Lawn Mowers

Walk-behind mower engines from Briggs & Stratton and Honda: oil, filters, plugs and the no-start problems that follow a long winter. Every page names the manual or manufacturer document it relies on.

Every guide below cites the owner's manual or official manufacturer page it is based on. If your model's manual says something different, follow your manual.

• Briggs & Stratton Maintenance Schedule: What to Do at 5, 25, 50 Hours and Every Year

  Briggs & Stratton maintenance schedule: change oil after the first 5 hours, then every 50 hours or yearly; clean the air filter every 25. Full checklist.

• Briggs & Stratton Oil Type: SAE 30 vs 10W-30 vs 5W-30 (and When Each Causes Problems)

  Briggs & Stratton oil type: SAE 30 above 40°F, 10W-30 when temperatures vary, synthetic 5W-30 for all temps. 10W-30 may burn more oil above 80°F.

• Honda GCV170 and GCV200 Oil Type, Capacity and Maintenance Schedule

  Honda GCV170 and GCV200 oil: SAE 10W-30, 13.5 oz (0.40 L) capacity. Change after 5 hours, then every 50 hours or 6 months. Full schedule and plug gap.

• Lawn Mower Won't Start After Winter: A Manual-Based Checklist

  Lawn mower won't start after winter? Stale gas is the usual cause. Drain it, then check the plug, air filter, carburetor, fuel filter and oil, in order.