Why Is Oil Coming Out Of My Lawn Mower Exhaust: Facts [Must Know]

It’s a beautiful day, the sun’s shining, and you’re ready to mow the lawn. You pull out your trusty lawn mower, start it up, and suddenly, there’s oil spewing out of the exhaust. What gives?

It’s a frustrating problem, but luckily, one that can be solved with a little bit of knowledge and a few simple steps. First things first, it’s important to understand the role that oil plays in your lawn mower. Oil lubricates the engine and prevents it from overheating, ensuring that your lawn mower runs smoothly.

When oil starts coming out of the exhaust, it’s a sign that something is amiss with the engine. There are a variety of reasons why this might be happening, from overfilling with oil to damaged piston rings or cylinder walls.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of oil in lawn mower exhaust, and how to fix it.

The Importance of Oil in Lawn Mowers

It’s important to understand the significance of oil in your lawn mower. The proper oil level is crucial for the engine to function correctly. Without it, the engine can overheat, causing severe damage that can be expensive to repair.

On the other hand, using the wrong type of oil can also have serious consequences. For example, using a heavier oil than recommended can impede the engine’s ability to start, whereas using a lighter oil can lead to leaks and other problems.

To avoid complications, it’s essential to regularly check and change your lawn mower’s oil. Keep in mind that oil can become contaminated over time, which can also harm the engine. Additionally, ensure that you’re using the correct type of oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

Common Causes of Oil in Lawn Mower Exhaust

If you’re seeing oil in your lawn mower’s exhaust, there are a few common culprits you should be aware of. One possibility is overfilling the oil tank, which can cause oil to leak out of the exhaust pipe.

Another potential cause is worn piston rings, which can allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn along with the fuel. Damaged cylinder walls can also cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, as can a dirty or clogged oil filter.

Overfilling with Oil

You’ve gone and dumped enough oil in that mower to lubricate a fleet of cars, and now it’s spitting it out the exhaust like a toddler with a mouthful of spinach.

Overfilling with oil is one of the most common causes of oil in lawn mower exhaust. It’s important to prevent overfilling because it can lead to serious consequences, such as engine damage and reduced performance.

When you overfill your lawn mower with oil, it can cause the engine to work harder than it should. This puts extra strain on the engine and can cause it to wear out faster. Additionally, the excess oil can build up in the combustion chamber and cause the engine to run poorly.

To prevent overfilling, always check the oil level before adding more. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how much oil to add and don’t exceed that amount.

Worn Piston Rings

When your mower starts making a knocking sound and losing power, chances are the piston rings are worn and need replacing.

Piston rings are essential components of your engine’s compression system. They seal the combustion chamber, preventing oil from entering the cylinder and providing compression. When they wear out, the engine loses compression, resulting in a decrease in power and a knocking noise.

To troubleshoot low compression, you can perform a cylinder compression test. This test involves removing the spark plug and attaching a compression gauge to the spark plug hole.

Then, pull the starter cord a few times to measure the compression pressure. If the pressure is too low, it indicates worn piston rings or other engine problems.

Damaged Cylinder Walls

Damaged cylinder walls can be caused by a variety of factors, including overheating, improper lubrication, and wear and tear over time.

When the walls become damaged, they can cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in oil coming out of your lawn mower’s exhaust. This can also lead to a loss of power and strange noises coming from the engine.

If you suspect that your lawn mower has damaged cylinder walls, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional. Repair costs can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but it’s always best to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

In the meantime, troubleshooting tips may include checking the oil level and ensuring proper lubrication, as well as inspecting the spark plug and air filter to make sure they’re clean and functioning properly.

Dirty or Clogged Oil Filter

If your lawn mower’s engine seems to be struggling and making strange noises, it could be due to a dirty or clogged oil filter. The oil filter plays a crucial role in keeping the engine lubricated and free of contaminants.

If it becomes clogged, oil cannot flow freely, which can cause damage to the engine and result in oil coming out of the exhaust.

There are some signs of a clogged oil filter to look out for. These include decreased engine performance, unusual noises, and the oil pressure warning light coming on. To clean a dirty oil filter, you can either replace it with a new one or clean it using a special cleaning solution.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right products to ensure that the filter is cleaned properly and efficiently. Regularly maintaining and changing your oil filter will help keep your lawn mower running smoothly and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Symptoms of Oil in Lawn Mower Exhaust

You may notice oil in your lawn mower exhaust, which can be caused by a worn piston ring or valve guide. Did you know that, according to a survey, over 60% of lawn mower owners have experienced this issue?

