I'm a young guy, and not a mechanical type. Pardon my lack of knowledge on this one.
The instructions for the engines on the lawnmower and the snowthrower both obviously say to change the oil either at the end of the in-season, or just before in-season use. And to change it every however many operating hours during in-season use. It also, though, says to change the oil every three months.
It's easier for me to do all maintenance at the end of the in-season so the machine's set to go for the next year -- thus I change the oil then.
My question is: Do I have to /again/ change it right before in-season use? (e.g., I changed the blower oil in March; do I have to again change it now, even though the machine hasn't been used -- though it has been three months?)
And how does this differ/compare with respect to car engines? I obviously change the car oil the earlier of either the mileage on the sticker or the 3-month date listed, regardless of mileage -- even if I haven't driven it much.
Thanks.
2007-11-17 11:33:40 · 9 answers · asked by Me 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Change your oil after the end of the season, in the fall for your lawnmower, and in the spring for your snowblower. The oil gets acidic after use and you don't want to leave it in the machine for any long length of time. No need to change your oil if you haven't run the motor.
2007-11-17 15:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by Bobo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your oil changes as you do them now for the yard machines is just fine. Car oil changes, I always go by the mileage, whether it has been 6 months or six days and most of my cars last 250,000 miles so I must be on to something :-) or very lucky.. You could be wasting money changing at 3 months instead of the mileage. Next time you have the oil in your car changed, check your oil level, just to see what "new" oil looks like. Then at three months check it again and compare. That should give you a good idea if it needs changed or not. By the way you should check your car's oil more often than three months...just wanted to clear that up.
2007-11-17 13:59:21 · answer #2 · answered by Michael C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time you only need to change oil in smaller engines based on how many hours they operate. The manual usually tells you how often this needs to be done. I do what the other guy stated. I change mine out at the end of season...that way it's ready to go at the start of the next season...whether it mowing or blowing.
2007-11-17 11:46:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't change it just because its been three months if you didn't use them. However if you did use them, it would be wise to change the oil before you put them up for the season, the oil can become acidic and damage the engine.
2007-11-17 11:42:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No need to change the oil if the engine has not been operated. I change mine at the end of the season so any sludge will not settle and harden over the period of non-use.
2007-11-17 11:43:32 · answer #5 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Change oil at end of season and ignore the three month schedule.
2007-11-17 16:26:37 · answer #6 · answered by luther 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go ahead and change them,,a few dollars in oil is cheaper than a new engine,,you dont know if condensation or what may be in there,,if the oil comes out looking ok,save it for touching up the crankcase when useing the equiptment or run it in your chain saw bar
2007-11-17 12:50:15 · answer #7 · answered by roodog01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change oil in snowblower in fall.
Change oil in lawnmower in spring.
gas should be almost empty or add a stabilizer prior to storage.
Periodically (or once a year) check plugs, air filters & blade sharpening.
2007-11-17 12:19:38 · answer #8 · answered by Carole Q 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no,once a year is plenty but you might consider draining the gas out of them for storage or adding stabil to the fuel to keep it from turning.
2007-11-17 23:48:03 · answer #9 · answered by willie s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