How to Change Snapper Oil

The oil should be changed after the first five hours of use and then annually thereafter unless the mower is used excessively. The oil change should be performed while the engine is warm--not hot--from use.

Push Mower

1. Turn the engine off. The engine needs to be turned off, but still warm from use.

2. Disconnect the spark plug wire by grasping the wire cap and pulling it with gentle firmness to remove the cap off the end of the spark plug. Tuck the spark plug wire aside so it does not come into contact with the end of the spark plug.

3. Tip the lawn mower up on two wheels just far enough to gain access to the underside of the deck. Position the drain pan under the bottom of the engine, then remove the oil drain plug from the bottom of the motor near the drive shaft with an Allen wrench, a crescent wrench, a hex wrench or a ratchet handle depending on the drain plug style installed in your Snapper mower.

4. Lower the mower onto the drain pan so the mower is sitting level. Allow the oil to completely drain from the engine.

5. Tip the lawn mower up on two wheels just far enough to gain access to the underside of the deck. Re-install the oil drain plug, then tighten it. Wipe oil from around the plug with a shop rag. Remove the drain pan, then set the mower on all four wheels on a level surface.

6. Wipe around the oil filler cap to remove dirt and foreign material, then grasp the filler cap and unscrew it.

7. Pour about half a quart of oil into the oil filler tube. Wipe the dipstick on the oil filler cap, then install the cap. Remove the cap and check the dipstick for the oil level. Add more oil if the oil level shown on the dipstick is too low. Add the oil sparingly and recheck with the dipstick until the oil is full.

8. Install the oil filler cap and hand tighten it. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Riding Mower

1. Turn the engine off. The engine needs to be turned off, but still warm from use.

2. Place wooden blocks under the front wheels of the mower to lift the front end.

3. Wipe the oil filler cap with a shop rag, then remove the cap.

4. Position the drain pan under the oil drain plug on the rear of the engine, then open or remove the drain plug depending on the style of drain plug in your mower's engine. (Remove the square bolt style plug with a crescent wrench. Rotate counterclockwise, then pull out to open the captive style drain plug.)

5. Allow the oil to completely drain from the engine.

6. Reinstall the drain plug. (Reinstall the square bolt style plug with a crescent wrench. Push in, then rotate clockwise to close the captive style drain plug.) Wipe away any spilled oil with a shop rag.

7. Remove the blocks from under the front wheels. Set the mower on a level surface.

8. Consult your engine's operator manual for the oil capacity. Add the specified amount of oil to the engine through the oil filler tube. Wipe the dipstick on the oil filler cap, then install the cap. Remove the cap and check the dipstick for the oil level. Add more oil if the oil level shown on the dipstick is too low. Add the oil sparingly and recheck with the dipstick until the oil is full.

9. Install the oil filler cap and hand tighten it.