Can you use car oil filter on lawn mowers? The answer actually depends on some factors. It is definitely not recommended to use a car oil filter on a lawnmower, but you can use.
Yes, if the car oil filter size is the same as the lawnmower, you can use a car oil filter on a lawnmower.
However, as mentioned before, there are a few other factors as well that play a major role in determining whether you should use a car oil filter on a lawnmower or not.
So without further ado, let’s dive deeper and learn more about it!
Can you use car oil filter on lawn mower?
No, as a rule of thumb! But few people do it anyway. Most of the car oil filter size (especially the small-sized engine car oil filter) matches the lawnmower filters, so some people use car filters on mowers.
Car and lawn mower oil filters are designed pretty differently. Lawnmower oil filters may need to remove grass clippings sometimes along with dirt, and debris from the oil, whereas car oil filters work toward removing impurities and small particles from the oil.
So if you use a car oil filter on a lawnmower, the grass clippings, dirt, debris, and other bigger particles are going to block the filter, as a result, the oil flow will be stopped completely at a point.
That being said, if you are extremely positive that lawnmower particles won’t clog the oil filter, then that’s up to you. But remember, dirty oil in the engine can cost you big.
However, most lawn mower brands like Briggs & Stratton and Husqvarna make their own oil filters. And some, like Honda, does not. In that case, there might a chance comes in to look for car oil filters.
Besides, there is not much difference between a car oil filter and a lawn mower oil filter. You can use it as long as the purpose is the same- filtering out dirt and debris from oil. But be sure the filter perfectly fits your lawnmower.
Difference Between Car Fuel Filter And Lawn Mower Fuel Filter
| Car Fuel Filter | Lawn Mower Fuel Filter |
| Usually, car oil filters are small | Lawnmower fuel filters are usually slightly bigger than car filters |
| These filters are designed to remove impurities and tiny particles from oil | Lawnmower filters work towards removing larger particles like grass clippings and all |
| Designed for engines with up to 6-liter displacement | Designed for engines with up to 21-liter displacement |
| Usually doesn’t come with a drain valve | They come with a drain valve |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Fuel Filter for Lawn Mower
It is quite an easy task to choose the right fuel filter for the lawnmower. You need to go through some factors, and in this section, we will be taking you through all of them. Have a look!
Type of fuel
Even though most of the oil filters are compatible with all kinds of fuel types, if you can get one that works best with the fuel type your vehicle engines use, that will be a big win for you.
Diesel fuel filters are different from gasoline filters as they require an extra filter to remove water. If your vehicle engine uses diesel, make sure to choose a filter that can withstand high pressure.
Oil flow rate
It is one of the most overlooked factors when it comes to choosing an oil filter for a lawnmower. First, determine the oil flow rate of your lawnmower and then choose one that suits that.
Some oil filters come with a media which is restrictive, and once they start to get clogged, they limit the oil flow, and at a point, they stop it completely. So you better choose a less restrictive oil filter, in that way, the filter will allow more fuel to flow.
But that being said, when you are using a less restrictive oil filter, you will have to ensure the usage of top-notch clean oil. Otherwise, you will destroy the engine.
Micron rating
Vehicle oil filters come with a micron rating, and the rating means how well they can capture particles. Oil filters with lower ratings can take out finer contaminants.
But the drawback of such filters is that they require replacement soon. As dirt buildup clogs the filter it restricts the oil flow.
However, the best part is that filtering with lower microns ensures the engine doesn’t inhale contaminant oil, increasing the engine’s lifespan. And we think this advantage outweighs the drawback effortlessly.
Filter Type
There are different types of oil filters available, which are…
However, you shouldn’t worry much about the type as lawn mowers come with a built-in oil filter, you just pick the same one and replace that when needed. Picking the wrong type will give you a hard time installing it, you might not even be able to install it.
Dimension
As you know that oil filters come in different shapes and sizes. And you should pick a dimension that matches your previous oil filter. Otherwise, you will not be able to install it.
Filter Media
There are mainly two types of filter media, Synthetic and natural. The filter is less restrictive in natural media as it does not capture finer contaminants. Therefore, the filter doesn’t get clogged fast and lasts for a long time.
On the other hand, synthetic filters are designed to capture finer contaminants, so they get clogged faster and require replacement. Even though synthetic media filters might cost you a little more buck, they are worth every penny in the long run.
However, if you are choosing an oil filter for a lawnmower, you can go with the natural media.
A Helpful Tutorial You May Need!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Happens If You Put A Car Fuel Filter In A Lawnmower?
Sometimes you can use a car fuel filter on a lawnmower and it works just fine. But in most cases, using a car oil filter on a lawnmower causes some problems such as inefficient engine performance, clogged oil filter, etc.
Why Put Oil On The Lawn Mower Air Filter?
We put oil on the lawn mower air filter because it helps the filter capture small particles, making sure the engine gets clean oil.
What Happens If You Use The Wrong Oil Filter On A Lawnmower?
If you use the wrong oil filter on a lawnmower, you will see the engine getting weak. And at a point, you might even find the engine refusing to start.
Are All Mower Oil Filters The Same?
Not at all. Different lawn mowers come with different types of oil filters. Not only the type but there is also a difference in the dimensions as well. If you are new and shopping for an oil filter, make sure to consult an expert.
Can I Use A Different Oil Filter?
Yes, you can use different oil filters as long as that suits your vehicle.
Conclusion
So, can you use car oil filter on lawnmowers? If you have gone through the entire guide, you know the exact answer to that question.
But let us give you a pro tip. Even if a car oil filter fits on a lawnmower, it will be wise not to do so. Doing that will hurt the engine, which you don’t want. Hope it helps.