower maker will recommend their own timeline for changing the engine oil. Generally, for walk-behind lawn mowers, it is best to have an oil change after every 50 hours once a year.

Owners of riding mowers are advised to change the oil every 100 hours or so, or whichever comes first. If your lawn mower or its engine is new, it is best to add new oil after five hours of operation.

That said, these are just general guidelines. You might have to change your oil more frequently than this depending on factors such as high temperatures, mowing uneven terrain, or too much dust. All these tough conditions can quickly dirty your oil and necessitate regular oil change.

Tips For Changing The Oil In Your Lawn Mower

Now, you have found out that you can use motor oil in a lawn mower as long as the oil is of high quality and has not been disqualified by the lawn mower manufacturer. Next, let’s take a look at some things to keep in mind when changing lawn mower oil.

Inspect the dipstick

A sure way to know whether it is time for an oil change is to check the dipstick. If the level is lower than the add marks, that is a good sign that your mower needs fresh oil. Ideally, the oil level should be between the add and full marks.

To check engine oil, unscrew the dipstick cap and pull it. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag to check the reading then replace the readings. Take the cap out again and view the oil level.

If the oil level is lower than the add mark, pour fresh oil gradually and be sure not to fill the compartment with excessive oil. Recheck the oil level to ensure that it is enough. Check your oil regularly to ensure that there is always enough in the mower.

Run the engine to make the oil less viscous

You will need to remove the old oil before filling up the mower with new oil. But, first, run the engine to warm the oil and make it more fluid for ease of draining. Five minutes of the engine running is enough to make the oil less viscous without getting it too hot and potentially dangerous.

Something important you should do is to detach the spark plug lead and spark plug from the engine. This will prevent the engine from accidentally starting.

Empty the oil

There are several ways to drain the oil from the lawn mower. You can do it through the drain plug, dipstick plug, or using an oil extractor kit.

If you decide to use the drain plug, you will first have to tilt the mower to its side. Be sure to turn off the fuel tap to prevent oil from trickling into the engine and potentially causing a fire.

Check with your dealer or manufacturer which method to use to empty the oil through the drain plug. Some manufacturers recommend tilting the mower on its side where the breather is to prevent oil from getting to the air filter or carburetor. Others advise that you lay down the mower on its handle and hold it in place with a rock or other heavy item.

Lawn Mower Oil Guide: What Type of Lawn Mower Oil Should I Use? | eReplacementParts.com

Alternatively, you can use an oil extractor kit to empty the oil tank. Simply insert the oil extractor’s tube into the tank through the oil fill plug and siphon the old oil out. This method is faster and a lot less messy.

Pour in the new oil

Add the new oil through the fill plug. A neat trick is to use a funnel to avoid spilling oil as you pour it into the small inlet. Then, replace the dipstick and check that the oil is at the correct level. If you are satisfied with the oil level, tighten the dipstick cap into place and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Summary

Your lawn mower needs clean, high-quality oil to function properly and to serve you for longer. As we’ve explained, you can use motor oil in a lawn mower as long as it is a good quality oil and is the appropriate type of oil for your specific mower.

Generally, SAE30 is a good choice for both cars and lawn mowers but you should always check with your manufacturer or dealer if you aren’t sure which oil is best for your machine. When the time comes to change your oil, keep in mind the tips we have outlined above and your lawn mower will thank you with many years of service.

Honda Mower Oil Type (The 360 Guidelines)

With all the types of oil in the market, we understand how overwhelming it can be to know what’s best for you. It is especially true if you use a Honda Lawn Mower.

But before that, you have to know the Honda Mower Oil Type and which products are compatible with your condition.

Typically, three types of oil can be used for Honda Lawn Mowers. Among them, SAE 10W-30 is recommended the most by Honda. It works perfectly in all weather conditions. But SAE 30 is also suitable for warmer weather conditions and SAE 5W-30 for colder weather conditions.

But there are other factors when it comes to using the right oil for your lawnmowers. Read this article to find out more.

Honda Mower Oil Type: Explained

As mentioned already, there are three types of oil recommended by Honda. Following is the description for the types of oil for the Honda Lawn Mower.

SAE 10W-30

It is the most commonly recommended grade. It is a multigrade oil with a viscosity grade of 30 in hot weather conditions and 10 in cold conditions.

This capability enables it to perform in both conditions. In addition, it lubricates the engine parts more efficiently and reduces friction.

