OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Question On Scott Bonnar Cylinder Mowers Scott Bonnar model 590 - engine oil level

Hello fellow punters - I own a Scott Bonnar reel mower model no 590. Without the benefit of an owners manual, I am a bit in the dark in regards to what type of engine oil needs to be used, and also how much. In terms of how much oil to add, is there a dipstick test that you can use to determine if the oil is at the correct level?

I used a thin wooden meat skewer to check the level and the oil level showed approx 3/4 inch up the skewer. Any advice on this would be welcomed.

Regards
Pat

Hi Pat, we need to know what kind of engine is fitted to your SB590. I believe they usually had a Briggs & Stratton, but having the right amount of the right oil is rather important, so we should identify the engine with certainty before going further. Please post a couple of pictures, one showing the whole engine, and the other showing the oil filler. If it is a Briggs engine, please tell us the Model, Type and Code: these will be stamped on the cooling air cowl, probably above the muffler.

Hi Grumpy, thanks for the reply.

Here are the details stamped on the engine.

Model 80102 Type 0233-01 Code 77040401

2.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine



Info stamped on metal plate. Model 590012. Mower no 03174

I've attached a couple of photos as well.

Cheers
Pat



Plus attached a couple of photos

Thanks Pat, that supplies the information I needed. For background, the engine was made on 4 April 1977.

Here is the illustrated parts list:
http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/Z6jmvGVJ1DajI.pdf

Here is the operator's manual:
http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/lrvvA-wU7eL7hAxB91ObQ.pdf

Briggs instructions for type and amount of oil are given in the operator's manual. Essentially, you fill with oil by putting the engine on level ground and adding oil until the level reaches the brim of the filler hole. It should then be holding 600 ml of oil. You need to tighten the plastic filler plugs with something like a screwdriver across the two projecting pips: finger-tight will not seal the plug, and it will ooze oil. For the Australian climate you should use an automotive-rated (SF, SG etc) straight SAE30 oil, not a multigrade. If you use multigrade no harm will be done but the engine will burn far more oil than necessary.

It is important to change the engine oil regularly - there is no oil filter, so oil changes are the only way to prevent nasty black sludge building up in the engine.

Thanks for the info grumpy. I really appreciate the level of detail you have provided in your response.

Regards
Pat