Honda Lawn Mower Oil – Capacity, Changing, and Recommended Oils

If you are looking for top-of-the-line lawn care products, then Honda lawnmowers top the list. But then, no matter how reliable they are, they will always seek tender loving care. Without proper maintenance, your high-end lawn mower will also become less reliable in the long run. So, what are the recommended Honda lawn mower oils available today?

Some of the best Honda lawn mower oils you can buy are the following:

  1. Honda Motor Oil 10W30 QT
  2. Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30W Engine Oil

Like your vehicle, your Honda lawn mower also needs a regular oil change. That way, it will continue to run efficiently and last a long time.

Read on to learn more about Honda lawn mower oils, including their features and how to change them.

Honda Lawn Mower Oil – Capacity, Changing, and Recommended Oils

honda lawn mower oil

If you’re looking for the best Honda lawn mower oil, you can buy either of the following:

  1. Honda Motor Oil 10W30 QT
  2. Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30W Engine Oil

Like your vehicle, your Honda lawn mower also needs a regular oil change. That way, it will continue to run efficiently and last a long time.

How Do You Change the Oil in a Honda Lawn Mower?

Here is a step-by-step instruction for changing Honda lawn mower oil:

  1. Start the Engine
  2. Turn off the Fuel Valve
  3. Clean the Oil Fill Area
  4. Drain Oil Completely
  5. Fill Lawn Mower with New Oil
  6. Place the Oil Cap Back

Let’s briefly explain each step:

1. Start the Engine

Start the lawn mower’s engine. Run it for about 15 minutes or until its engine gets warm. Then, turn the engine off.

Doing this will warm the oil and allow it to flow more smoothly as you drain it. The process then becomes simpler.

2. Turn Off the Fuel Valve

Now, turn off the fuel valve. Doing so will reduce the chance of leakage.

3. Clean the Oil Fill Area

The third step is to clean the oil fill area by simply wiping it. After that, you can remove the dipstick. This way, the dirt on the oil fill area will not mix with the new oil once you start refilling it.

4. Drain Oil Completely

Get an oil container and place it next to your lawn mower. Tilt your mower to the right side to drain the oil. Make sure to wipe all excess oil from the oil fill area using a rag.

5. Fill Lawn Mower with New Oil

Fill your lawn mower with new oil. Make sure not to overfill and to use its dipstick to monitor the oil level.

There are several engine oil products you can use for your lawn mower. I will mention two of the best ones later on in this article.

6. Place the Oil Cap Back

Once you have successfully changed the engine oil in your lawn mower, ensure to put the oil cap back securely.

How to Drain Oil for a Honda Lawn Mower

There are three ways to drain the old oil from your lawn mower. They are the following:

  1. Tilt Method
  2. Siphon Method
  3. Oil Drain Plug Method

Let’s briefly discuss each of these methods:

1. Tilt Method

In this method, you must tilt your lawn mower to the side. This will allow the air filter to face upward and prevent fuel from flowing into the air filter.

Remove the oil cap and let the oil drain into an oil container or a pan. Remember that the oil is hot, so do not touch it.

2. Siphon Method

You will need a siphon pump to do this method successfully. The siphon pump will pump the oil into your lawn mower’s built-in tank.

It is also possible to draw the oil out manually by pushing and pulling the piston. This is an efficient technique for draining the oil as it prevents oil spills.

The old oil pumped into the built-in tank can be recycled later on.

3. Oil Drain Plug Method

To apply this method, you must locate your lawn mower’s oil drain plug. Check your Honda User Manual to identify its location. But typically, it is found below the deck of the lawn mower.

It is best to tilt your lawn mower on its side to find the plug and, at the same time, clean the dirt around it. While the lawn mower is upright, open the cap using a handheld tool. This will allow the oil to drain into the oil container.

How Much Oil Does a Honda Lawn Mower Take?

honda lawn mower oil capacity

Honda has released several lawn mower models, and their oil capacity varies. For the most recent models, such as the HRS, HRR, HRN, and HRX series, the oil capacity is 13.5 ounces. However, the oil capacity for the HRC commercial series is 21 ounces.

Note that oil capacity does not mean you should add the same amount of oil to your lawn mower. Make sure to use the dipstick to identify the correct oil level and the sufficient amount to be added.