SAE 30

This is a single-grade oil that also has a viscosity grade of 30. However, its limiting factor is its performance in cold weather.

SAE 30 is thicker in viscosity. As a result, moving around the engine compartments and starting them during cold weather makes it challenging.

But in warm weather, it is as good as any other grade of oil.

SAE 5W-30

Just like 10W-30, it is a multigrade oil. Its viscosity grade is 30 during warm conditions, but during cold weather, its viscosity grade is 5. It is helpful for icy conditions where the weather is more susceptible to freezing.

However, lawn mowing is usually not carried out in such cold conditions. Therefore, even though it won’t harm the mower, this grade of oil is not as recommended as SAE 10W-30.

Best Mower Oil By Different Types of Model

So, the real question is which is the best oil for a Honda lawn mower. 10W-30 is the best option due to its usability for all model types.

The table below shows the recommended oil type for each series of Honda Lawn Mowers. It will help you to decide the lawn mower oil to choose:

From the table above and the user manual for these models, it can be observed that 10W-30 is the most recommended oil for Honda Lawn Mower.

Mower Oils for Different Temperatures

The type of oil for a lawn mower depends on the weather. What is suitable for warmer weather is different for cold weather. The following chart shows the best choice for each weather condition.

As observed, SAE 10W-30 provides the best performance for almost all weather conditions.

SAE 5W-30 has the best performance for cold weather because the viscosity grade is thinner than 10W-30.

The problem during cold weather is starting. It happens when the oil cannot reach all the engine parts.

SAE 5W-30 can reach the parts of the engine correctly, thus solving the problem of cold starting.

However, this does not mean 10W-30 can’t be used in cold conditions. But SAE 5W-30 is more compatible.

What are the Factors for Choosing Oil?

Choosing the right Honda Lawn Mower Oil Type depends upon different factors.

Factor 1: Engine Type

Typically, lawnmowers have two types of engines: a two-stroke engine and a four-stroke engine. Depending on the engine type, a suitable oil model is selected.

For a four-stroke engine like the ones in Honda, the 10W-30 is a perfect choice. However, for a two-stroke engine, small engine oil is suitable.

What does small engine oil mean? SAE 30. It is a single-grade oil and is perfect for small engines.

Factor 2: Temperature of the Area

Your decision to buy oil should depend on where you live and its weather conditions. Generally, SAE 10W-30 is recommended by manufacturers due to its usability in all weather conditions.

But if you are looking for other options, your decision depends on which one is more compatible with cold or warm weather.

What if You Use the Wrong Oil Type?

A limited type of oil can be used for lawnmowers. But will there be any problem if you use the wrong oil type? Mostly yes.

Different conditions can happen through using the wrong oil type. Following are some of the examples :

SAE 30 instead of SAE 10W-30

SAE 30 is one of the recommended grades by the manufacturers of this lawn mower. There is not much difference between the two apart from their viscosity.

However, SAE 30 is thicker and more compatible with warmer weather. However, 10W-30 is a multigrade oil which makes it slightly more expensive.

SAE 0W-30 instead of SAE 30

You cannot use SAE 0W-30 instead of SAE 30. SAE OW-30 is more compatible with icy conditions. This is because of its lower viscosity and pours point temperature.

SAE 15W-30 instead of SAE 10W-30

You cannot use SAE 15W-30 instead of SAE 10W-30. The critical difference between these two grades of oil is in their viscosity. 15W-30 is thicker than 10W-30.

This makes it more difficult to reach all the parts of the engine. Therefore, SAE 10W-30 is the widely recommended grade for mower use.

Oil Capacity of Honda Mower Oil

Following is the oil capacity of Honda Lawn Mowers based on different models. The approach here is to go through different models and show the oil capacity for each.

1: HRX Series

To learn the tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRX check the given table:

There is a prevalence of both 18.56 and 17 oz in this model.

2: HRS Series

Tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for the HRS series is shown below :

For HRS series, the oil capacity is 17 oz.

3: HRN Series

Tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRN series is given below:

For the HRN series, the oil capacity is 13.50 oz.

4: HRC Series

Below I’ve shown the tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRC series:

For the HRC series, the majority capacity is 21 oz.

5: HR215 Series

In the below table I’ve added the tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HR215 series:

For the HR215 series, the oil capacity is 19.20 oz.

6: HRB Series

Tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRB series is added in the below table:

For the HRB series, half the oil capacity is 19.20 oz and the other half 18.56 oz.

7: HRM Series

Tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRM series is shown below:

For the HRM series, the oil capacity is 19.20 oz.

