Troy-Bilt Pony | Oil Change Made Easier 

I’ve been beatin on one of these for 5 or so years. It mows about 2 acres every couple weeks, and really overgrown grass (8” or so) periodically when I miss a mow. Steep inclines, bumpy uneven terrain. It did get left outside in the elements for a year or two for various reasons. It’s been very reliable and surprisingly durable. I’ve only had to change out the fuel shutoff solenoid, one deck belt, one deck tension spring, one set of blades because the originals were too trashed from me hitting gravel and branches, and ignition coil(plug wire was starting to fall apart probably due to water and sitting outside in the full sun). All those parts were 25$ or less each off Amazon. I change the oil once a year with 15w40 Mobil delvac 1300 that I always have on hand. Engine runs perfect, and the original battery lasted until this spring(about 5 years with no trickle charger). Nowadays I usually just lift the drivers side and put a piece of 2x4 under those wheels so the oil will mostly run away from the drain plug and not all over the frame, cover up the deck belt in case oil gets sneaky, wipe around the plug and pull it. Let it drain and wipe it off. I figure the frame of that side will never rust lol. I just run seafoam in my gas, 1 oz per gallon, 2 -3 oz per gallon the last month of the season and during storage. Except when I had to diagnose the fuel solenoid, she’s never failed me.

Thanks for all your tips and tricks! You’re seriously helping this single gal figure this stuff out! Very much appreciated!

Thank you! I had to move the steering rod to better get at the plug and thankfully I had the perfect sized wrench for it. Always keep your parents’ tools! Of course I didn’t get a drain sleeve with my mower but I rigged one out of a plastic water bottle. Now I’m going to check out your other videos as I continue troubleshooting.

You're the first repair guy I've come across who works on the mower I have! These are great pointers and excellent info to have. Going to see what other videos you have on this machine to see if you have come across the problem I'm having. Thanks a bunch!

You are providing a good service. Saving lots of people lots of money. Humm I’ll be dang I just learned something and I’m 60 years old . Turning the extension around backwards is news to me. One thing I’ll share with you is for you to save your empty bread sacks. Great for oil diving.

A mower is like a computer! Got to work on it and clean it up > Love they way you take care of your stuff! Save the oil for your chain saw oiler!

I've got a 2008 model. Few batteries and several deck belts but other than that no problems whatsoever. Cant believe it still has the original drive belt. Lucky me.

Hey man. Just wanted to say thanks, this video taught me how to do this for our mower after dad passed. I'd have been clueless without it! Stay awesome, friend!

Nice! I added an inline fuel filter & fuel shutoff valve to mine, & thought I was stylin'. I think I'll do this as my next mod, but use a 90 elbow out the bottom. I love seeing the brass instead of plastic parts! Do it once. Do it right! Thanks for the good info!

Thank you for this video. I have the Craftsman T110 version of this mower. I too made the same comment about the steering rod being right in the way! Wasn't impressed with the plastic oil extension spout. It seems like it should attach somehow to prevent leakage on the frame. Ended up not using it and just wiped oil off the frame.

Thank you soooo much. I'm 68, and always making a mess. You have just made my life easier.. Thanks again.

No wonder I couldn't see the filter....1st time changing mower oil. Your video was extremely helpful. Thumbs up.

i have the same mower. i disconnected my headlights to help save the battery life. a magnet will help you fish out the drain plug. great video!

Simple, but thorough, video. I like that you go step by step.

Put a couple of 2x4 blocks under the wheels opposite side. Tilts the tractor and less oil mess.

Best mod is to install a Stens Oil Drain Valve and then when you want to drain the oil, just stick a length of 1/2" hose on the end of the valve and point the other end of the hose wherever you need it to go, then open the valve. No fuss, no mess.

I love your videos. They are a huge help to those of us that lack mechanical common sense...lol

I have a Poulan lawn tractor that has the same exact engine. It actually has an adapter piece on it that lets you change the oil without using any tools. All you do is give it a turn and pull it out to release the seal and the oil starts flowing, you are even able to hook a hose up to the end of it. You could probably even buy one of these online and put it right on your tractor.

