Oil leak, on side

[Kevmeister]

Hi all, I'm just after a bit of advice please.

I bought a brand new ParkerBrand 21" petrol lawnmower.

I'm brand new to petrol ones, so I followed the advice in the booklet to the letter. After setting it up and a successful run on the front lawn, it's recommended to clean it thoroughly. The manual states: "tilt the lawn mower onto its left side (opposite the oil filler neck)" to clean the underside.

So I did just that, and the oil poured out of the air filter and into the floor.

I googled it and have now found out there is a golden rule - apparently never tilt a lawnmower into its side.

Anyway, I haven't tried starting it. I've cleaned the air filter out and mopped up as much oil as I could see.

What should I do now? Should I empty the fuel, empty the oil, pull and clean the spark plug, flush the system through with something?

Thanks for any advice.

Kev

[Mick]

Hi Kev, and welcome to TGMF.

I'm not sure what engine is fitted to the Parker brand machine, but if you have a photo of it I can probably advise on the best way to tip it.

Regarding running now, you should be ok as long as the engine pulls over ok.  Just make sure the oil is up to the correct level. You might need to remove the spark plug give it a clean and pull the engine over a few times to clear any oil in the cylinder.  It might smoke a bit when it first starts.

[Kevmeister]

Thanks so much for your reply Mick. I thought I had messed it up and was dreading having to fight with the manufacturer. I'll post some pics up tomorrow. It's a 173cc 4 stroke if that helps.

https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/petrol-lawnmower-21-inch

You've eased my mind for sure. Thanks loads 👍

[Mick]

Kev, if that's the same engine in the picture from the link you provided then you should tip mower on to it's right hand side, towards oil filler. (just make sure it's cooled down a bit in case of fuel spillage from carb).

You would do the same when changing (draining the oil).

The crankcase breather is on the same (left) side as the carb hence why it dumped the oil into the air filter casing.

Their info is wrong if they say left.

Edit:  Just to clear up that "Golden Rule" thing, you often see this mentioned but in reality it's just there for people who don't understand how how things work, sort of a generic instruction.  You'll often see people telling others to only tip the machine backwards resting on the handles as well.  Although this is probably the safest way to avoid these issues it's also the most awkward way because the machine is sitting at a angle meaning you virtually have to climb under it.

[Kevmeister]

Just an update, I started it and it kicked out some white smoke as you said but sorted itself out after a few seconds. I've used the machine twice since and it runs perfect, so all the worry over nothing lol. But I won't be tipping it on that side again, I agree the manual is probably printed wrong or something. Thanks again 👍

[Mick]

Kev, glad to hear all is ok.    You'll be fine tipping it the other way though as I would do when servicing machines with the same engine.

Happy mowing.