For most Troy-Bilt lawn mowers, the oil drain plug is located at the bottom of the Mower, right beneath the blades. While in some lawnmowers, the drain plug can be located on the side. To change the oil, you are required to drain the old oil first.
For draining, you can open up the drain plug and collect old oil in the oil pan.
That’s the TL;DR version. Let’s dive into it to find the rest.
Here’s what we cover:
What Is an Engine Oil Drain Plug?
An engine oil drain plug acts as a stopper for oil drainage from the engine oil sump. An oil sump in the oil pan is present at the bottom of the engine. If you open up this plug, you can drain out all the oil in the oil pan. Typically during an oil change, the oil drain plug is opened to let all the old oil out of the engine.
Where Is the Oil Plug Located in Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower?
The oil plug in Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower is located underneath the mower. If you tilt your lawn mower to the side (keeping the spark plug on the upper side), you will be able to see the plug beneath the blades.
However, in some models of Troy-Bilt, the oil plug is located on the right side of the engine. As you can see, the side plug has an oil drain hose (S) and oil drain port (U) along with a protective cap(W).
The plug is available in different shapes. On Troy-Bilt, the plug comes in a 3/8-inch ratchet head.
If you want to collect oil in the catch basin, you would have to tilt the lawn mower. This is the case if the drain plug is located at the bottom.
How To Check Oil Level in Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower?
As you would have noticed in a car’s engine, the Troy-Bilt lawnmowers also have a dipstick to check the engine oil level. The dipstick fits perfectly into the fill spout. It is a metal strip attached to the cover cap.
If you look at the metallic strip, you’ll see two marks of “full” and “add more”. Sometimes, the marks are just two dots engraved on the strip.
To attain the ideal level of oil, make sure it is in between the two marks, leaning more towards the “full” side.
You should check the engine oil levels before every use. This is a precautionary step to ensure the safe operation of your lawn mower.
- Remove the filler plug/dipstick.
- Wipe the dipstick with a clean cotton rag.
- Insert the dipstick back and tighten it up.
- Remove the filler plug/dipstick.
- Check the oil level by observing the marks on the dipstick.
You should change the engine oil every 50hrs or once a year, whichever comes first.
How To Change the Oil in Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower?
Changing engine oil on your own can be very easy. Follow this step-by-step easy guide to go through your oil change
Step 1: Preparing Your Lawn Mower for an Oil Change
Park the lawn mower on a concrete-level surface. Start and keep running for 3 to 4 minutes. (This will warm up the oil for smooth flow and good drainage)
Position the lawn mower depending on the position of the drain plug. If your drain plug is on the side, you can start draining in the verticle position. If the drain plug is underneath, you will have to tilt the mower by placing one wheel on some support. While tilting, keep the spark plug upwards.
Step 2: Place the Oil Pan Under the Drain Plug
The oil drain plug on the side of the engine comes with a drain hose. You can place the end of the hose in the oil pan.
If the drain plug is at the bottom, you can place an oil pan under the drain plug while the mower is tilted.
Step 3: Remove the Drain Plug
Remove the drain plug on the end of the extension tube. This can usually be removed by hand, but you can also use an adjustable wrench. Old oil will start to flow into the oil pan
In the case of the bottom drain plug, use a socket wrench or socket ratchet to open the drain plug. remove the drain plug and let the used oil drain.
Step 4: Remove the Dipstick
While the oil is draining, remove the dipstick to let the air in. this will prevent vacuum formation in the engine block.
Step 5: Change the Oil Filter
- When the oil is finished draining, remove the oil filter.
- Clean the surface of the filter port of the engine.
- Lubricate the new filter gasket with new oil.
- Hand-fix the new oil filter on a clean surface.
Step 6: Reinstall the Drain Plug
After the oil is drained, close the drain plug. Fix the plug by hand at first. Use a ratchet to tighten the plug further.
Step 7: Add New Oil to the Engine
Using funnel Keif, add new oil to the engine. use recommended oil as per your engine specifications.
Add 1 -1/2 quarts of new oil in the first go.
Step 8: Check the Oil Level Again
Insert the dipstick again and check the oil level again. Add more until the dipstick reads full.
Dispose of old oil by taking it to your local council recycling center or any certified collection center
Final Thoughts: Drain Plug Location in Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower
You can change the oil of your mower on your own if you follow the above-stated steps and take precautions. Before starting, you must ensure proper tools and appropriate space is available. Know the location of your drain plug and change the oil regularly for the good health of your engines.
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