I have a Troy-Bilt Pony and the way I fixed mine is I purchased a 3/8 4 inch long nipple and cap then I disconnected the steering rod and raised the rod just a tad. Using Teflon tape on both ends of the 4” nipple, I screwed the nipple into the engine block. Then I reattached the steering rod (remember it’s now a tad higher than it originally was) and it clears the nipple. Changing oil is now a clean job.

I let my deck down and set my metal oil pan on top of my deck and tilt the other side of the mower up and I cut a drink bottle and shape it to drain my oil. Easy pesy!!! GOD bless!!!

Have the same rider, thanks!!!

Yeah Flip...getting ready to do the first oil change on my 2018 Poulan Pro (same motor as yours)...thanks for the tips ---makes it easier...

Fantastic video. Saved me a whole lot of time. Thank you.

Thank you Flip Great Example!

the hood started to wear on the console body, so to fix that i had some 3/8" oxygen hose that i super glue it around the top of the corner on the console where the hood is rubbing i also insulated my new light bulbs he he police strobe lights front and back > i mow on the road and the dust make it hard for me to be seen> why i done that i went to AUTO ZONE got me's led lights / there cool. looks like small mustang tail lights

I've got a 2023 model ,"Pony". But mine has a 15.5 HP motor. Works great.

I clean the area with brake clean then build up beads of sealants on the frame on each side of the plug as to orient the oil over the side of the frame. Similar to the plastic thing you ve shown. Tilting the machine on the rigth helps also.

Great video. Thanks for the info.

Just like the frame hole that is about 3 inches forward of the drain port i drilled with step drill bit and added a hole!! Then put a 3/8 in 90 deg elbow with hose connection and cap. Easy peasy now.

I wish someone would update these videos to cover a 2020 pony. Totally different engine in the new models with oil filter. SOMEONE UP DATE THESE VIDEOS TO THE LAST COUPLE YEARS!!!

Use "Anti-Seize Lubricant " on the threads when replacing the nut holding the blade on. Makes the blade nut very easier to remove every time.

Nicely done.

You found a good Subject to show ok, lot of us are getting the pony and troy built produces ok Keep up the good work ! YOU make excellent video OK cheers man

Good video... When you put your brass nip in you could have used a 90 and went over to the hole in the frame... Just a tip

Helpful! Thanks

Ever thought of installing a drain tube? Mine came stock and makes that part of it much more enjoyable.

If you take the steering rod and bend it at the existing bend slight more, which will raise it, the longer nipple will slide underneath the stearing rod and then an elbow and plug so it is clear of the frame. It does not affect steering.

When I reattached the steering rod, I did it just a tad higher than it was from the factory. It works great.

I had a 10mm hex/allen wrench that I would never use, so I ground it square to fit. It didn't require much modification.

Very helpful!

If you drive up on a 2 x 4 that is under the front and rear wheel on the left side of the lawn tractor it will tilt the engine to the right and you will get better drainage of the oil.

Helpful. Thank you.

new subscriber to Fix it Flip

Can you make a video about putting a switch for the headlights so there not on all the time? I have the same troy built pony with headlights on all the time.

Nice good information thanks love the how to do video

I just put a 5" iron pipe that fits the plug hole and cap it off. Now, I just remove the cap and the oil goes into a container. Replace the cap when it is done draining. No spills or messes again.

Thank that was exactly what I was looking for

What I did is purchase a 4” brass nipple and cap. Then, using a wrench, I disconnected the steering rod, put the 4” brass nipple in the oil drain hole and reconnected the steering rod so that it doesn’t drag on the new nipple. It steers perfectly and I can drain the oil without making a mess.