8: HRR Series

Below, I’ve added a table for tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRM series:

For the HRR series, half the capacity is 18.56 oz and the other half is 17 oz.

9: HRT Series

Below I’ve addressed the tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRT series:

For the HRT series, the oil capacity is 18.56 oz.

10: HRZ Series

Below check the tabular demonstration of the oil capacity for HRZ series.

For the HRZ series, the oil capacity is 18.56 oz.

How Often Should You Change Your Mower Oil?

Honda lawn mower oil change depends on how new or old it is. For a new lawn mower, Honda recommends changing the oil only after 05 hours of initial use. But for older mowers, it is recommended to change the mower oil every 50 hours.

FAQs

Does Capacity Affect the Type of Oil?

No, oil capacity doesn’t affect the type of oil. Honda mower oil capacity is almost consistent throughout its model. Few models have slightly higher power, but the preferred type for all the models is SAE 10W-30.

Can I Use Regular Engine Oil on a Lawn Mower?

Yes, you can use regular oil on a lawn mower but not for more prolonged use. Oils used in regular vehicles depend on weather conditions and engine specifications. But for lawnmowers, this range is quite slim.

Can I use Synthetic Oil on a Lawn Mower?

Yes, you can use synthetic oil for lawnmowers. In fact, long-term use of synthetic oil will not deteriorate the mower’s quality.

Conclusion

Therefore, this article has covered all the Honda Mower Oil types. Hopefully, it has cleared all the questions regarding the categories and their uses.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please recommend what to write next.

Taylor Galla is an American website author, product spokesman, mechanical engineer, automotive enthusiast, and automotive modifier.

Lawn Mower Air Filter Soaked in Oil: Reasons and Solutions

The problems causing lawn mower air filter soaked in oil can include the mower’s positioning, oversaturation, maintenance, or issues with other parts.

In this complete guide, we will delve into each of these issues and provide easy solutions to prevent an oil-soaked lawnmower air filter from happening again, so read on to learn more!

• Why Is the Air Filter In Your Lawn Mower Soaked in Oil?

• – Tilting of Lawn Mower
• – Overfilled Crankcase
• – Blown or Worn-out Head Gasket
• – Mowing on Sloped Land
• – Incorrect Maintenance Procedure (Dirty Filter Cleaning)
• – Oversaturated Air Filter
• – Internal Engine Problem

• – Tilt Your Lawn Mower
• – Always Check the Oil Level
• – Replace the Head Gasket
• – Find Alternatives for Sloped Land
• – Replace Lawn Mower Oil Filter
• – Squeeze Out Extra Oil From the Air Filter
• – Bring Your Mower to Professionals

Why Is the Air Filter In Your Lawn Mower Soaked in Oil?

The air filter in your lawn mower is soaked in oil because it was flipped over on the wrong side, the crankcase is overfilled, the head gasket is blown or worn out, you are mowing on sloped land, or the air filter is oversaturated, among other reasons.

Here are the most probable reasons why the air filter of your lawn mower keeps on getting soaked in oil.

– Tilting of Lawn Mower

One of the most likely reasons why the air filter of a lawn mower can be drenched in oil is that it was flipped over on the wrong side. While turning the lawnmower on its side to do maintenance like adjusting, sharpening, or replacing the blade, there are both proper and improper ways to do it.

Tilting it in the wrong direction risks having an oil-soaked air filter because the oil leaks from the engine and can accumulate over time in the air filter until it is completely soaked.

Even though the location of the air filter depends on the brand and model of the mower, it must always face upwards when you turn the mower on its side. If the air filter is facing downward, then it will most likely catch the gas and oil that leak due to gravity.

However, air filters do become greasy with time, so if the issue is not persistent, your filter probably just needs to be replaced.

– Overfilled Crankcase

The majority of lawnmowers used for residential purposes have small crankcases. Typically, it only needs a fraction of a quart of oil. Therefore, the likelihood of oil flowing out of the crankcase will be significantly higher if it is filled up above the recommended level.

Even though the excess oil will frequently reach the cylinder, it can sometimes find its way into the carburetor and exit through the air filter.

– Blown or Worn-out Head Gasket

If, in addition to an oil-soaked air filter, your lawn mower also won’t start, the most likely cause is that the head gasket is blown or broken, which can result in the spark plug suffering.

This is because, aside from sealing the combustion gases inside the cylinders, one of the functions of the gasket is to help prevent engine oil from leaking into the cylinders, piston rings. carburetor, and other areas.

