Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower oil drain plug location

If you own any motor vehicle including a lawn mower, you probably heard about the 10W-30 or the 10W-40 which specify the engine oil weight and grade in the alpha-numeric code. These motor oil can both be used for lawn mowers and vehicles because they contain the right viscosity that can adapt to different climate conditions. But what do these values and letters stand for?

craftsman lawn mower engine oilIn the 10W-30 oil grade, the “W” stands for winter. This means this oil grade can be used in a freezing environment. On the other hand, the 10 stands for the viscosity of the oil and the smaller the number, the better the oil can flow. 

For example, a 5W-30 can flow better under a cold climate than the 10W-30 engine oil. For the value 30, this will tell us how the oil can flow at normal operating temperature. To put it simply, the 10W-30 engine oil has a 10 level viscosity, can be used for cold weather conditions and can also maintain its normal flow even at a regular temperature. So if you want to know how to change oil in Craftsman lawn mower, you must also know the type of oil you must use.  

For the warmer climate, the SAE 30 is more perfect as it can withstand temperatures of  40° F (5° C) and even higher. If you noticed, there’s no W, which indicates winter use. But just the same, if the temperature in your area drops, better to use the SAE 10W-30 because it can withstand 0 to 100° F (-18 to 38° C). So if you’ll be asking why not use this oil both for warmer and cold temperatures? Well, using this oil in a warmer climate will eventually increase oil consumption by your engine once the temperature reaches 80° F (27° C) and higher.

If you already know how to change oil in a Craftsman lawn mower, we also suggest trying the synthetic SAE 5W-30 oil because this can protect your Craftsman regardless of the weather and it can also improve starting while oil consumption becomes lesser. 

Now you know how to change oil in Craftsman lawn mower, don’t forget that you must only use the right Craftsman lawn mower engine oil like the ones we discussed above. If you happen to use engine oil that does not meet the right lawn mower oil weight for your machine, your engine may still start but the damage to your engine will be slow and irreparable in the long run. How could this happen? 

It’s because without meeting the right oil viscosity, for example using an oil grade for warm climate while winter may bog down your machine. The same thing happens when you use oil for winter during summer can make your machine overheat.    

Changing the oil in your Craftsman lawnmower is an important maintenance step in ensuring that your push mower or riding lawnmower functions properly. An oil change may seem like a job better suited for a mechanic; however, it is a simple task that can be accomplished in your backyard. It's a good idea to change your mower's oil once per mowing season or after every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first.

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How to Change the Oil in a Craftsman Push Mower

Step 1: Warm the Motor

Before beginning the oil change, run the lawnmower for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This will help the oil drain more easily when you begin the draining process. After a few minutes, turn the mower off and remove the key (if your mower has one) to make sure there is no potential danger. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Let the engine cool so it is just warm and safe to touch.

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Step 2: Turn the Mower on Its Side

Turn the mower on its side. Locate the oil plug, which should be situated on the inside of the mower deck. If the model you have does not have an oil plug, then you will drain the oil from the oil fill tube instead.

Step 3: Drain the Oil

Place an oil pan under the mower. Remove the oil plug by turning it counterclockwise with a socket wrench. Remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube to prevent suction and ensure the oil flows well. Tilt the mower so the oil flows into the pan, adjusting the angle as needed to remove as much oil as possible. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it with the wrench. Turn the mower upright and replace the dipstick.

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If your mower does not have a drain plug, start with the mower upright (on its wheels). Remove the dipstick and tip the mower sideways so the oil flows out of the fill tube and into the oil pan. Set the mower upright and replace the dipstick.

Step 4: Refill With New Oil

Add new oil through the oil fill tube. Craftsman lawnmowers typically need SAE-30 or SAE 10W-30 oil. A push mower typically holds between 18 to 20 ounces of oil. Begin filling the oil until you have reached somewhat less than the suggested amount, as there still might be oil in the system. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more oil if necessary. Do not overfill the oil, which can lead to excessive smoking and can damage the engine. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

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How to Change the Oil in a Craftsman Riding Mower

An oil change in a Craftsman riding mower requires replacement oil, an oil drain tube, a new oil filter, and a strap wrench.

Step 1: Warm the Engine

Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil so it flows better; then turn off the mower. Once the engine has cooled off a bit, remove the key and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the spark plug wire.

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Step 2: Remove the Right Dash Cover

Remove the fastener from the right dash cover; then slide the cover up to release the tabs and remove the cover to expose the oil drain valve cap.

Step 3: Attach the Drain Tube to the Oil Valve

Remove the cap on the top of the oil valve and attach the oil drain tube on the end of the valve. Put the drain pan underneath; then push in and twist the drain valve counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull on the drain valve to open it and start the draining process. Remove the oil dipstick to prevent suction and ensure the oil flows freely.

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Step 4: Drain the Oil and Close the Valve

Once all the oil has been drained, push the drain valve in to close it and turn it clockwise to lock it; then remove the oil drain tube and replace the drain valve cap.

Step 5: Change the Oil Filter

On the left side of the mower, remove the dash cover, exposing the oil filter. Slide the oil drain pan under the filter to catch dripping oil from the filter. Use the strap wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise. Remove the old filter and clean up any oil that may have landed on the mower frame. Apply a thin film of fresh oil to the gasket on the new filter (to prevent the filter from sticking in the future). Install the new filter, twisting it clockwise until is it snug; then turn it 1/4 turn more. Remove the oil drain pan. Reinstall both dash covers.

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Step 6: Add New Oil and Check the Level

Add new oil (typically SAE 10W-30) in small increments, checking the fill level with the dipstick, until the oil is at the upper fill level. Do not overfill the oil. Reconnect the spark plug wire and close the hood. Start the mower and let it run for a few minutes. Turn off the engine and check the oil level. Add more oil if necessary, but be careful not to overfill it.

Where is the oil drain plug on my Craftsman lawn mower?

To locate the plug, look down at the rear left of the mower engine. The plug, or cap, to the oil fill and drain tube is located on the rear left corner on top of the engine.

How do you drain the oil on a Briggs and Stratton 675 Series?

To remove the oil, tilt the mower on its side and pour the old oil into a proper container. Alternatively, you can use a siphon/pump down the opening to remove the oil. Never pour engine oil down the sink. Put it in a sealed container and take it to a proper oil recycling or waste disposal facility.

Where is the drain plug for the oil on a lawn mower?

If your engine is equipped with a drain plug, it would be located under the lawn mower deck. Look carefully as the drain plug may be obstructed by clumps of turf or debris, the belt guard or the mower blade (use caution when moving the blade).

What kind of oil does a Craftsman 6.75 lawn mower use?

SAE 10W-30 4-Cycle Lawn Mower Oil (20 oz)