It’s always best to read the Honda Lawn Mower Owner’s Manual to confirm your mover’s engine oil capacity. The manual can also be found on Honda’s website.

Make sure not to go beyond your lawn mower’s engine oil limit. Or else, the overfill can spill into other parts of your mower, such as the air filter and the air cleaner housing. An overfill can result in blue or white smoke coming from the muffler as you use your lawn mower.

What Kind of Oil Does a Honda Lawn Mower Use?

Typically, what Honda recommends for its lawn mower models is the 10W-30 American Petroleum Institute service category SJ engine oil. This oil can withstand any weather condition.

Other viscosities, such as the 5W-30 Honda lawn mower oil, and even the 30 engine oil, are recommended, too but only in certain temperatures. Check the Honda Owner’s Manual to confirm this.

Here are two of the recommended Honda lawn mower oils you can buy:

  1. Honda Motor Oil 10W30 QT
  2. Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30W Engine Oil

1. Honda Motor Oil 10W30 QT

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Honda Motor Oil 10W30 QT engine oil is ideal for high-revving 4-stroke engines and Honda lawnmowers. It is a unique blend of premium quality base stocks and sheer-stable polymer additives.

Honda has designed them to resist both thermal and viscosity breakdowns. This product will surely meet the requirements of your power equipment.

A customer from the United States named JROC guarantees that this Honda lawn mower oil works great. It is the best 10W30 product he has used in his lawn mower.

Other customers like TalleyHo, L. Small, and Tom say the same thing. Besides, Honda has always been known for its high-quality products.

2. Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30W Engine Oil

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30W Engine Oil is a premium SAE30 oil specially engineered to allow air-cooled engines to operate efficiently. It is ideal for different types of power equipment, such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, and pressure washers.

Again, what kind of oil does a Honda lawn mower take? Honda power equipment, such as the Honda lawn mower, uses the Honda 10w-30 weight motor oil.

Frequently Asked Questions – What Kind of Oil Does a Lawn Mower Honda Take?

honda lawn mower oil 5w-30

Here are some frequently asked questions related to engine oils ideal for Honda lawnmowers:

What Kind of Oil Does a Lawn Mower Honda Take?

The 10W-30 API SJ is typically the most recommended oil for a Honda lawn mower. Other viscosities, such as the 5W-30 Honda lawn mower and 30 engine oil, are also recommended. However, they can only be applied to certain temperatures.

So, it is always best to check your Owner’s Manual to know the most ideal for your lawn mower.

Can I Use 10W30 Oil in My Honda Lawn Mower?

Yes. The 10W30 motor oil is ideal for all Honda power equipment, including its lawn mower models.

Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Honda Lawn Mower?

All Honda engines are engineered, tested, and approved with petroleum-based oil products as their lubricant. Using synthetic oils is possible, but it is always best to check your Owner’s Manual. That way, you will know the best oil product for your Honda lawn mower.

Can I Use 5W30 Instead of 10W30 in My Honda Lawn Mower?

A lawn mower ideal for 5W30 engine oil is also ideal for 10W30 engine oil. Their main difference lies in their temperature point, in which the 5W30 performs slightly better than the 10W30.

However, checking the Owner’s Manual is always best to confirm the ideal motor oil for your Honda lawn mower.

Is SAE 30 the Same as 10W30?

SAE 30 is not the same as 10W30. It is ideal for older lawnmowers, whereas 10W30 is best for the recent lawn mower models. SAE 30 suits warm conditions, while 10W30 can withstand colder temperatures.

In other words, the SAE 30 and the 10W30 motor oils are ideal for lawnmowers. But it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

How Much Oil Does a Honda Lawn Mower Hold?

A Honda lawn mower can hold 13.5 ounces of oil. This is possible for the Honda HRS, HRR, HRN, and HRX series. However, the oil capacity for the Honda HRC commercial series is 21 ounces.

Can I Use Car Oil on My Lawn Mower?

The answer is “it depends.” You must fill it in with special oil if you own an old lawn mower with a two-stroke engine. But if you own a lawn mower with a four-stroke engine, it is possible to put car oil in it. Typically, the ideal oils for a 4-stroke engine are 10W30 and SAE 30. 