– Mowing on Sloped Land

Even though it does not frequently happen, it can still be a reason why the air filter of your lawn mower can be soaked up in oil. Mowing on an extremely sloped lawn can cause oil leaks. Because of the angle of the mower’s position, the oil will begin moving out of the crankcase and toward the air filter.

– Incorrect Maintenance Procedure (Dirty Filter Cleaning)

Air filters are typically replaced once every season or after you have used your mower for 25 hours. If you are using a paper air filter, replace it. However, if it is made of foam, you can wash it in hot water with a bit of dish soap and then wring it out.

Before being placed back in the mower, it should be saturated with engine oil and wrung out with a cloth. Although that is contrary to what we are trying to prevent, air filters are really meant to be oily but not clogged, soggy, or dripping with oil.

Sometimes, the carburetors must also be cleaned as a dirty carburetor that is not functioning well can also contribute to the problem of the air filter.

– Oversaturated Air Filter

As previously mentioned, the air filter of a lawn mower is meant to be applied with a little oil because it improves the ability to capture dust particles. However, it loses its effectiveness if you oversaturate it with oil.

In addition, the oil coming out of air filter may also leak into the filter box or the carburetor, thus also reducing efficiency. Worse, the engine might sustain significant damage.

– Internal Engine Problem

If you checked out all six of the probable causes in this list and found them not to be the root of the problem, then the culprit may be the engine itself, especially if your mower is pretty old, which means your air filter can be covered in oil.

This is because the oil that leaks in the wrong direction and reaches the air filter could be caused by a blown head gasket, a broken cylinder, or worn cylinder rings. If this is the case, then you will need the assistance of a specialist to repair the engine.

Also, because repairs can be costly, you should consider whether it is still worth repairing your mower or you would be better off purchasing a new mower.

What Are Some Solutions ?

Some solutions for lawn mower air filter soaked in oil include tilting your lawn mower to the correct side, always checking the oil levels, replacing the head gasket, replacing the filter, squeezing out extra oil from the filter, or bringing the lawn mower in for repairs. You can also try to clean your lawn mower’s air filter before following the solution below.

Now that we have discussed the most common reasons, here are the solutions that you can apply to solve this air filter problem.

– Tilt Your Lawn Mower

Oil spills on the air filter can be avoided by tilting your lawn mower such that the carburetor is facing the high side. There is another way to choose how to place your grass-eating machine if you do not prefer turning your lawnmower on its side or if your particular model cannot be turned. Although it was suggested to turn the mower on the correct side, tilting the handlebars to the ground is also a good alternative.

– Always Check the Oil Level

As advised by manufacturers, it is best to put very little oil on your lawn mower. To prevent overfilling the crankcase, use a dipstick to check the level. Keep adding small amounts until you reach the recommended level. The safe range of oil level should be above the “Add” mark but not beyond the “Full” mark on the dipstick. If oil is coming out from your lawn mower’s exhaust there are some easy-to-follow solutions for you.

– Replace the Head Gasket

The only solution to this is to replace the gasket to stop the oil leakage and prevent a sudden loss of engine power. Bring your lawn mower to a mechanic to diagnose the problem and replace the head gasket for you if you don’t have much experience with mowers.

– Find Alternatives for Sloped Land

If your lawn is situated in an area with extremely sloped land and you are using your lawn mower, you should be very careful and always check to see if there will be oil leaking into your air filter.

It is also best to assess if it is worth using a lawn mower with all the given risks, or if it is time to look for alternative solutions on how to attend to your sloped lawn without using the mower.

– Replace Lawn Mower Oil Filter

The simplest solution is to periodically replace the lawn mower foam air filter oil and air filters. Make sure to maintain it in good condition as well. Leaving it dirty and saturated with oil will cause the oil to leak through the lawn mower, eventually coating other engine parts.

So if the air filter is not always replaced, your lawn mower will eventually break down due to the oil in it. Ideally, air filters should be changed once per season or when they get clogged with dirt or debris.

– Squeeze Out Extra Oil From the Air Filter

If you accidentally pour too much oil onto the foam filter, you can remove it by wrapping the filter in a paper towel and squeezing off the excess oil. Squeeze out the extra oil using a foam air filter or foam pre-filter.

– Bring Your Mower to Professionals

The biggest problem on the list can only be solved by repair. Depending on the severity of the engine problem, it is best to call in professional help to solve it rather than try to do it yourself, especially if you are not that familiar with repairing small engines.

