Lawn mower oil: which type and how much
Most push mower engines take about 15 oz of SAE 30 or 10W-30. Check the dipstick rather than pouring in a full bottle, because some old oil always stays in the engine.
Step by step
Change the oil
Safety Pull the wire off the spark plug before you touch the blade or reach under the deck. Wait for the blade to stop completely first.
| 01 | Warm the engine for a few minutes, stop it, and pull the plug wire. | |
| 02 | Drain from the fill tube: Briggs engines tip air filter side up, Honda GCV170 muffler side down, Honda GCV160 and GCV190 toward the oil filler neck. | Run the fuel tank low first. |
| 03 | Set the mower level. Add about three quarters of the capacity, wait a few minutes, and check the dipstick. | |
| 04 | Top up a little at a time to the full mark. | Too much oil causes smoking and can damage the engine. |
| 05 | Recycle the old oil at a service station or recycling center. |
Oil by engine
Open the engine or model page for the full parts list.
| Engine | Oil | Capacity | Change interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briggs 500E / 550E (09P) | SAE 30 or 10W-30 | 15 oz (0.44 L) | First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or yearly |
| Briggs 625EXi (093J) | SAE 30 or 10W-30 | 15 oz (0.44 L) | Just Check & Add: top up only |
| Briggs 725EXi (104M) | SAE 30 or 10W-30 | 15 oz (0.44 L) | Just Check & Add: top up only |
| Honda GCV160 | SAE 10W-30, API SJ+ | 0.35–0.41 L refill | First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or 6 months |
| Honda GCV170 | SAE 10W-30, API SJ+ | 0.40 L (13.5 oz) | First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or 6 months |
| Honda GCV190 | SAE 10W-30, API SJ+ | 0.35–0.41 L refill | First 5 hours, then every 50 hours or 6 months |
Engine not listed?
Send us the model number and we will look at adding it.