Good job and clear guide, thank you, will follow your channel, regards from Ky

You the man bro.! I use a magnet to catch the plug👍🍻

Good job

this will be my sixth season on this mower that I bought new at lowes for $800-875. I forget. Free interest paid over 18 months. It's given me little trouble. Oil. The oil is very cumbersome. I buy an oil vacuum pump that pulls the oil out. I've used that the last couple of seasons. When changing the oil, take note of how much oil you need to fill it. I believe it's around 2.5 quarts and you have to measure. Changing blade. This was my fault. Those bolt/nut holding the blades on turn in the opposite direction and if you strip that head out, it's hard to get off. And, you will have to special order replacement. It's recommended to remove the mowing deck which isn't that hard. You may find it doesn't want to clear but then if you drop it and move the engage lever, it gives you the slack to clear it. Lubing. This is what I'm looking at now. The steering is tight. I plan on using some grease on these point and then find the grease gun for the rear. I plan on rinsing out that area where the steering rod ends with water (very useful shot of how it looks). I left it sitting two days and we had heavy, heavy rain. A wren was building a nest behind the control panel and it was covered in debris where those gears are. Tips. This will mow down sprouts as in sprouting trees. The problem is it leaves what's called a stob. Basically, a the base of the sprouting tree it cut down. Run over that and you'll get a flat. Battery. This is where you want to go to an auto parts store. You'll pay more but it'll last for several years. In the winter, I put a trickle charger on it when I store it. Always disconnect the negative first. Always reconnect the positive first. Fuel line. This is the problem my brother in law had with my mother's yard machine which was by far the worst product on the market. A grain of sand or something got stuck in the carb and would push gas into the oil when it sat. That fuel tank does have some pressure to it. I put in a fuel cut off at or near the fuel filter. Some say with weed eaters and such to drain the fuel at the end of the season. I now hear it's better to leave the fuel in it as the seals won't dry out. Then dump your fuel and add fresh.

This is awesome! Thanks so much for this! 🙂👍

Mine didn't come with the sleeve. I cut a vertical section out of a plastic McDonald's cup and it works pretty good. Thanks for the tips.

I removed the nut on the steering rod which allowed me to lift the rod up out of the way a good bit. Love the videos and tips! I'm subscribed.

The is helped me sooo much!

awesome!

Flip, I slightly overFILLED my Pony42. It was easy to drain the oil using your tips the NEWER engines actually have a tool-less cap with an extension tube that makes OC neater. I was filling with 10W30 and put in a full quart and and less than 1/2 extra. The stick read just above the F dot. Upon cranking after oil settled and clean up, the engine BackFired once and wouldn't start! A small amount of oil sprayed on the tires and ground. Can you advise besides draining some oil out tomorrow and possibly cleaning spark plug? much thanks Lou Pony 42 in NY Capital Region

Thank you

I have been threatening to use 3 nipples, 2 elbows, and a quick drain on my Pony to get the drain through the hole in the frame forward of the drain plug. I think I will do that now!

Size 13 12 point socket fits it perfectly

Thank you!!

Than you very much......Very helpful........Bob In Delaware

Subbed thanks for the help

Yea including me I didn't get mine and it was bought brand new still had the break in oil but now I figured I could use that oil extender like on most other mowers it does work and it does not cross thread mine came off a John Deer rider which all it's needs is a twist of of the black cap and oil comes out

Usually, it works better to turn over your oil container - pours more evenly. [That's the purpose of the air filled handle - to let the air in.]

Thanks

Tyvm sir 👍

You could see if fumoto makes a valve that fits the thread pitch. You'll probably need an extension though

Gracias 🙏 buen video .

Put a fitting in the plug hole that will accept a 3/8 hose that is about 6" long. Put a plastic shutoff valve on it and rig up a hose retainer clip to stash it out of the way when not draining the oil. Simply unclip the hose, aim the valve end into a jug and open the petcock. No more oil spills(unless your a nervous nelly😅. ???) Won't need that fluffy drip plate anymore. 😊

Thanks. Bought a 2008 Pony in excellent condition for $200 and guy threw the bagger in.

