Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): How to change engine oil on my snowblower, oil drain plug, how to change engine oil

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I bought a single stage snow thrower last winter (2007 November) from Menards. It is a Yardman yellow and green machine with model number 31AS2B5-801. I need to take out the used engine oil and re-fill fresh oil. First of all, I am not able to locate the oil drain cap so I can empty the used oil. If you could tell me where it is located, how to open it, and if any tool is required, I would appreciate that.
The second issue is about refilling fresh oil. I can see where the engine oil cap is located. But when I open it, the engine oil storage seems at a much lower height - which means if I try to pour from above it might spill all over and inside. How exactly should I our fresh oil into it.
I appreciate your help. Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Aniruddha:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. The Breakdown for the Snow Thrower Does Not Include the Engine Model. There are Several Different Engine Models Used on these Snow Thowers. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Thanks.

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello John,
The engine model number is Tecumseh LH195SP.
Thanks,
Aniruddha

ANSWER: Hello Again Aniruddha:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers (LH195SP). Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. The Oil Drain Plug is #72 in the Breakdown. It is Located on the Base of the Engine and is a 1/2" Pipe Plug. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello John,
Thanks a lot for your advice and sorry for the delay in giving you the updates. I was able to view the diagram of the engine using the link you provided. It was very similar to the diagram in  the owner's manual I have for the engine. The location of the oil drain outlet seems correct. But instead of a 1/2" pipe plug, I just have a square-shaped nut in that position that is so tightly attached to the machine that I was unable to turn it even with a wrench. Ultimately I ended up using the primitive method of turning the snowblower upside down, holding a container under the oil fill cap, then taking out the cap (and the dipstick) to let the used oil drip out into the container. It helped that the machine is quite lightweight although it has a 5.5 HP engine. I then put the machine back into the normal position and poured the new oil in (the difficulty I mentioned in the second para of my original mail was due to the fact that the oil tube had come out along with the dipstick that time - but I was able to take out just the cap and the dipstick this time leaving the oil tube inside.)
This may not be how it is supposed to be done, but this workaround worked for me, and I was able to use the snowblower during the snowy last week. However, I am very thankful for your nice advice. Now I have the confidence and mental peace that if there are issues with the machine in the futre, I can get some really good advice from a very knowledgeable expert like you.
Wish you and your family very happy Christmas and New Year.
Aniruddha

Answer
Hi Aniruddha:

Thanks for the Update. Some Questioners Are Not Able to Update me for 5 to 6 Weeks, but that is Good. I Just Like Knowing I have Helped Correct their Problem and Hopefully Saved them some Time and Money. Sometimes I have to Slightly Heat the Area Around the Drain Plug to Get them to Loosen for Removal. I am Glad you Got the Oil Changed and the Snow Thrower Operating Properly. Thanks for the Good Words and for Using All Experts. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Happy Holidays. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John