Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): change oil, oil drain plug, engine case

Question
I don't know much about mowers.I have a brigg and staton 4.5 push mower how do I change the oil.

Answer
Before performing any mower service always remove the spark plug for safety purposes...you do not want the mower to start while you are working on it.

There is an oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine case.  You can remove the drain plug to drain the oil.  If you use this method make sure you do not tip the mower on it's side to access the bottom of the engine.  If you need to tilt the mower, make sure the spark plug hole faces up, toward the ceiling/sky.

Many manufactures sell tools that can suck the oil out of the oil fill location.  However, an extra tool may not be worth buying if you only use it once a year.

Another option is to have a friend help you tip the mower on it's side or upside down to drain the oil by removing the oil fill cap and draining out of the oil fill port.  I've never used this method because it takes two people plus gasoline will leak out as well unless the fuel system is drained before you change the oil.

I'd recommend just removing the oil drain plug.  You may have to remove some grass/dirt to see the drain plug but all engines have one.

There are severl You Tube videos describing/showing how to change mower oil.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric