Toro Lawnmower Oil Change - DIY Video

[@fleetwin1]

God forbid manufacturers design a mower than can have its oil changed easily without taking half the thing apart or spilling the oil over everything!

[@tedschmitt178]

What’s wrong with tipping the mower on its side, or using an evaluator? And you DO realize that the engines and mowers are designed by two different companies?

[@fleetwin1]

@@tedschmitt178 Yep, Briggs and Toro...Very popular manufacturers that should be in sync....Looks like that lower belt cover is in the way of the crankcase oil drain. Tipping the mower on its side usually makes a mess under those plastic covers, and no, don't have an "evacuator". Pulling the drain plug is the best way to let the engine drain completely. In this case, I blame Toro for not designing the lower belt cover to be easily removed without pulling off the blade and hub....

[@legostar55]

@@fleetwin1 Whenever I change the oil in my mower I put it up on sawhorses. That way I can remove the drain plug in a similar way to that of a car

[@rq5647]

We have become a replaceable society. Toro did research and found consumers expect to replace their mower every 3 years…that’s why everything isn’t serviceable anymore. It’s cheaper to produce and meets consumers expectations. Time to hit the yard with my 30 year old mower!

[@tiffanyhouze1886]

No joke 😅

[@jeffw8746]

Always enjoy your videos. Instructive without the need for use of foul language! Keep up the good work!

[@shawnkiesel5349]

That's the cleanest oil I've ever seen come out of mower...

[@trishthebodeau4745]

First timer watched the video and I successfully did the oil change

[@OpenYourEyes7479]

Thanks for the instructions on draining the oil. I think that I'll stop by our local home improvement store to see if they have an inexpensive oil evacuator.

[@aflores7y]

Thank you for sharing. That was, by far, one of the best "how to" videos I've seen. I might actually be successful in changing the oil on my mower.

[@donyboy73]

+aflores7y you're welcome

[@mariabrenny]

So succinct and to the point. I especially like that the close-ups are in focus!!!

[@donyboy73]

thanks!

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Those mighty vac evacuators are nice. Had mine for a few years.

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Thanks for the video. I still own my Toro Engine Reel mower. Though it has a production date of 1969 it still runs great.

[@liveandletlive2894]

Wow!

[@Myannual1]

A great no nonsense video that covers the topic extremely well! Thanks

[@salinsarin1]

very nice and thank you for explaining both hte methods as i dont have the vacuum machine.. the tilt option is perfect and suits a typical homeowner.. please do make other videos of full service of a lawn mower when you have to store after the summer usage. also things required to do before the next season use following the winter storage.

[@garyford1381]

I always tip the mower back and place a weight on the handle bar to keep it up in the air. Gives easy access to the underside.

[@JohnAlbinus]

Boom! Changed the oil on my Toro - it's running excellent now! Thanks a ton!!

[@tomdiethrich2371]

Excellent, to the point and clear, VERY helpful!

[@87GP400]

Thanks Don ! Every time I watch one of your videos, I always learn something !

[@barrytanenbaum4157]

Nice video! We do learn from these videos, no matter how much we already know. Thanks! Barry in Pa.

[@zlatkovujevic7348]

I see its very hot in Canada too. Today its 32 degrees C. Best regards from Croatia.

[@Whammytap]

Thanks for the info! Got my mom's Toro running like new again for under $20!

[@calebcapson811]

One of the better youtube tutorials

[@bigviper64]

You’re the BEST Danny! I LOVE your tutorials...

[@norcoauctions]

you are the best for sharing like you do. super friendly and helpful. thanks a bunch

[@donyboy73]

bobby redondo thank you sir!

[@ellobo761]

Thanks for the tip Don!👍

[@MrEddieGwatz]

According to the Toro site it illustrates just tipping mower to the side and draining oil from the fill cap, (same place to add oil) I have the second mower model in this video. The service manual doesn’t mention removing the drain plug. However I did try tipping mine to side like service manual said and it did fairly well job but I still removed drain plug very little came out. FYI: if you have the second mower in video like I do it only takes 18 ounces oil and they do sell bottles with that capacity.

[@99carnot]

The evacuator is very cool. I have used the tip-drain-spill method, but the evacuator is much better! Thanks!!

[@patrickcordery1635]

Hello I have the older style toroe and I love it . A friend gave it to me the pullie broke on it so I went to the local mower shop and got a new one its been running grate every time I use it

[@arciefan]

When you flipped the first mower, can't tell for sure, but what is that round looking thing, just to the upper right of the clutch cover. Looks like a easy access drain plug to me. Can't imagine them not having one that is easy to get to , but then again I trust your expertise.

[@wildbill23c]

Looks like an engine mounting bolt, too far forward on the engine to be a drain plug.

[@SilverFox-1212]

Donyboy, if there ever is a 4th way it would be on my lawnmower. My recycler toro was made in 2014 so it was between your two models. It has the belt guard like your second model had but the top section around the oil cap on your first looks like mine. The difference between my model and the second model is that B&S changed the bolt that holds the belt guard from a short bolt to a self tapping one that goes through the engine hold down block. I chose to drain the oil the way I always have, through the oil plug.......I managed to break the head off the guard bolt. So I had to drill a hole through the broken bolt large enough to get a 1/4” bolt 1 1/4” long with a locking nut and washer to reattach the guard.....Ended up changing the oil the first way you demonstrated...who would have thunk??? Good video.

[@acesmoka]

I have the Toro smart store mower and I had gas in my oil reservoir so I just tipped it over oil side down and poured all out and replaced it worked fine I didn't have any gas in the mower at the time put more gas in after replacing the oil and it started first pull

[@bluesdawg8014]

good information and a well done video. My Toro has done me well : ) 6.5 hp recycler

[@briangallant5973]

Great video! Very detailed! Thanks!

[@johnbattisfore4740]

Thanks for posting this video. It was very helpful and exactly what I needed!

[@jonathanbosco8458]

Thank you, your efforts are greatly appreciated to teach us.

[@daveyskuzzlejones274]

I have a toro recycler 22” 7.25/190cc. Has a place where it looks like there should be a drip plug but doesn’t looks like it comes apart

[@johnlynde2]

You can buy that oil suction tool at any Harbor freight store

[@bhavadasaacbsp3274]

Just what I needed! Gave it a thumbs-up and subscribed.

[@johnclarke6647]

Don, I have had good luck with Pennzoil Platinum 10W-30 motor oil. I use it in all of my 4 cycle equipment. Some say engines consume more 10W-30 above 80 degrees, but I have not found this to be the case. I have run my 4.5kw generator for a straight 24 hours and the oil level did not change one bit. I used it in my Honda HRR-216 for 4 years in pretty rough service and I only seldom had to add a little oil to it. At least no more than I would have to add if it was a straight 30W. I do break in my engines with convential oil but switch over to synthetic oil, asap. I generally replace their oil after around 3 to 4 hours of operation and use the same oil they were originally filled with. At around 10 hours, I replace that oil with synthetic. This gets all the break-in particles out of the engine and is enough time for the rings to seat. I also change my oil at around 25 hours and use the same Pennzoil synthetic oil. I have tried 5W30 but this oil does not hold its oil level like 10W-30.

[@concrete981]

why do some engines read when you check the oil, either screw the dipstick all the way in or just rest it on top. I have a toro recycler with the Tecumseh 6.75, engine model LV195EA. year 2004. deck model 20031. does it really matter.

[@donyboy73]

yes it matters

[@ryanadamtexas]

🙏🙏have the old one and buying the newer one, thank you🙏

[@metallicsonorlars]

Can you use 10w 30 instead of sae 30 in the newer model?

[@donyboy73]

yes

[@Treviso100]

Any reason I shouldn’t just tip it over to drain the oil out?

[@Vultain]

You end up with more of a complete drain for contaminants. So for those looking to keep their engine running as long as possible this is the only way to get rid of the most oil and contaminants in the engine possible. Your engine will run cleaner as a result and have a longer lifespan.

[@BrucesShop]

Nice job. Do you the evacuator for most of your oil changes??? Less work and mess? Bruce

[@thomasnappo6309]

Good job😊😊

[@ristomattikolsi5711]

Hi donyboy73. Can you tell me, why one can use only two stroke outboard motor oil in two stroke out boards, and not just any two stroke oils, like those used in motor cycles, chain saws and other stuff?

