Repairing Cracked Briggs Oil Pan: Diy Guide

If you're looking to repair a cracked Briggs lawn mower oil pan, you've come to the right place. While it's important to regularly change the oil in your lawn mower and perform other maintenance tasks to keep your engine in good shape, sometimes issues like a cracked oil pan can arise. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to fix your cracked oil pan and get your mower back up and running. We'll explore different repair methods, including welding and the use of specialised adhesives, and provide tips to help you tackle this repair project with ease.

Drain the oil

To drain the oil from your Briggs & Stratton lawnmower, you should first run the engine for a minimum of 15 minutes and then turn it off. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Place a drain pan on the floor.

Now you're ready to drain the oil. Locate the air filter, spark plug and dipstick tube. Tilt the engine so that the dipstick tube is towards the pan and drain the oil through the dipstick tube. If your engine has a drain plug, you can drain the oil through this instead. Place the drain pan under the deck, remove the drain plug and drain the oil.

If you tip the mower to drain the oil, be careful not to let oil drain from the muffler. If this happens, wipe the excess oil with a rag and allow the oil to burn off as smoke when you restart the engine. If the engine smokes excessively, contact your local Briggs & Stratton dealer.

Remove the oil pan

To remove the oil pan from your Briggs lawn mower, follow these steps:

Firstly, run the lawnmower for a minimum of 15 minutes and then turn off the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Locate the oil drain plug, which is typically found below the deck of the mower and may be covered by grass or debris. Place a drain pan, some newspaper, or a plastic sandwich bag under the mower to catch the oil.

If your mower has a dipstick tube, you can remove the dipstick cap and tilt the mower so that the tube is closest to the ground, allowing the oil to drain through the tube and into the pan. If your mower has a drain plug, use a 3/8" drive socket wrench and extension (no socket) to turn the plug counter-clockwise and drain the oil. If the plug has two prongs, you may be able to loosen it by hand or with a screwdriver or hex key. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug by twisting it clockwise and tightening it with a wrench.

If your engine has an oil filter, now is the time to replace it. Use a filter wrench or pipe wrench to remove the old filter, and lightly oil the gasket of the new filter with clean engine oil before installing it. Hand-tighten the new filter until the gasket contacts the filter adapter, then give it an additional half to three-quarter turn to secure it.

Finally, dispose of the drained oil responsibly. In many areas, oil can be left at the curb with other recyclables, or you can take it to a participating Briggs & Stratton service dealer for recycling.

Repair the crack with JB Weld

Repairing a crack in a Briggs lawn mower oil pan with JB Weld is possible, but it requires careful preparation to ensure a strong and durable repair. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to repair the crack with JB Weld:

Step 1: Drain the Oil and Clean the Area

Start by draining the oil from the mower. This will ensure that the area around the crack is clean and free of debris. Use a rag to absorb any remaining oil around the crack and let it dry. It is important to ensure that the area is as dry as possible before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

To ensure that the JB Weld adheres properly to the oil pan, it is essential to prepare the surface by roughening it. Use sandpaper to scuff up the area around the crack, creating a rough texture that will help the JB Weld stick. It is crucial to remove any paint or coating from the surface as well.

Step 3: Clean with Carburetor Cleaner

Once the surface is prepared, use a carburetor cleaner to spray the area of the crack. This step will help remove any remaining oil or debris from the crack. Wipe the area with a clean rag and repeat the process for at least 24 hours or until the crack can sit for at least 8 hours without any oil seeping out. This step is crucial to ensure that the JB Weld adheres properly.

Step 4: Final Cleaning with Alcohol

Before applying the JB Weld, give the crack one final clean with 91% alcohol to remove any residue or contaminants. This step will ensure that the surface is completely free of any substances that may interfere with the bonding process.

Step 5: Apply JB Weld

With the surface properly prepared and cleaned, you can now apply the JB Weld to the crack. Follow the instructions on the JB Weld packaging for proper mixing and application procedures. Make sure to apply a generous amount to ensure that the crack is completely filled and sealed.

Step 6: Let it Cure

Once the JB Weld is applied, allow it to cure overnight or for at least 24 hours. This curing process is crucial to ensure that the repair is strong and durable. Do not disturb or move the oil pan during this period.

Step 7: Reinstall the Oil Pan and Test

After the JB Weld has cured, carefully reinstall the oil pan on your Briggs lawn mower. Refill the oil and start the engine. Monitor the repair area closely for any signs of leaks. If the repair was successful, you should no longer see any oil dripping from the crack.

It is important to note that while JB Weld can be an effective solution for repairing a cracked oil pan, it may not always provide a permanent fix. Over time, the expansion and contraction of the oil pan due to temperature changes can cause the repair to fail. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly inspect the repair area and be prepared for the possibility of future repairs or the need for a new oil pan.

Reinstall the oil pan

Once you have repaired the oil pan, you can reinstall it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, place the mower on a level surface. Check your user manual to see how much oil is required, and add the oil. Check the oil level and replace the dipstick.

Next, reconnect the engine spark plug. Remove the plastic bag from the gas tank. Now, you are ready to start the engine again.

It is important to recycle your used engine oil. You can do this for free at any participating local Briggs & Stratton Dealer.

If you are unsure about any of these steps, or have any additional questions, you can contact a Briggs & Stratton Dealer for help.

Refill the oil

Once you have drained the oil from your lawnmower, it's time to refill it with fresh oil. This process is crucial to ensuring your mower continues to run smoothly and maintain its longevity. Here are the steps you need to take to refill the oil in your Briggs lawnmower:

Prepare the Oil

Before refilling, make sure you have the correct type and amount of oil for your lawnmower. Refer to your lawnmower's user manual to find out the manufacturer's recommendations for oil type and quantity. It is important to use the right type of oil to ensure optimal performance and protection for your engine.

Position the Container

Place an oil pan or a suitable container underneath the mower to catch any spills or leaks. You can use old newspapers or cardboard to cover your work area and absorb any spilled oil.

Remove the oil fill plug on the mower. Some mowers may have two plugs, and either one can be used to fill the crankcase. Insert the tip of a funnel into the fill opening and slowly pour the fresh motor oil into the engine crankcase. Go slowly and check the oil level frequently to avoid overfilling.

Screw the Plug Back In

Once you have finished pouring in the new oil, screw the filler plug back into the fill opening. Wipe up any oil that has spilled on the floor or lawn mower chassis.

Reconnect the Spark Plug

After refilling the oil, reconnect the spark plug wire. Your lawnmower is now ready to be used again. Remember to check the oil level and condition before each use to ensure optimal performance and prolong the life of your engine.

Frequently asked questions