What kind of oil do you put in a Honda lawn mower?
10W-30Motor oil for Honda lawn mowers Honda recommends 10W-30 API SJ or later.
Can I use 10W30 oil in my lawn mower?
Lawn Mower Oil Types 10W30 is a common motor oil grade suitable for many lawn mowers. Your owner’s manual will tell you the exact grade required, but in almost all cases 10W30 is the right stuff for a four-stroke engines. Any brand of oil that’s suitable for cars or trucks will work fine in your mower.
Running Cold If your mower manual calls for a 5W-30 engine oil, using a 10W-30 oil is also acceptable. The only difference between the two oils is the low temperature point, with the 5W-30 functioning slightly better than the 10W-30.
Can you put 5 W 30 oil in a lawn mower?
Can I Use SAE 5w30 in My Lawn Mower? Yes, you can use SAE 5w30 in your lawn mower, but should you? My advice would be to avoid using 5w30 in your lawn mower unless you’re going to be dealing with some pretty cold conditions.
Can I use synthetic oil in my Honda engine? Honda engines are developed, tested and certified with petroleum based motor oils as a lubricant. Synthetic oils may be used; however, any motor oil used in our engines must meet all oil requirements as stated in the owner’s manual.
Is it OK to put car oil in a lawn mower?
You can use some types of car oil in a lawn mower, particularly if you have one of the more recent four-stroke engine lawn mowers. A four-stroke mower engine can generally run on SAE 30 or 10W-30 oil, but if you have a two-stroke lawn mower engine, you must use unique oil.
If you have an older mower that has a two-stroke engine, you have to use special oil for it. If you have one of the newer four-stroke engines, you can use some of the better types of car oil in your mower. Generally, SAE-30 or 10W-30 oil can be used in a four-stroke mower engine.
What type of oil does a small Honda engine use?
Honda Mower Oil Capacity The Honda mower capacity for oil across all the most recent models in the HRX, HRN, HRR, and HRS series is 13.5 ounces. The HRC commercial series has an engine oil capacity of 21 ounces.
When choosing lawn mower oil, use a high-quality detergent oil classified as “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher. Do not use special additives. Synthetic oils are an acceptable oil at all temperatures. The use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil change intervals.
Can you put too much oil in a lawn mower?
Too much oil in your lawn mower may cause the engine to not run well and cause damaging results. Too much oil can cause your engine to overheat which can result in seal damage, blown gaskets or becoming hydrolocked.
For existing push mowers, like shown in the video below, its recommended to change and replace the oil at least once a season or for every 50 hours of run time. For existing riding mowers, it is recommended to change and replace the oil at least once a season, or for every 100 hours of run time.
Is synthetic oil OK for lawn mower?
Yes, you can use synthetic oil in your lawn mower. It generally lasts longer than mineral oil, so you do not have to change it as often.
10w30 is thinner than SAE 30. The “30” means that it has the same viscosity as the other when the engine is hot. However, since it is thinner, it will never become as thick as SAE 30 when it gets cold. 10w30 has a viscosity of 10w which means it will start moving and protecting engine parts at a colder temperature.
Honda lawn mower engine oil
(1)
(1)
(4)
(1)
(3)
How Much Oil Does a Lawn Mower Take? Helpful list
The correct amount of engine oil in a mower is important; too little or too much can be fatal, and both will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
So how much oil does a lawnmower take? Most walk-behind mower engines like Briggs and Stratton will take from empty approximately.65 us quarts (.6lt); Honda walk-behind mowers will take a little less.58 us quarts (.55lts).
If your mower is a tractor mower, check out (internal link) “Can I use 10W30 in my mower?”.
This post should have you covered. If you need video help, check out “Checking mower engine oil video” and “Mower engine tune-up video”. The videos walk you through the process of checking, topping up, and changing your mower engine oil.
What Oil Type?
Oil type recommendations will vary between makes, and you should, of course, use the oil type specified. While your mower may be branded Cub Cadet, Toro, etc., it may well be fitted with a Honda, Briggs Stratton, Kohler, or some other engine make.
The engine maker will be marked on the cover. Mostly, oil type is dependent upon outside temperatures, as this changes the viscosity (resistance to flow) of oil. Modern engines will use a multi-grade such as 10W30 and older engines SAE30.
