Murray

Steps to Better Engine Maintenance

For optimum performance, you should change the oil in your small engine at least once per season, or every 25 hours of use.

4 SIMPLE STEPS

• Step 1: Getting Started

  Start the engine and run it until it is warm. Stop the engine.

  WARNING: Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire, and secure it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

  Clean around the oil fill and drain plug area to prevent dirt and debris from falling into the crankcase.

  With engine OFF but still warm remove the dipstick, if equipped.

• Step 2: Draining the Old Oil

  

  Tilt the mower deck with the air filter or spark plug side up, and position some newspaper and an oil pan or jug beneath the mower.

  Use a socket wrench and extension (no socket) to turn the plug counter at the bottom of the deck counter clockwise (see photo at left “Drain Plug”), allowing the old oil to drain from the bottom of the mower.

  If the plug also serves as a fill cap (normally yellow or white in color), it may have two prongs so you can loosen it by hand or with a screwdriver or hex key for additional torque.

  After all of the old oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it with a box wrench or adjustable wrench.

• Step 3: Engines with Oil Filter

  

  If your engine does not have an oil filter, skip this step. If your engine has an oil filter, replace it at least once per season. For information on where you find the oil filter on your engine, please consult your operator's manual.

  Replace the oil filter by twisting counterclockwise on the body, using a filter wrench or pipe wrench.

  Examine the sealing surface on the oil filter adapter for debris or gasket material. Clean if necessary.

  Lightly oil the filter gasket with clean engine oil. Install a new filter, screwing in by hand until the gasket contacts the filter adapter (see photo at left “Oil Filter”). Tighten the filter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn.

• Step 4: Fill with New Oil

  Pour in the correct amount and approved type of oil for your engine, based on your engine operator's manual. If you have two oil fill plugs (normally yellow or white in color) on each side of the engine, either one can be used to fill the engine with oil to the correct level. Please DO NOT fill the engine with oil without using the correct measuring device as illustrated in your engine operator’s manual.

  Dispose of the oil and soiled rags in accordance with local statutes.