Snow Blower Oil

legion · 12-09-2005, 07:18 AM

I had to take out the snow blower for the first time this year. I checked the oil level, and it was fine, but the oil was a sludgy black. That got me thinking that I had better change the oil. Problem is, I can't find an oil drain plug anywhere on the thing.

It's a Craftsman, I can't remember what model or engine. It's something like 3.5 horsepower. Anyone have any suggestions on how to change the oil?

oldE · 12-09-2005, 07:46 AM

At the base of the block, there should be a square head 3/8 plug. It will probably make a mess, as the blower manufacturers usually concentrate getting the drive oriented correctly, then get the throttle set up and don't worry about the poor schmuck who changes the oil.
Have fun.
Les

legion · 12-09-2005, 07:55 AM

See, I did't see any square plug *anywhere* on the block.

yellowline · 12-09-2005, 08:06 AM

The old Briggs had the square plug. Just look for any hex head bolt around the base of the block, about 3/8" to 1/2". Pull enough of them and oil should come out.

Porschephile944 · 12-09-2005, 08:40 AM

Theres some tool you can buy that will suck the oil out the filler neck. This is what we do with all all small engined tools that only get used a few times a year, like the snow blower. I have no idea where you can buy one though.

You could also just turn the thing upside down and let it drain out the filler neck, but that is like trying to fix a leaky roof by fliping your house over.

island_dude · 12-09-2005, 08:45 AM

My honda seems to work by draining through the filler neck. Its not a very convient solution, but it works.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Here's the drain plug on my 10HP Tecumseh. As you can see they installed an extension to make things a bit neater. I'd also suggest using synthetic oil for the change. Perfect for this application.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

I have a Craftsman 8/26. Not sure who made the engine but here's a pic of the oil drain...

Cheers!

Paul.

M.D. Holloway · 12-09-2005, 12:21 PM

You could always drill/tap a new one.

When was the last time you changed the oil?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-09-2005, 05:27 PM

On my Craftsman riding mower, if this helps....

Porschephile944 · 12-09-2005, 06:01 PM

With these oil drain extenstions that some people have posted pics of, has anyone noticed that it tends to unscrew from the block instead of the end of the extension creating a huge mess or nessecatating a second wrench to hold the extension pipe?

I do realize that is all one sentence.

RickM · RickM's Garage

I never had to secure the extension when loosening.

legion · 12-12-2005, 11:33 AM

I think I have definitively determined that there is no oil drain plug. There are three bolts that secure the block to the frame, a bolt underneath that secures the driveshaft to a pulley, and a bolt that secures a pulley bracket through the frame into the block.

Flipping it upside down isn't going to work for me. Any thoughts on where to buy a siphoning device?

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by legion
I think I have definitively determined that there is no oil drain plug. There are three bolts that secure the block to the frame, a bolt underneath that secures the driveshaft to a pulley, and a bolt that secures a pulley bracket through the frame into the block.

Flipping it upside down isn't going to work for me. Any thoughts on where to buy a siphoning device?

You could probably use some clear tubing to siphon the old fashioned way....suck on the tube while the machine is raised.

Or you could go to Autozone a take advantage of their loa-a-tool program. Get the MityVac vacuum pump. If it come as a complete kit you should be good to go. If you just get the pump and tubing you can easily fabricate a reservoir bottle......