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How to Change the Oil in a New Craftsman 21 Lawn Tractor
How to Change the Oil in a New Craftsman 21 Lawn Tractor. Craftsman sells a variety of lawn tractors such as the model YT3000, which features a 21-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. The engine requires routine maintenance on a regular schedule, such as changing the motor oil. If you own a Craftsman YT3000 or similar lawn tractor, changing the oil...
Craftsman sells a variety of lawn tractors such as the model YT3000, which features a 21-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. The engine requires routine maintenance on a regular schedule, such as changing the motor oil. If you own a Craftsman YT3000 or similar lawn tractor, changing the oil takes less than an hour, and requires only basic tools. Sears recommends you change the motor oil every 50 hours of operation, or at least once a year regardless of engine hours.
Things You'll Need
SAE 30 motor oil
Oil drain tube
Drain pan
Rag
Start the engine and drive the tractor to a level surface. Turn off the engine and open the hood. Craftsman recommends changing the oil while the motor is still warm.
Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. The dipstick is located on top of the engine, near the right hand side of the engine compartment. Set the oil dipstick aside on a clean surface so it doesn't get dirty.
Remove the yellow dust cap from the oil drain valve. The drain valve is located at the bottom of the engine, below the oil dipstick. Push the drain tube onto the end of the drain valve with your fingers. Make sure the other end is hanging over the engine compartment.
Place the oil drain pan under the drain tube, so the oil drains into the pan. Open the drain valve by pushing inward slightly on the drain tube, and rotating the valve counterclockwise. Pull the drain valve toward you to open the valve and allow the oil to drain.
Close the drain valve once the oil has finished draining. Push inward and rotate the valve clockwise to close the drain valve. Remove the drain tube and replace the yellow dust cap on the drain valve. Dispose of the old motor oil according to your local laws.
Refill the engine with fresh motor oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick periodically to make sure you do not overfill the oil. Wipe the dipstick clean each time you remove it. When the oil on the dipstick reaches the "full" mark, the crankcase is full of oil. Replace the dipstick and tighten it securely.
Tips & Warnings
Change the oil while the engine is warm so the oil drains faster.
Contact your local authorities to find out where you can legally dispose of motor oil.
