Maintaining your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710 lawnmower is essential for its longevity and performance. Changing the oil is a crucial part of this maintenance routine, ensuring that your mower operates smoothly and efficiently. Embark on this simple yet impactful task to elevate your lawn care experience and keep your Cub Cadet in pristine condition.
Before starting, gather the necessary materials: new SAE 30 motor oil (1.5 quarts), an oil filter, an oil pan, a funnel, and a 13mm socket wrench. Position your mower on a flat surface and allow the engine to cool completely. Safety first: Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Locate the oil drain plug at the bottom of the engine and place the oil pan beneath it. Use the wrench to carefully remove the plug, allowing the used oil to drain into the pan.
While the oil drains, replace the old oil filter. Locate the filter and use a wrench to loosen and remove it. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the replacement filter and screw it into place by hand. Tighten it further with the wrench, ensuring a secure fit. Reinstall the oil drain plug with the wrench and tighten it firmly. Use the funnel to pour the fresh oil into the engine, checking the oil level on the dipstick to ensure it reaches the “Full” mark. Reconnect the spark plug wire, start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. Check for any leaks and enjoy the renewed performance of your well-maintained Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710.
Gathering Materials
Before embarking on the oil change process, ensure you have all the necessary materials within reach. This includes:
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- 15/16-inch socket wrench or adjustable wrench
- Oil filter wrench (custom fit for Cub Cadet filters)
- Oil drain pan with a capacity of at least 1.8 quarts
- Funnel
- Torque wrench (optional, but recommended for precise tightening)
- Rags or shop towels
Oil and Filter:
Obtain the following fluids and filter for your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710:
| Oil Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| SAE 10W-30 | 1.8 quarts |
| Oil Filter | Part Number |
| Cub Cadet 752-04520 | or equivalent |
Locating the Oil Drain Plug
Step 3: Locate the Oil Drain Plug
The oil drain plug is typically located on the bottom of the engine oil pan. It is usually a 17mm or 19mm bolt. To locate the plug, you can follow these steps:
- Place the mower on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the engine oil pan. This is the large, metal pan at the bottom of the engine.
- Inspect the bottom of the oil pan for a bolt or plug. This is the oil drain plug.
If you have difficulty locating the oil drain plug, you can refer to your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710 owner’s manual for assistance.
Once you have located the oil drain plug, you can proceed to the next step, which is preparing the mower for draining the oil.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a flashlight to help you see better. | Especially if you are working in a dim area. |
| If the oil drain plug is difficult to remove, you can use a penetrating oil to loosen it. | Spray the penetrating oil around the base of the plug and wait a few minutes before attempting to remove it. |
| Be careful not to overtighten the oil drain plug when you reinstall it. | This can damage the threads on the oil pan. |
Removing the Oil Filter
The oil filter is located on the side of the engine, beneath the carburetor. It has a black plastic cap that says “OIL FILTER” on it. To remove the oil filter:
- Place an oil pan under the oil filter to catch any draining oil.
- Use a 15mm socket wrench to loosen the oil filter cap.
- Unscrew the oil filter cap by hand and remove the old oil filter.
- Inspect the old oil filter for any signs of damage or wear.
- Apply a thin layer of new engine oil to the O-ring on the new oil filter.
- Thread the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until it is snug.
- Tighten the oil filter cap using the 15mm socket wrench.
- Check for leaks by starting the engine and letting it run for a few minutes.
Additional Tips for Removing the Oil Filter
- If the oil filter is stuck, you can use an oil filter wrench to remove it.
- Be careful not to overtighten the oil filter cap.
- Dispose of the old oil filter properly.
| Items Needed | Size |
|---|---|
| Oil filter wrench | 15mm |
| Oil pan | N/A |
Filling with New Oil
To fill your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710 with new oil, follow these steps:
1. Refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended type and amount of oil to use.
2. Locate the oil fill plug on the top of the engine.
3. Place a funnel into the oil fill plug.
4. Add the correct amount of oil as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Avoid overfilling, as this can lead to engine issues.
5. Once the oil is added, replace the oil fill plug and tighten it by hand. Use a wrench to make it slightly tighter, but avoid overtightening.
6. Check the oil level using the dipstick. The oil level should be within the “Full” and “Add” marks on the dipstick.
7. If the oil level is below the “Add” mark, add more oil until it reaches the correct level. It’s best to add oil in small increments to prevent overfilling.
| Oil Capacity | Recommended Oil Type |
|---|---|
| 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters) | SAE 30 or 10W-40 oil |
Note: Always dispose of used oil properly according to local regulations.
Checking the Oil Level
Before starting any engine maintenance, ensure the engine is cool. Locate the oil dipstick, typically found on the side of the engine. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick fully into the engine and pull it out again. Check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil should be between the “low” and “full” marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the “low” mark, add oil until it reaches the “full” mark.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Checking the Oil Level:
- Ensure the engine is cool.
- Locate the oil dipstick on the side of the engine.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick fully into the engine.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
- If the oil level is below the “low” mark, add oil until it reaches the “full” mark.
| Tools Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Rag | To wipe the oil dipstick |
| Oil funnel (optional) | To add oil to the engine |
How To Change The Oil On A Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710
1. Gather your materials. You will need the following:
- New oil filter
- New oil
- Oil pan
- Funnel
- Wrench
2. Warm up the engine. This will help the oil to drain more easily.
3. Park the mower on a level surface. Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.
4. Locate the oil drain plug. The oil drain plug is typically located on the bottom of the engine oil pan.
5. Place the oil pan under the oil drain plug.
6. Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug.
7. Allow the oil to drain into the oil pan.
8. Once the oil has drained, replace the oil drain plug.
9. Locate the oil filter. The oil filter is typically located on the side of the engine.
10. Use a wrench to loosen the oil filter.
11. Remove the old oil filter and discard it.
12. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.
13. Thread the new oil filter onto the engine.
14. Tighten the oil filter using a wrench.
15. Add new oil to the engine. The amount of oil you need to add will vary depending on the model of your mower. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended oil capacity.
16. Check the oil level using the dipstick. The oil level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.
17. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
18. Check for leaks.
19. Dispose of the used oil and filter properly.
People Also Ask
How often should I change the oil on my Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710?
The oil on your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710 should be changed every 100 hours of use, or once a year, whichever comes first.
What type of oil should I use in my Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710?
You should use a 10W-30 oil in your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710.
How much oil does my Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710 take?
Your Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710 takes 1.3 quarts of oil.
Where is the oil filter located on my Cub Cadet 12abb2m5710?
The oil filter is located on the side of the engine.