Single Grade Oil
Single-weight oil such as SAE30 has a good working range (40 to 100 deg F) and is fine for older engines. I prefer to use multi-grade oils, they offer greater protection from temperature swings, and modern engines are designed to use them. If you’re using any four-stroke engine in colder temperatures, you will need multi-grade oil.
Multi Grade Oil
Multi-grade is best for modern engines. This oil was developed to help better protect engines within a larger temperature swing range before their development. Car owners would have to change their oil to a lighter grade oil for winter use—Multigrade, so-called as they are blended oils.
Take, for example, the grade 10W30. The 10W part relates to the grade of winter oil in the blend, and the 30 part relates to the protection offered at hotter temperatures. The resistance to flow rate is tested and graded at 0 degrees F and at 212 degrees F.
If you need lawnmower engine oil check out the Amazon link below.
Synthetic Oil
Part synthetic and full synthetic oils will offer the very best protection. However, they are expensive. Another great advantage to modern blended oils – the detergent component in the oil actually cleans and breaks down combustion-related contaminates inside the engine.
These contaminants turn into a black sludge, aka Black death, which loves to eat away at the metal and clog up vital oil passages. Use only quality oils. Otherwise, you may void your warranty. Look for the seal of API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles).
Dipsticks
The style of dipsticks varies. However, they all operate on the same idea of an upper mark and a lower mark. These marks can be holes, lines, hatched areas, etc. When the oil level is between these two marks, it’s okay, but aim to have it at the upper mark. If your oil level is high and your engine is smoky, you need to check out “Leaking gas from air filter”.
Adding Oil
If you need to add oil, add in small amounts and allow it to settle before rechecking. If you’ve too much oil, drain some off and recheck. Too much oil will cause the mower to blow white smoke.
Removing Oil
Remember to disable your mower and turn the fuel off before turning your mower over to remove oil. A much better option to drain the oil is to use an oil/gas siphon. It’s a real time saver, it’s clean, and it’s easy. Just drain the oil out through the dipstick tube.
Checking Engine Oil Level Adding Oil
1 Level – The mower should be cold and on level ground. If your mower has already been running, just allow the oil to settle for five minutes before checking.
2 Locate – Locate the dipstick. Usually, they are positioned on the side of the engine. The dipstick itself will be marked with an oil symbol or can be brightly colored.
3 Dipstick – Dipsticks come in different styles, but all do the same job. A lower mark (L) and an upper mark (F). When the oil level is in the hatched area, it’s OK. But aim to have it at the F mark.
4 Low Oil – This oil level is way too low. It’s below the low oil level mark indicated here by the lower hole.
5 Add Oil – Add oil in small amounts, and this will prevent overfilling. Let the oil settle before checking.
6 Oil Ok – This is the correct level for oil. Check the oil with every refueling.
7 Too Full – Too much oil here; it’s way above the top hole (Full mark). This can damage the engine and cause oil leaks and white smoke. If the oil level is very full, it will stall the engine. We’ll need to remove some.
Why Check The Oil?
Because the correct quantity and quality of the oil are critically important to the life of the engine, some mowers are fitted with a safety switch that won’t allow the mower to start if the oil level is low. It’s a fantastic idea; lots of otherwise good engines are lost due to a lack of oil.
Unfortunately, not all mowers have this feature, so it’s important to check your oil regularly; an easy way to remember…. check the oil every time you fill the gas tank. An incorrect oil level can damage your engine beyond economic repair. An oil level that’s too low causes excessive heat, friction, and premature wear or complete seizure of the engine.
An oil level that’s too high can:
Lawnmower engines that don’t have an oil filter generally don’t have an oil pump. This means they employ the splash method of lubrication. An overfull oil level can be especially harmful to these engines.
When to Change The Oil?
Change your oil once per season or every 50 hours of operation. Oil needs to be changed as it gets contaminated and diluted by fuel and other deposits associated with combustion and metal friction. If neglected, this oil turns into a diluted sludge which offers little protection to the engine.
