How to Change the Oil in a Murray Lawn Mower

Why Oil Changes Matter for Your Murray Mower

Regular oil changes keep your Murray lawn mower running smoothly. Fresh oil helps the engine stay cool and protects moving parts from wear. Skipping oil changes can shorten your mower's life and lead to costly repairs down the road.

Over time, oil breaks down from heat and use. Dirty oil can't protect your engine as well, which means more friction between parts and faster wear. By changing your oil on a regular schedule, you're investing in your mower's longevity and performance. A well-maintained mower starts easier, runs quieter, and cuts more evenly.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these items:

• New oil (check your mower's manual for the right type and amount)
• An oil drain pan
• A wrench or socket set
• An oil filter wrench (if your model has a filter)
• A new oil filter (if your model has one)
• Rags or paper towels
• A funnel
• Work gloves (optional but helpful)
• A dipstick or oil level gauge

Having everything ready before you begin makes the job go faster and smoother. You won't have to stop halfway through to look for a tool. Most of these items are inexpensive and worth keeping in your garage or shed for future maintenance.

Prepare Your Mower

Start by running your mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Warm oil flows more easily and drains faster than cold oil. Then turn off the engine and let it cool for about five minutes—you want it warm, not hot, to avoid burns.

Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. This is an important safety step that prevents accidental starting while you work. Even a small bump could start a cold engine, which could be dangerous. Tilt or turn your mower on its side to reach the drain plug. Check your manual to see which way is safe for your model, as some mowers can be damaged if tilted the wrong direction.

Drain the Old Oil

Place your drain pan under the drain plug. Use a wrench to loosen the plug, then unscrew it by hand. Let the old oil drain completely into the pan. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and let gravity do the work. The oil will be warm, so be careful not to splash it on yourself.

Wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. Check the rubber washer or gasket on the plug. If it looks cracked, worn, or flattened, replace it with a new one. A bad washer can cause leaks after you reinstall the plug. Some drain plugs have a magnetic tip that collects metal particles from engine wear. Wipe this clean too—it's a sign your engine is working normally.

Replace the Oil Filter (If Your Model Has One)

Some Murray mowers have an oil filter, while others don't. Check your manual to see if yours does. If it does, locate the filter, which is usually a cylindrical canister on the side of the engine. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen it by turning counterclockwise. Unscrew it by hand and let any remaining oil drain into your pan.

Before installing the new filter, apply a thin layer of new oil around the rubber seal at the top of the filter. This helps create a good seal and makes it easier to remove next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the rubber seal touches the engine, then turn it another three-quarters of a turn. Don't use a wrench to tighten it—hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the filter or the engine.

Install the Drain Plug and Add New Oil

Screw the drain plug back in by hand, then tighten it with a wrench. Don't over-tighten—you could strip the threads and cause leaks or damage. Tighten it firmly, but not with all your strength. If you have a new washer, make sure it's seated properly before tightening.

Place a funnel in the oil fill opening on top of the engine. Pour in the amount of new oil listed in your manual. Add a little less than the full amount, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level. Add more oil if needed until it reaches the full mark. Don't overfill—too much oil can damage the engine.

Finish Up and Check Your Work

Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug. Make sure it's seated firmly. Run the engine for about 30 seconds and watch for leaks around the drain plug and filter. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the oil level again and top off if needed.

Dispose of old oil properly. Many auto parts stores, recycling centers, and service stations take used oil for free. Never pour used oil down a drain or into the ground—it harms the environment. Store used oil in a sealed container until you can drop it off.

Key Takeaways

• Warm up your mower before draining oil to help it flow faster
• Always disconnect the spark plug wire before working on your mower
• Use the oil type and amount specified in your Murray manual
• Don't over-tighten the drain plug or oil filter
• Check your oil level after running the engine to make sure it's at the full mark
• Dispose of old oil at a proper recycling center or auto parts store

How Often Should You Change Oil?

Check your Murray manual for the recommended schedule. Most lawn mowers need an oil change every 50 to 100 hours of use, or at least once a year before the mowing season starts. If you use your mower frequently during the summer, you may need more than one oil change per season.

Keep track of your mower's hours of use by noting the dates you mow. Some newer mowers have hour meters that show how many hours the engine has run. If you're not sure when your last oil change was, it's better to do one now than to risk engine damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil should I use in my Murray lawn mower?

Always check your Murray owner's manual for the correct oil type and viscosity. Most small lawn mower engines use SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 oil. The manual will also tell you how much oil your specific model needs. Using the wrong oil can affect engine performance and may void your warranty.

Can I change the oil without warming up the mower first?

You can, but warming up the mower first makes the job easier. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely, so you remove more of the old oil. Cold oil is thicker and drains slowly. However, let the oil cool for a few minutes after running the engine so you don't burn yourself.

What should I do if oil is leaking after I reinstall the drain plug?

Turn off the engine immediately and let it cool. Check that the drain plug is tight and that the washer is in good condition. If the washer looks damaged, replace it. If the plug is tight and the washer is new, the threads may be stripped. In that case, you may need to take your mower to a repair shop to have the drain plug hole repaired.

How do I know if my Murray mower has an oil filter?

Check your owner's manual—it will show you exactly where the filter is located or tell you if your model doesn't have one. You can also look at the engine. If there's a cylindrical canister on the side of the engine, it's likely an oil filter. Not all lawn mower models have filters, so don't assume yours does.