How to Change the Oil in a Murray Riding Mower

Why Regular Oil Changes Matter

Oil keeps your Murray riding mower's engine running smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and gets dirty from heat and friction. When oil degrades, it can't protect your engine as well, which leads to wear and tear. Changing the oil regularly helps your mower last longer, run more reliably, and perform better throughout the mowing season. Think of an oil change as preventive maintenance—it's much cheaper than fixing engine damage later.

Fresh oil also helps your engine stay cooler and run more efficiently. Dirty oil thickens and doesn't flow as well through the engine, making your mower work harder. By following a regular oil change schedule, you're investing in the long-term health of your equipment and keeping it in good working condition for years to come.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these items to make the job easier and safer:

• 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 applicable)
• Rags or paper towels
• A funnel
• Safety glasses (optional but recommended)
• Work gloves

Having everything ready before you start means you won't need to stop halfway through to look for a tool. Most of these items are inexpensive and worth keeping in your garage or shed. If you don't have an oil filter wrench, you can sometimes use a rag for extra grip, though a proper wrench works much better.

Prepare Your Mower

Start by running your mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Warm oil drains better than cold oil because it flows more easily. However, don't let it get too hot—you want it warm, not scorching. After running it briefly, turn off the engine and let it cool for just a few minutes. This gives you enough time to set up your workspace without risking burns from hot oil.

Park your mower on flat, level ground in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the engine is completely off and cool to the touch before you begin any work. Never attempt an oil change while the engine is running or immediately after it's been shut off. If you're working in a garage, open the doors or windows to let fumes escape. Double-check that the mower is in park (if it has a transmission) and that the blades are disengaged.

Drain the Old Oil

Locate the oil drain plug underneath the engine. It's usually a bolt on the bottom or side of the engine block. Position your drain pan directly underneath the plug to catch the old oil. Use your wrench to loosen the plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough to grip, carefully unscrew it by hand and set it aside. Let the old oil drain completely into the pan—this may take several minutes. The oil will drain faster at first and then slow to a drip.

While you're waiting for the oil to drain, take a moment to inspect the drain plug. Look for any damage or wear. Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and screw it back in by hand first. Then use your wrench to tighten it, but be careful not to over-tighten. A snug fit is all you need—over-tightening can strip the threads or crack the plug.

Change the Oil Filter (If Your Mower Has One)

Not all Murray riding mowers have an oil filter, so check your manual first. If yours does have one, locate it on the side of the engine. It's a cylindrical canister that's usually easy to spot. Use an oil filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it comes loose. Once it's loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Be careful—there may still be some old oil inside the filter, and it can spill or drip.

Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag to remove any dirt or old oil residue. Take your new oil filter and apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This helps create a good seal. Screw the new filter on by hand until the rubber gasket just touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Don't use the wrench for installation—hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening a filter can damage it and make it hard to remove next time.

Add New Oil

Place your funnel in the oil filler cap opening on top of the engine. Remove the cap and set it aside in a clean spot. Slowly pour the new oil into the funnel. Don't rush this step—pouring too fast can cause splashing. Check your mower's manual for the exact amount of oil your model needs. Different Murray models have different capacities, so this is important.

Pour a little oil at a time, then stop and check the oil level with the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to get an accurate reading. Continue adding oil in small amounts until you reach the full mark on the dipstick. Replace the oil filler cap when you're done, making sure it's tight enough to prevent leaks.

Check Your Work

Start your mower and let it run for about one minute at idle speed. This circulates the new oil through the engine and helps it settle. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan. Then check the oil level again with the dipstick using the same method as before. Add more oil if needed to reach the full mark.

Dispose of the old oil properly—never pour it down a drain or into the ground. Many auto parts stores, recycling centers, and service stations take used oil for free. Some places even offer small incentives for bringing in used oil. Store your old oil in a sealed container until you can take it to a disposal location.

How Often to Change Oil

Check your Murray mower's manual for the recommended oil change schedule specific to your model. Most riding 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 to change the oil more often.

Keep a simple log of when you change the oil and how many hours your mower has run. This helps you stay on schedule and remember when the next change is due. Regular maintenance like this keeps your mower running well and helps prevent costly repairs down the road.

Key Takeaways

• Changing your Murray mower's oil regularly keeps the engine healthy and extends the life of your equipment.
• Warm oil drains better than cold oil, so run your mower briefly before draining.
• Always work on flat ground and let the engine cool before starting.
• Use the correct type and amount of oil as specified in your mower's manual.
• Replace the oil filter if your model has one, and don't over-tighten it.
• Check the oil level after running the engine to ensure it's at the full mark.
• Dispose of old oil properly at a recycling center or auto parts store.
• Follow your manual's recommended schedule, typically every 50 to 100 hours of use or once yearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The correct oil type depends on your specific Murray model and your climate. Check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity (usually something like SAE 10W-30 or SAE 5W-30). The manual will also tell you whether to use conventional or synthetic oil. Using the wrong oil type can affect engine performance and longevity, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

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

Not all Murray riding mowers have an oil filter. Check your owner's manual to see if your model includes one. If your mower does have a filter, it's typically located on the side of the engine and looks like a cylindrical canister. If you're unsure, look at the engine carefully or contact a Murray dealer with your model number.

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

While you technically can, warming up the engine first makes the job easier. Cold oil is thicker and drains more slowly, which means the process takes longer. Warming the oil for just a few minutes makes it flow better. However, don't let the engine get too hot—you want it warm enough to drain well, but cool enough that you won't burn yourself when handling the drain plug.

What should I do with the old oil after I drain it?

Never pour used oil down a drain, into the ground, or in the trash. Used oil is recyclable and harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Take your old oil to a local auto parts store, recycling center, or service station that accepts used oil. Most places take it for free, and some even offer small discounts or rewards for bringing it in.

How tight should I make the oil drain plug?

The drain plug should be snug enough to prevent leaks, but not over-tightened. Tighten it firmly with your wrench until it stops, then give it just a small additional turn. Over-tightening can strip the threads on the plug or crack it, which causes bigger problems later. If you're unsure, err on the side of slightly looser rather than too tight.