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

1. Smoke coming from the exhaust that’s blue or white in color.
2. A decrease in engine power and acceleration.
3. An increase in oil consumption.
4. A foul smell coming from the exhaust.

If left unaddressed, oil in the exhaust can cause potential damage to your engine. It can lead to carbon buildup, which can cause the engine to overheat and eventually seize.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Causes and solutions include replacing worn piston rings or valve guides, changing the oil and filter regularly, and ensuring proper air filter maintenance.

Steps to Diagnose the Problem

It’s crucial to get to the bottom of what’s causing the smoke and decrease in power in your lawn mower, so you can quickly and confidently take action. Here are some steps to diagnose the problem.

First, check the oil level in your lawn mower. If it’s too high, the excess oil may have been forced into the combustion chamber, causing smoke and decreased power.

If the oil level is correct, the problem might be a worn piston ring or cylinder wall, which can allow oil to bypass and get into the combustion chamber.

Another possible cause of oil in your lawn mower exhaust is a dirty or clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can cause the engine to run rich, which means it’s getting too much fuel and not enough air.

This can cause the spark plug to foul and the engine to smoke. Make sure to clean or replace your air filter regularly.

How to Fix Overfilling with Oil

To tackle the trouble of too much oil in your lawn mower, try draining the excess and checking the level with the dipstick. Follow these five steps to fix overfilling with oil:

• Locate the oil drain plug and place a container underneath to catch the excess oil.
• Remove the oil drain plug and let the oil drain out completely.
• Once the oil has stopped draining, replace and tighten the oil drain plug.
• Check the oil level with the dipstick and add or remove oil as necessary.
• Properly dispose of the excess oil, as it can be harmful to the environment.

It’s important to address the issue of overfilling with oil as soon as possible, as it can cause potential engine damage. Too much oil can create excess pressure within the engine, leading to leaks, blown gaskets, and even engine failure.

How to Fix Worn Piston Rings or Damaged Cylinder Walls

If your lawn mower is experiencing decreased power and increased oil consumption, it may be a sign of worn piston rings or damaged cylinder walls. Worn piston rings can cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in excessive oil consumption and decreased power.

Meanwhile, damaged cylinder walls can cause oil to leak past the piston rings and into the combustion chamber, causing similar problems. To troubleshoot cylinder wall damage, you may need to remove the engine and inspect the cylinder walls for scratches, cracks, or other signs of damage.

If you find any damage, you may need to replace the cylinder or have it repaired by a professional. On the other hand, to fix worn piston rings, you may need to replace them or have them re-honed. In any case, it’s important to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to your lawn mower’s engine.

How to Fix a Dirty or Clogged Oil Filter

Having a dirty or clogged oil filter can significantly reduce the performance of your lawn mower, so it’s important to know how to fix it. An oil filter is responsible for filtering out dirt, debris, and other impurities from the oil before it circulates through the engine.

If the filter gets clogged, it can lead to a reduction in oil pressure, which can cause serious damage to your lawn mower.

Here are some signs that you may have a dirty oil filter:

• Reduced engine performance
• Unusual engine noises
• Poor fuel economy
• Dark, dirty oil
• Warning lights on the dashboard

To fix a dirty or clogged oil filter, you’ll need to locate the filter and replace it. First, make sure you have the correct replacement filter for your lawn mower. Then, turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.

Locate the oil filter and use a wrench to remove it. Be sure to place a container underneath to catch any oil that may spill out. Once the old filter is removed, replace it with the new one and tighten it securely.

Finally, add fresh oil to your lawn mower according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preventative Measures

To prevent oil from coming out of your lawn mower’s exhaust, you should take regular maintenance measures. This includes changing the oil filter and oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Additionally, make sure to use the right type of oil for your lawn mower’s engine. By following these preventative measures, you can keep your lawn mower running smoothly and avoid any oil leaks or other issues.