Changing the oil is an easy job. Only basic tools are required. Some of the latest generation Briggs and Stratton engines won’t need an oil change ever; they’re designed to run clean. Mmmm…. I think I’d change the oil; old habits die hard. Check out “Lawn mower tune-up”.
Related Questions
Can you put too much oil in a lawnmower? Too much oil in a lawnmower engine can cause white smoke, and oil leaks, and in some cases, the engine won’t start. The fix is simple, drain out the excess oil.
Can you use car oil in a lawnmower? Car engine oil types such as 5w30 or 10w30 are OK to use in lawn mower engines.
Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.
I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.
Oregon Lawn Mower Engine Maintenance Kit for Honda HRX and HRR Series Engines, Easy DIY Set Includes 1L Oil, Premium Fuel Stabilizer, Spark Plug and Air Filter (01-102)
This product is only available through retailers or servicing dealers.
Oregon Engine Maintenance Kits provide everything you need for a seasonal tune-up in a grab-and-go solution so you can get back into the yard sooner. Kits are made up of premium parts that deliver consistent performance you can rely on.
Product Details
Need Help? Contact Customer Service at 800-223-5168 or email us at oregon.support@oregontool.com
Type of Oil for Lawn Mower Engine
A lawn mower is an essential tool for your lawn to keep it healthy and look beautiful in shape.
That’s why proper maintenance is needed for the mower you use on your lawn from time to time. And when it comes to a durable, smooth engine, the type of oil you use for your mower really matters.
It is important to refill the engine after every 20 to 50 hours of operation based on the mower’s specifications.
In order to keep your machine running, you need to understand the lawn mower engine oil type and capacity that is required.
Basically, equipment type, engine, and the outside temperature are the key factors here.
What Motor Oil to Use in My Lawn Mower?
Based on certain temperatures, various oil types will work best. If you are confused about what type of oil you need for your lawn mower, then you have to understand temperature scales first.
The first common rule is, make sure you use high-quality detergent oil, which is categorized as SF, SG, SH, SJ, or higher than that.
And the smaller the engine is, the warmer it gets regarding its temperature. For this kind of engine, SAE 30 oil type is the best option.
If you have to deal with cold weather while using your lawn mower, then SAE 10W-30 oil type might suit your choice. Also, this type is helpful for cold-weather starting, but it may enhance oil consumption. SAE 5W-30 is an oil type for almost freezing cold temperatures.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an oil type for continuous usage for commercial purposes, then Vanguard, 15W-50, can be your pick.
Not to mention, but Synthetic SAE 5W-30 provides the best protection in all temperature ranges. The synthetic oil type also provides great starting as well as offers less oil consumption. You can use 5W30 or 10W30 synthetic oil in all ranges of temperature.
It doesn’t stop you from performing regular maintenance tasks of your lawn mower as well as the engine break-in steps remain the same.
Troubles from Having an Oil leak in a Lawn Mower
Honda 663020 21 in. GCV170 Engine Smart Drive Variable Speed 3-in-1 Self Propelled Lawn Mower with Auto Choke
Honda 664100 GCV200 Versamow System 4-in-1 21 in. Walk Behind Mower with Clip Director and MicroCut Twin Blades
often than ever, we seem to overlook the stroke of sheer bad luck that oil leaks bring with it. Don’t forget to take a quick look into such troublesome occurrences before hopping into the next section!
Sourcing the Oil Leak
The first and foremost requirement to saving yourself from a fire mishap is to locate and repair the oil leakage source. But before you get into the trickier part, you need to do the basics.
Hence, let’s continue and look into two of the best ways for the task.
The Traditional Way
Firstly, scrub the engine block with a soft cloth and if needed, a clean toothbrush, to get rid of any residual debris and oil. Once this has been settled, turn the engine on and let it run for a while. Lastly, switch it off and look for any traces of oil drops and leaks.
UV Leak Detector Kit
Another not-so-conventional way is to get your hands on this fine device, which is a UV leak detector kit. It comes with an array of items such as a UV light source, a pair of glasses, a dye injector as well as a fluorescent dye to do the main job of detection.
Simply follow the instructions provided on the user manual of the kit and you’ll be done in a jiffy!
Bottom Leakage?
Now, leaks can stem from a variety of points, be it the base of the engine, near the bottom of the deck, or the crankcase breather, you just name it.