[@stubronson8718]

I have a mower like the newer one. Do any of these size mowers ever have oil filters?

[@rpavlik1]

Neat to get a close look at one of those personal pace machines. I assume the pulley underneath is for the drive, but still pretty complicated looking.

[@southernsalvageonyoutube951]

There all pretty straight forward though

[@wildbill23c]

Yes, the pulley is to operate the transmission. They seem to work pretty well.

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

I love mine, makes mowing so much easier, especially on hills. My only complaint is the height adjustment - it's very awkward/stiff to adjust (each wheel as to be adjusted separately).

[@rpavlik1]

@@soapsoilandsunshine3241 are there ones where you don't have to adjust each wheel separately? My little 20 inch push mower, now relegated to mowing places I can't fit my lawn tractor, has separate adjustments on each wheel too

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

@@rpavlik1 I’m not sure. I’m more inclined to fix what I have rather than look at buying a new one. Temptation gets too strong lol. I’ll have a quick check.

[@joezurawski6034]

What would happen if you put oil plus gas in oil spot? The container was labeled oil but had both in it.

[@Paiadakine]

I have a toro that will start on the 2 or 3 rd pull every time. I have never changed the oil, plug or anything. Just add gas and go. It’s 19 yrs old now. I use it about 20 mins once a week.

[@freddiejohnson3936]

so the Toro model number 20332 doesn't have a drain plug under the lawnmower or it's hitting by the lawnmower frame, because i like changing the oil from the oil plug because it's more easy to flush out the old oil

[@benhall7158]

I was thanking maybe it needs to be adjusted the reason I believe that is the carb was on a 12hp but now its on an 8 hp and I didn't adjust it yet im new to this but im trying to get into it maybe the adjustments are different for a 8 hp than a 12 but im not sure do you think so maybe that is it

[@JRobert111111]

My mower is from 1997 (Yard Man, rear drive, casters on front, I love it) (Briggs engine) and it still performs wonderfully. The manual states 30 weight oil, and that use of a multi-viscosity oil can cause premature engine wear. I had my mower serviced and they used 10-30 and said it wouldn't harm it. I'd love to hear your opinion on this. Thank you!

[@Vultain]

10W30 Synthetic such as Amsoil Small Engine won't harm it but it does burn in warmer weather above 80. It's a synthetic and does an extremely good job of keeping your engine cool. I wouldn't advise using oil designed for a car engine whatever you do. But you will need to keep a closer eye on your dipstick. The advantage of 10W30 is the mower starts in colder temps below 40 degrees. Great oil for those of us in the North, not so great in the south! My recommendation for a Briggs would be 10W40 for the summer months and I generally change to 5W30 synthetic here in the last week of September as the last mow of winter(October-November) is just slightly above freezing. 10W30 is an amazing year around oil from 0F to 100F and offers excellent protection. SAE 30 was the best option when Dyno oil was what was available. Personally I run Royal Purple SAE 30 in my older Briggs 190CC. While I use 10W30 Amsoil Small Engine in my Honda GCV160. Overall I notice the Amsoil stays cleaner longer but I haven't seen an issue with either one of them. The most important thing is to change the oil itself in a timely manner. Not always what you use. Fuel always seems to contaminate the oil if you use it too long in these small engines. The main thing is to keep the engine cool, minimize wear, and keep it clean. Either of those oils would be excellent. Oil is cheap! Older Briggs Flat Head Engines are priceless! Edited(Probably a useless reply given your comment was from 7 years ago) 🤦‍♂️😅

[@chrisgraham887]

what model was that second mower? I think that is the one that I have but when I bought it used, all the stickers had been removed so I have no idea what it is. I think it's the 20066?

[@matthew393]

Is there an o-ring or seal that has to be used with the oil drain plug. I have oil leaking from the plug. Maybe the plug needs to be tighter?

[@donyboy73]

no o-ring or seal, maybe not tight enough

[@brianeastman3547]

keep up the good work Donny

[@donyboy73]

thanks brian

[@benhall7158]

donyboy I have a mower it don't want to run and it surges but I cleaned the carb what do you think the issue could be

[@donyboy73]

Ben Hall might be a bad carb

[@Tommyr]

Another great video Don! Thanks!

