How to Add Rear End Oil to a Craftsman Lawn Mower

Spread newspapers over the area where you will change the oil.

Schedule the oil change on a day when you are mowing the lawn. Run the machine until it runs out of gas and change the oil while the motor is warm.

Look for the spark plug and disconnect the wire. Place it out of the way so it cannot reconnect.

Twist off the "Oil" cap to the left to remove it and then set it aside.

Place an aluminum pie pan or other disposable shallow container over the newspaper to catch the old oil.

Position the Craftsman mower so it is leaning on two wheels on the side nearest the oil fill area. The oil fill area is easy to locate -- the cap says "Oil" on it.

Rock the Craftsman mower gently, if necessary, to allow all the old oil to flow into the disposable container.

Set the Craftsman mower into an upright position, as if you were about to mow the lawn.

Wipe off any old oil on the mower or around the cap opening with a paper towel.

Fill the oil fill reservoir with the oil recommended in the owner's manual. Use a flashlight so you can see the "Fill" line inside the reservoir. Another option is to fill the reservoir three-quarters full and check the level with the dipstick on the oil cap. Do not fill the mower over this line as the engine may not operate properly.

Twist the oil cap to the right to replace it and then reconnect the spark plug.