Regular Maintenance

When you regularly maintain your lawn mower, you’ll ensure that oil won’t come out of the exhaust. Here are three tips for maintaining your lawn mower’s performance:

1. Change the oil regularly: This is the most important thing you can do to keep your lawn mower running smoothly. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how often to change the oil and what type of oil to use. Typically, you’ll need to change the oil every 50 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first.
2. Clean or replace the air filter: A dirty air filter can cause your lawn mower to run poorly, which can lead to oil coming out of the exhaust. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to clean or replace the air filter, and do this at least once a season.
3. Check the spark plug: A fouled spark plug can also cause your lawn mower to run poorly and emit oil from the exhaust. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to check and replace the spark plug, and do this at least once a season.

Using the Right Type of Oil

Using the right type of oil for your mower’s engine is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Choosing appropriate viscosity and deciding between synthetic or conventional oil can make all the difference in the health of your mower.

Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil, which affects how well it can lubricate the engine. Using oil with the wrong viscosity can lead to engine damage and even oil leaks.

When deciding between synthetic and conventional oil, it’s important to consider the conditions in which you will be using your mower. Synthetic oil is often more expensive but can offer better performance in extreme temperatures or high stress situations.

Conventional oil is typically cheaper and perfectly adequate for most mowing conditions. However, it’s important to check your mower’s manual for specific oil recommendations to ensure you are using the right type of oil for your engine.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re seeing oil spewing out of your lawn mower’s exhaust, it may be time to call in a professional for help. Although there are DIY troubleshooting tips available online, attempting to fix the issue yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your lawn mower.

Here are some reasons why seeking professional help is the best course of action:

• Lawn mower repair professionals have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose the root cause of the oil leakage. They can help determine if the issue is caused by a damaged gasket, an overfilled oil tank, or a more serious problem with the engine.
• Attempting to fix the problem yourself can be risky, especially if you don’t have experience working with small engines. You may end up creating more problems or even injuring yourself.
• Lawn mower repair services have access to high-quality replacement parts that can help solve the problem for good. In some cases, a DIY fix may only be a temporary solution that can cause more harm than good in the long run.
• Lawn mower repair professionals can also provide you with advice on how to properly maintain your lawn mower to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
• Finding reliable lawn mower repair services is easy thanks to online reviews and ratings. You can read about other customers’ experiences with a particular service provider to ensure you’re working with someone who is trustworthy and knowledgeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oil coming out of a lawn mower exhaust cause any damage to the engine or other parts?

Oil in the exhaust can cause damage to the engine and other parts, such as clogged air filters and fouled spark plugs.

Potential consequences include decreased performance and costly repairs. Causes may include overfilling the oil, worn piston rings, or a damaged head gasket.

Solutions may involve checking and adjusting oil levels, repairing or replacing faulty parts, or seeking professional assistance.

Is it possible to continue using the lawn mower even with oil coming out of the exhaust?

You can still use your lawn mower with oil coming out of the exhaust, but it’s not recommended for long-term use.

Potential solutions include checking for excess oil or a clogged air filter, and temporary fixes may involve cleaning or replacing the filter.

How can I prevent oil from leaking out of my lawn mower exhaust?

To prevent oil from coming out of the exhaust, choose the best oil brands for your lawn mower and maintain proper oil levels.

Look for viscosity options specifically designed for lawn mowers. Regularly check and change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

When should lawn mower oil be changed to prevent oil from escaping?

To prevent oil from coming out of your lawn mower exhaust, adhere to regular oil change frequency and maintenance tips.

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations and change oil every 50 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.

How can people fix the oil coming out of their lawn mower exhaust?

When troubleshooting oil coming out of your lawn mower exhaust, common mistakes include overfilling the oil and not using the correct grade.

Preventive maintenance and proper engine care are key to avoiding this issue.

Final Thoughts

It’s great that you found and fixed the problem with oil in your lawn mower exhaust. By understanding the importance of oil in your mower and common causes of oil in the exhaust, you were able to take the necessary steps to repair the problem.

However, it’s important to remember that preventative measures are crucial in maintaining the health of your lawn mower.

Regularly checking and changing oil, cleaning or replacing air filters, and avoiding overfilling with oil are all simple steps that can prevent future issues.

Remember, if you encounter a problem that you’re unsure how to fix or feel uncomfortable handling on your own, seeking professional help is always a smart decision.

With these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your lawn mower is running smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.