Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): changing oil, oil drain plug, crankcase breather

Question
Dear Mr. Bridgers,

Thank you for all the great help you have given me in regards to the carburetor.

My question is about changing oil.

I can't  get to the oil drain plug on this engine (the engine is a Briggs and Stranton:  model 12H802,  type 2349,  code B200032758) as it is directly over  the pump housing.  

Is it OK to turn the engine over and drain the oil out of the dipstick opening?  I sure hope it is,  because I already did this to drain the oil.  Do you think I ruined the engine?  Is there a better way to get the oil out besides my trying to drill a hole in the pump housing in order to get access to the drain plug on the engine.

My pressure washer is a Campbell Hausfeld  model 205020.   (The number PW205020LE is printed on the unit).

Thank you for your help.  

Sincerely,

Rich

Answer
Hello Rich:

You are Very Welcome for Any Assistance I am Able to Give. Thank you for Using All Experts. Now, lol, I Do Not Suggest Turning the Engine Over to Drain the Oil. You May have Filled the Crankcase Breather with Oil. When you Restart the Engine, IF it Smokes and Then Clears Up you are OK. If it Does Not Smoke at All then Great. If it Continues to Smoke, then Remove the Breather and Clean the Oil Out of it. You can Use the Carburetor Cleaner for this or Kerosene will Work Also. Be Careful, Please. Kerosene is Not as Flammable as Gas is but it is Still a Fuel and Burns. Is there Enough Room to Insert a 90 Degree Elbow (Galvanized Pipe will work) and Direct a Drain to a Location you can Easily Access? You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 12H802-2349. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hi Rich:

I Just Read your Post and had the Time to Respond. Thanks for the Ratings and the Comments. Anytime you Require Assitance, Do Not Hesitate to E-Mail me here at All Experts. I am Always Glad to Assist. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John