[@joey13722]

How would you get all the oil on top of the mower it would flow better at the bottom of the mower and you would get it all

[@wildbill23c]

Honda mowers for example decided that changing oil isn't needed I guess because they don't have drain plugs on their engines. Dumbest thing I've ever seen. Sucking the oil out of the engine from the top doesn't get all the gunk out of the bottom of the engine the way that draining it out the bottom does.

[@danieljoye2486]

3/8 extension didn't work for me it was too small any suggestions

[@stuntmanization]

I have a friends Toro lawn mower that needed a new ignition module and primer bulb. It was running and then there was some smoke coming out of the exhaust and wouldn't start again. A week later I was trying to start it again and it does not run and there is smoke coming out still, it smells like oil. If the oil level is good what can I check to see what the problem is ?

[@gunsndrums1]

hey don i have a need for advice. my kawi motor on my exmark mower keeps surging. It has done this twice in the past month and i have cleaned the carb both times and it runs fine. after a few mows it gets dirt in the jet again and starts surging and running lean. what could be causing this? I clean the air filter after every mow because it gets dirty quickly. I also replaced the gaskets from the airbox to the carb and from the carb to the intake manifold.

[@rdmccun]

i have the newer model, the pull start broke. alot comes off to change it. Would make for a nice video

[@derpherpp]

I got this similAr mower and it won't start. I use fresh fuel too

[@trankali7166]

Local Walmart ran out of sae30 I bought some regular 10w30 car oil .. would that be ok?

[@lukemartin7029]

Great video. Thanks Don.

[@59chevt]

Donny nice instructive vid as always. thanks tom

[@ryanchilcote]

Easy enough, thanks!

[@missmeyon]

Should you drain the gas 1st before you drain the oil?

[@donyboy73]

you can if you think it's going to spill

[@amused2deth]

I have a Toro with the Techumseh motor and I really hate it. It's 7 years old and after 2 years I have to replace the gaskets. Do you have a video on how to do that? What make them go out so fast?

[@wildbill23c]

The newer Techumseh engines weren't very good. My 40+ year old Troy Bilt Roto-Tiller with the Tecumseh HH60 engine is still going strong.

[@RussMN]

Great video. Thank you very much!

[@dagrote]

Does anyone know if there's a kind of safe dye you can put into new oil so that the level is easier to read on the dipstick? New oil is practically transparent, I find it hard to see on of the stick, particularly when I'm working outside. Thanks!

[@t436]

Dale Grote only oil I know with it is royal purple. They dye the oil purple.

[@davidjoe8455]

Excellent. Thank You !!!

[@MrNeisonpromise]

What brand oil do we buy for this lawn movers? I need to top up

[@donyboy73]

10w30

[@MrNeisonpromise]

donyboy73 thanks man

[@stoneyt444]

curious why not use the evacuater on both ?

[@andrewcash3855]

Stonewalled126_WCO ! I’m pretty sure he was demonstrating both methods because most don’t have an extractor and so he only used it where he needed to.

[@darrenottley7500]

Great video! Thanks for posting

[@yeaheddyman]

Hey @donyboy73 would like to say thank-you for sharing such informative videos, & just out of curiosity what are the forfeits for not changing the oil regularly enough? Kind regards. Btw your a credit to humanity, wish you all the best from England.

[@donyboy73]

your engine will wear out much quicker without regular oil changes

[@classic287]

Your videos are great, thanks.....

[@gonzgarr1592]

nice job with good tips thanks

[@Rarrin9378]

such an easy thing to do yet nobody thinks it's important on every one of these I've worked on

[@wildbill23c]

Nope, people either hire someone to mow their lawn, or they buy a new lawnmower quite often LOL. Simple maintenance on a lawnmower can make them last for many years...usually I wear the decks out to the point the wheels fall off, but the engines are still good. I now have a Toro FWD 22" Recycler that was given to me because it wouldn't start, I didn't have time to mess with it so I took it to a shop, they charged $60 to sharpen the blade, change the oil, new air filter, new spark plug, and to clean out the carburetor. It runs fine, but if it dies or you shut it off after it has ran for several minutes good luck getting it started again. This is my first self propelled mower, and right now I'm still not really sure I like it. I mostly use it to mow around the edge of everything, and around the trees and bushes before I jump on the riding mower. Maybe if I was mowing my yard with the walk behind and didn't have a bunch of stuff to mow around the self propel would be fine, but when you have to stop and backup, turn around, etc, the self propel really makes the mower hard to pull backwards...and they're all that way, dumbest design ever....if that self propel feature breaks they're hard to push too.

