1. Gather the necessary materials. You will need:
* New oil (SAE 30 or 10W-30)
* An oil filter wrench
* A drain pan
* A funnel
* A rag
2. Prepare the mower. Park the mower on a level surface. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down. Engage the parking brake.
3. Locate the oil drain plug. The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the engine, near the oil filter.
4. Place the drain pan under the oil drain plug. Make sure the drain pan is large enough to catch all of the oil that will drain out.
5. Loosen the oil drain plug. Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil drain plug. Be careful not to drop the oil drain plug into the drain pan.
6. Allow the oil to drain. Allow all of the oil to drain out of the engine. This may take a few minutes.
7. Replace the oil drain plug. Once all of the oil has drained out, replace the oil drain plug. Tighten the oil drain plug until it is snug.
8. Locate the oil filter. The oil filter is located near the top of the engine.
9. Remove the oil filter. Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Be careful not to spill any oil.
10. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter. This will help to create a seal and prevent leaks.
11. Screw on the new oil filter. Hand-tighten the oil filter until it is snug. Do not over-tighten the oil filter.
12. Add new oil to the engine. Use the funnel to add new oil to the engine. Add the amount of oil specified in the owner's manual.
13. Check the oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick.
14. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will circulate the new oil throughout the engine.
15. Check for leaks. Look under the mower for any leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the oil drain plug or oil filter until the leak stops.
That's it! You have now successfully changed the oil on your 4.5HP Briggs and Stratton Craftsman riding mower.