However, the most common of them all is when the oil starts to seep out through the oil tank and floods the engine base or the deck. To confirm whether the oil leak sources from the bottom of your Honda lawn mower, use the above methods in a careful manner and check for any signs of holes at the bottom.
Given that the suspicions are right, you know it’s high time to get it repaired or replaced.
Why Honda Lawn Mower is Leaking Oil from Bottom
Lower Bearing
The ring seal on the lower bearing, also known by an oil seal, helps in fastening the crankshaft and causes the blade of your lawn mower to spin heftily.
Whenever this ring seal is in tatters, oil will directly seep into your engine. And once this happens, your carburetor will fail to efficiently induce combustion due to lack of fuel and eventually cause gas to leak out and damage your Honda mower.
However, one thing to keep in mind is to always keep in check whether the carburetor is tilted upwards, otherwise the gas leak is inevitable.
In case you’re suspecting the lower bearing ring seal to be the underlying cause of oil leakage, simply examine the engine in the “traditional” way to look out for leaks and repair it immediately.
For the best scrutinization, keep eyes on the seals right after you have switched on the lawn mower as the oil’s viscosity reduces while cooling down and offers poorer examining.
Upper Bearing
Given that you notice oil deposition on the deck on your Honda lawn mower, the significant reason behind it may be the upper bearing’s ring seal being damaged or broken.
Your next question might be, “But where is this seal so I can locate the leak easily?” Well, you can simply find this upper bearing ring seal on the meeting point of the crankshaft plunging into the crankcase breather.
Due to the continuous rotation of the crankshaft, this seal seems to wear off with time. Nevertheless, poor conditions such as extreme dirt and debris accumulated in the engine can cause them to deteriorate much faster.
For better inspection of oil leaks, be certain to take off the engine shroud and starter initially and then move on to the flywheel with the proper tools needed. Likewise, move on to the repair or replace work and you’ll be good to go.
Valve Gasket
A specifically important part on a Honda lawn mower or any other in general is the head or valve gasket. For common knowledge, the seal on this valve gasket aids in air-tightening the connection between the valve cover and its chamber.
And once this seal gets worn out with days passing by or even more sadly, has blown off, oil will leak off heavily. The end result? Your mower will power down and start to function poorly, especially on bumps and hills.
Hence, if and when this happens, make sure to follow the above guidelines to check for oil buildup or leaks and get it replaced right away!
Repair or Replace
Herein comes the vital part of our discussion. Should we repair the oil leaks on our Honda lawn mower or do we replace the parts without a second thought?
To be frank, this entirely depends upon the circumstances. Nonetheless, our best advice for such situations is to get them replaced, if not impossible to do so at the moment. The reason behind this is quite simple- safety always comes first! After all saving a life should be counted as more than saving a few bucks anyway.
Hence, unless it’s really necessary, don’t even bother to go through the repair techniques that we’re about to put forth and get the parts replacement immediately.
Repairing the Gasket
This part is pretty straightforward. Just remove the bolts from the gasket cover and use a scraper to take off every bit of oil buildup as well as the worn out gasket. Then install a new one carefully without harming the engine. Be certain to follow the owner’s manual to repair in accordance to the torque specs established by the manufacturer.
Repairing the Seals
To get the seals repaired, firstly locate the exact seal which keeps seeping out all oil.
For the upper seal, simply remove the motor shroud, crank rotator and flywheel respectively and take off the seal.
Even so, the lower bearing seal repair will require you to remove the engine beforehand. Be sure to drain the engine of oil, unfasten all the cables as well as take off the mower blade and deck cover prior to unbolting the engine.
Once taken care of, use a seal remover tool or a screwdriver to detach the seal from either the upper bearing or the lower bearing. Then install a new one by simply pressing it firmly and reassembling the rest of the parts into place.
Pro-tip: Avoid under- or over-tightening the fasteners to prevent possible oil leaks in the future.
Maintaining a beautiful lawn can be a daunting task, especially if you lack the appropriate know-how and tools to handle the challenges that may crop up. Fortunately, LawnAsk is here to offer you an all-encompassing resource that covers everything you need to know about lawn care.