[@jascospeed]

I have the same toro that's over 10 years old I never changed the oil ..just added when low once . Never had a problem. Starts first pull. I'll change it completely this weekend, I think she more then derseves it .

[@hippa2dahoppa2]

eh, screw that plug. im a risk taker, im tipping it! lol

[@weatherlye71]

I DID THE SAME THING! Now I need to know how clean it actually needs to be before replacing the oil.

[@chasingshangrila]

Me too😂

[@hippa2dahoppa2]

@@chasingshangrila lmao

[@chasingshangrila]

@@hippa2dahoppa2it’s so much easier 😂😂

[@hippa2dahoppa2]

@@chasingshangrila this reminds me i havent changed my oil in 5 yrs actually lol. should prob do that

[@jamesmullins3219]

another good video...thanks

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

Thanks so much for this video. I changed the oil yesterday and it worked a treat. I've ordered a new spark plug as existing one was covered in carbon. The oil plug in my Toro self propelled was in a slightly different spot to yours so I didn't have to undo anything to access it (Australian version circa. 2010). Just wondering if you know why if sometimes sounds like it's nearly out of fuel (engine dies as if it's going to stop then it starts up again). Could this be a fuel issue? This comes and goes.

[@Vultain]

The carb sounds like it could use cleaning. One of the jets maybe clogged.

[@bobhaddock957]

where do I get the evacuator ?

[@donyboy73]

check amazon.com

[@SOLDOZER]

Just tip it over. Its easier and you don't have to have another tool in the garage just to do a lawn mower oil change.

[@petefroud5308]

Hi Dony Do you have have a mower tacho you could , could recommend, for a a briggs engine Regards Pete

[@longskinahad3357]

Tnk u so much... god bless

[@johnkinnane547]

G'day Donny I was just wondering weather you know anything about a mower called "Proscape" with a Kawasaki engine, the one I have seen is self propelled and. Is a fairly large lawn mower regards John

[@TheAmtrack69]

Well done!

[@tonydeleo7697]

Hi there, Do you use SAE 30 in all mowers? Many owners manuals spec 10/30. Thanks Tony

[@ElectoneGuy]

Tony De Leo Use what your manual specifies.

[@praecantrix]

that extractor is a neat tool. i'm going to have to get me one of those. what model do you have/where did you get it?

[@zlatkovujevic7348]

This is for commercial use but can buy small one (cheaper) for hobby use one liter capacity.

[@LLStacheLarry]

Ya my drain plug is under now I know how to do it the right way I just changed it and put way to much in. I guess I'll drain it this way and put not so much in.

[@del787b]

Thanks Man appreciate it !i got the new model

[@robertneville2022]

Easy just tip and drain 😁

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

I have never drained the oil via the drain plug on any push mower. I always tip it sideways and drain through the fill spout. I also use SAE30. But I have often wondered about 5w30 and 10w30. I understand that these oils may be too thin when cold, but I also assume that these mowers rarely run cold since they are used in the summer and are only air cooler. Snow blowers are obviously a different story since they are run in the freezing cold.

[@neilyaremchuk6798]

Lawnmowers are in in dire need of a basic redesign for changing oil.

[@donyboy73]

they do it because it cheapens the manufacturing process

[@cornfedninja]

thank you

[@mikeatv]

nice job..!

[@Godfather44055]

I thought ur supposed to use 4 cycle oil

[@patriciabetancur7910]

THANK YOU, IT IS A GOOD VIDEO

[@geojor]

thanks for this vid...

[@paulkersey2424]

Not a single video on oil filter?

[@edwardmedina1236]

Yeah - Mowers don't have Oil Filters. You do have an Air Filter - Which is on the Outside and easy to remove They also have a Spark Plug.

[@73superglide62]

u had a oil thing beside your bench that doesnt work no more SIR

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Why screw around with a hard to reach drain plug when it's so much easier to just tip the mower and drain out of the oil spout on top!