Conclusion

Problems with your lawn mower happen when the air filter soaked in oil. Thankfully, we got that covered here, along with how to fix oil in air filter lawn mower.

Let us recap what we have learned:

• Tilting your lawn mower when doing maintenance and mowing on sloped land will cause oil to leak from the air filter generator.
• A faulty part like a blown or worn-out head gasket can cause more problems like a suffering spark plug. It can also cause the oil to leak into the cylinders and other parts of the mower.
• An overfilled crankcase and oversaturated foam air filter will also cause oil to travel from the air filter housing to other parts of the engine.
• If the mower produces black smoke, then it’s a problem if the lawn mower air filter is soaked in gas. The solution is just to replace the filter.

With the learnings you got from this article, maintaining your lawn will be so much easier as long as your trusty lawnmower is always in good condition.

Proper maintenance for your mower is key to a working machine and a healthier lawn—and it all starts with the right refill. Get to know your lawn mower engine oil options here.

By Amy Lynch and Bob Vila | Updated May 27, 2021 10:13 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Q: I haven’t changed my lawn mower’s oil since last season, so I’m feeling rusty. Remind me: What type of oil can I use in my lawn mower?

A: You’re not alone. In fact, this bit of lawn mower maintenance happens so occasionally that some people forget to replenish lawn mower oil in the first place. It needs replacing after every 20 to 50 hours of operation, depending on your mower’s specifications. If your yard is small, that might mean as few times as once a year! But, while this task is infrequent, it’s also important to change the oil properly—starting with the correct type of oil for lawn mowers—to keep your machine running.

Two types of oil can go into operating lawn mowers, but your mower’s size, type, and capacity might help determine which of these two is the better option. Even the climate you live in can make a difference when the time comes to change or add oil, since each type of oil for lawn mowers has its own recommended temperature range. If you live in a place that frequently heats up to more than 100 degrees, for example, it might be wise to choose an oil made to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Different Kinds of Lawn Mower Engine Oil

According to a survey of consumers conducted by Briggs Stratton, the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, 48 percent of those who buy automotive oil for their mower believe that automotive oil and small engine oil are one and the same.

In fact, lawn mower engine oil (as well as oil for other small engines) might actually be the only type your mower can tolerate. Using motor oil meant for a tractor or car can clog and disable some units completely due to its higher viscosity.

Always check your manufacturer’s specifications first. No owner’s manual handy? If yours has a Briggs Stratton engine, you can use the company’s interactive tool to determine the best oil for your specific lawn mower’s engine based on its make and model, motor type, and local climate. Talk about a shortcut! Otherwise, at a minimum, it’s important to keep a few guidelines in mind.

Lawn Mower Oil Types

Not all oils are equal, and it helps to get to know the subtle differences to determine the best oil for a lawn mower and avoid a costly mistake. In general, there are two main types of oil: motor oil and small-engine oil. Brands vary in their formulas, with some being regular oil, some a mix of regular and synthetic and some fully synthetic. Older oils typically were one weight or grade only, but newer oils have a viscosity rating added.

• SAE 30 is a single-grade, or straight weight, oil with a viscosity rating of 30 and is safe for small, air-cooled engines, typically older models.
• SAE 10W-30 is a multigrade engine oil that can work in cold temperatures, as well as hot, for a fairly balanced temperature range.
• SAE 5W-30 is a multigrade engine oil with a low viscosity to flow better at colder temperatures (than 10W-30), but protect the engine enough in heat.
• Synthetic SAE 5W-30 is a synthetic (artificial) lawn mower oil that works for both cold and warm weather. Synthetic oils tend to be more stable across temperature ranges than conventional oils.
• Vanguard 15W-50 is a brand of fully synthetic engine oil designed for commercial applications that operates at temperatures ranging from 20 to 130 degrees.

Motor Oil SAE Viscosity Grade

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades motor oils by viscosity. Viscosity loosely relates to weight, or thickness, and more accurately as a measure of how the oil flows at specific temperatures. In colder temperatures, thinner single-grade oil performs better in engines.

It gets a little more complicated with multigrade engine oil. Look at the first number, with a W (10W, for example) as a measure of flow in cold temperatures. The W stands for winter (not weight). The lower this number, the less viscosity an oil will have at colder temperatures, and the better it will flow. Too thick when the engine starts, and it won’t flow through and protect those critical engine components.