Can I Use Synthetic 10W30 in My Lawn Mower?

You can put synthetic oil in your lawn mower. It lasts even longer than mineral oil. You do not have to change your lawn mower oil often.

What Does SAE Stand for in Oil?

SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers. This organization is responsible for developing a classification system based exclusively on oil viscosity.

Is 5W 30 Oil OK for Lawn Mower?

Yes, the 5W 30 motor oil works great on outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers.

Can I Use SAE HD 30 in Lawn Mower?

The SAE 30 engine oil is ideal for older models of lawnmowers. These mowers feature engines engineered for straight-weight oil. The SAE 30 is not recommended for the latest models of lawnmowers.

Does Honda Require Special Oil?

American Honda recommends Honda Genuine Motor Oil. But if you use other conventional motor oil brands, it has to be a premium grade or an ultimate full synthetic blend. Most importantly, it must contain the same viscosity grade recommended in your Owner’s Manual.

Is Honda 10W30 Oil Synthetic?

Honda’s 10W30 synthetic oil is a 100% synthetic premium oil. It is engineered and approved by its Research and Development Team.

Is Synthetic Oil OK for Small Engines?

If you use synthetic oil in small engines, it will increase fluidity. This can make engine life last longer, resulting in fewer breakdowns and repairs. Synthetic oil is recommended for machines that operate in extreme temperatures.

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Honda Lawn Mower?

The recommendation made by Honda for an oil change is after every 50 hours of operating your Honda lawn mower. But if your lawn mower is brand new, you must change its oil every five hours of initial use.

If your lawnmower has a four-stroke engine, use high-detergent oil during an oil change.

What Kind of Oil Does a Honda GCV160 Lawn Mower Use?

What Honda typically recommends is the 10W30 engine oil. But other oil viscosities like SAE 30 and 5W30 may also be used, depending on the requirement of your lawn mower.

Check your Owner’s Manual to determine the correct oil to use. A copy of your Owner’s Manual is also posted on the Honda website.

Is It OK to Hose Down a Lawn Mower?

It is alright to hose down a lawn mower, but you must be careful. Make sure not to spray water on its engine, and do not attempt to use a pressure washer to clean it.

Cleaning your lawn mower after using it is very important. This will prevent the decaying grass from eating your mower’s metal components. It will prevent rust too.

Does Lawn Mower Oil Go Bad?

Yes, lawn mower oil goes bad too. Conventional motor oil or lube oil has a shelf life of about five years.

Can I Add Oil to My Lawn Mower?

You can add oil to your lawn mower on your own. When doing this, you have to pour a small amount at a time. Then, recheck the oil level from time to time. This way, you can prevent overfilling your lawn mower. Also, use the correct oil type for your lawn mower model.

How Long Does Synthetic Oil Last in a Lawn Mower?

According to most manufacturers, synthetic oil lasts in a lawn mower for about one year. It is not recommended to wait two years before changing your mower’s oil. This is beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Can I Use Full Synthetic Oil in My Honda Lawn Mower?

All Honda engines are engineered, designed, tested, and certified with petroleum-based engine oils as their lubricant. Full synthetic oil may be applied to lawnmowers. But it is best to check your Owner’s Manual to determine your mower’s requirements.

Do Honda Lawn Mower Engines Have Oil Filters?

Honda lawn mower engines have oil filters. These oil filters fit almost all water-cooled engines.

What Happens If You Don’t Change the Oil in Your Lawn Mower?

If you do not change your lawn mower’s oil, it will become dirty, and your mower will most likely break down. Dirty oil will lose its cooling agents as well as detergents. This will result in great damage to your mower’s engine.

In Closing: Honda Lawn Mower Oil – Capacity, Changing, and Recommended Oils

If you are looking for the best Honda lawn mower oil, two of the recommended products are the following:

  1. Honda Motor Oil 10W30 QT
  2. Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30W Engine Oil

Like your car, your Honda lawn mower needs regular oil changes too. That way, it will continue to run efficiently and last a long time.

While different types of motor oil are ideal for Honda lawnmowers, not all are ideal for all models. So, it is best to know your mower’s oil requirement by reading your Owner’s Manual.

Read next:

What Spark Plug Does a Honda GCV 160 Take?