The higher number that follows (the 30 in 10W 30) refers to viscosity at higher operating temperatures and in hot weather. Multigrade oils typically are designed to flow in a range of temperatures to match conditions. Some oils have additives that also keep viscosity steadier in cold or heat.

How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Lawn Mower Engine

When choosing the right lawn mower oil type for your mower, your best bet is to check the manufacturer recommendations. Also consider the engine type (such as 2-stroke engine), oil viscosity, and average temperatures where you live.

Motor Oil for Four-Stroke Engines

Four-stroke engines tend to power heavy-duty equipment, but are reliable and your best bet for larger lawns. These engines are common in large and/or riding lawn mowers as well as some push mowers. Even so, be sure to check your manufacturer’s manual or website for specific instructions on which grade of motor oil to use, since—much like a car—the engine might be sensitive to certain additives.

Oil and gas are kept separate in a four-stroke engine. Oil with a grade of SAE-30 is often a safe bet, but it’s still worth confirming since a lawn mower is no small investment. You can buy SAE-30 motor oil online (view example on Amazon), at any auto parts store, from most gas stations, and in the automotive section of a hardware store.

How to Change the Oil on a Lawn Mower #pushmower #lawnmower #oilchange #howto

Small Engine Oil for Two-Stroke Engines

This type of engine is most commonly found in smaller and older push mowers, plus other small engines, like on weed trimmers and chainsaws. Its popularity as a preferred lawn mower engine has decreased some over the years as four-stroke units have become more common. Louder and smokier than their four-stroke counterparts, two-stroke motors can keep running no matter how steep an angle you’re trying to tackle (think: hilly or sloped terrains).

Two-stroke engines are lighter and cost less, too. And, since they use the same fill port for both gasoline and small engine oil, two-cycle motors require owners to mix them together in a specific ratio such as 32:1 or 50:1—refer to your operator’s manual for the correct gas-to-oil ratio.

These oils typically have additives to help clear carbon deposit and minimize wear, among other tasks. Find small engine oil online (view example on Amazon) or in the lawn and garden section of any hardware or auto parts store.

Know when to change your lawn mower’s oil.

A brand new mower might need an oil change after the first 5 hours of use; refer to your unit’s manual. Beyond that, small motors might need an oil change every 25 hours of use or thereabout, while larger motors typically can last up to 50 hours before requiring oil replacement.

A handful of factors can increase the frequency of oil changes, including extreme dust and dirt, rough terrain, frequent mowing of wet or muddy grass, and even a hot climate—conditions in which the engine is forced to work harder. If you have a large yard (or if you mow a small yard frequently), use a dipstick or clean cloth to check the lawn mower engine oil level before each use once it’s run beyond 20 hours or so.

Even if the mower hasn’t hit the 20-hour mark at the end of a season, make a point of changing your oil each spring, before your first mow. Avoid overfilling the mower by checking the oil level with a dipstick.

FAQ About Lawn Mower Oil

What kind of oil do you use in a lawn mower?

The oil type depends on the engine type, typical operating temperatures, and especially the recommendations of the lawn mower manufacturer. In general, small-engine oil that is a mix of oil and fuel works in two-stroke engines, and straight oil typically works for four-stroke engines. Factors such as temperature affect which grade to choose.

Can you use regular motor oil in a lawn mower?

Lawn mowers with four-stroke engines might do fine with regular motor oil, but always check the manufacturer documentation to make sure. Some automotive oils are too high in viscosity and meant for larger engines, so don’t assume that more is better. Many deluxe models of push mowers and riding mowers use regular motor oil. Two-stroke engines cannot use motor oil; they need a mix of fuel and oil specially designed for small engines.

What’s the best oil to use in a lawn mower?

The best oil to use in a lawn mower is the one recommended by the manufacturer. Viscosity and whether the oil is synthetic or regular oil can vary based on climate, conditions, and engine type.

Can I use 10W30 instead of SAE 30 in my lawn mower?

No, it is not recommended. Most engines that call for SAE 30 are older models of mowers with engines designed for straight weight oil. These models were designed before multigrade oil became available, so you should not substitute with the multigrade option.

Final Thoughts

Lawn mower oil is essential to keeping your mower running efficiently and effectively, and use of the right oil, plus regular oil changes, can protect the life of the mower’s engine. Take the time to find out the best oil for your lawn mower based on the mower’s model and recommendations of the manufacturer. Also consider operating conditions, viscosity, and type of engine.

A little prep avoids irreversible damage caused by forcing the wrong oil through your lawn mower’s engine.