Used a coffie can made of plastic fit fine

How about a petcock valve on the extension pipe.

Thank you thank you thank you this was perfect for me. I’d love to watch more basic maintenance videos on the Troy Bilt!!

Great video thanks. Is there a oil filter to change?

No oil filter on the pony I actually have the exact same mower. It was in my house when I bought it and it wouldn't run I had to put a new carburetor on it and I put a new battery in it started right up no problem. I just put some new Gator blades on too. Cutting like a champ but I would like to change the oil. I just didn't see you mess with the filter so I figure there is no filter for this model? I basically taking the entire lawn mower apart and haven't seen one so I'm just going to do what you did. Looks good I'm going to get that nipple on there too for future ease!

Your video's are a great help.How do I disable the seat shut off?

why is the bottom of my engine leaking, I can't find out from where the oil leak originates however. it's leaks down onto the 2nd bigger lower pulley, not leaking on the smaller top pulley on the dual pulley shaft, so it's not coming from the lower engine crankcase seal. So do I have to remove the engine to see if there is a hairline crack or something,.... it is a 2001 lawn tractor from MTD but the engine runs great, but the oil leak drips down and gets all over the V-belt and ruins it and splashes oil everywhere under there.

I used a split garden hose as i do not have the drain hose he has

This is a very sturdy and well built mower. I thought I wouldn't like the foot operated speed control but after one use ru-vid.comUgkxTZSPVwJFBv2hORqhQamtxi-tAe5K2EtC , I can't believe I ever had one without it. It drives like a car with an automatic transmission. Easy to adjust mowing speed according to grass depth/thickness. I have yet to get used to the long throw of the blade engagement lever but kind of get why it is that way. It allows you to hold mowing for short moments if you need. The engine seems very substantial and the frame has very little flex, both adding up to an impressive package. All my previous tractors were 18 to21 hp with 42in decks. This one is 23/46. I mow about 1.5 acres about every 5 days here in Alaska and that mowing time has been reduced by about 20%, partly due to the very tight turning radius. No loop arounds lol. Hour meter, cruise control, reverse mowing capability,deck cleanout and easy assembly all add up to a very well thought out tractor.

Got a mower 2nd hand that didn't have the drain plastic. . . what engineering genius thought it was a good idea to put an oil drain nut right over frame? Probably the same who say "Looks good on CAD!" and never actually saw if it was functional.

Do you have a video of changing the oil filter on the troy built 42 pony

Can you tell me what size 8-point socket this would take to remove the drain plug?

I recently had my mower break on me. It has the same mechanics to it like the one you are showing. When you let the handle down to engage the blades to go it was like something broke. The handle just goes up and down with no engagement. Do you have any comments on how to fix this?

I have an older model of the Briggs ride on you have don't they have oil filters ? Wow they must need the oil changed alot with no filter.

My 1985 Roper came with the pipe like that from The factory it’s a 3 inch pipe then it has an L band facing down with a plug it’s nice I change my oil every two or three times I use the lawnmower I don’t care at three dollars a quarter for STP shit

Straight to the point. Well done, and new subscriber here.

I have one just like it and I'm wondering if a fitment can be made to fit into the nearby hole?

Thanks ..... holds 44 oz

It’s so weird. Our mowers look identical except in the spot where the drain plug is on your, there’s just a recessed square plug, like it’s not meant to be removed. I’ll probably have to use a siphon hose to change mine.

i got my double bar front bumper and trailer hitch in today from Ebay. both fits like a glove MAN cost 78 bucks> Only 6 bolts > Craftsman Universal Riding Mower Dual Bar Bumper

Did I hear right, that the Troy Bilt pony doesn't have an oil filter? Thanks for the video

For the life of me I can't find the oil filter..i guess there isn't one?

will at anytime the blades will hit at there ends, if not off set them at install

On these kinds of engines, do you need to also change the filter every time you change the oil?

When I purchased my Troy bilt mower it did not come with the drain sleeve. I called Troy Bilt and they sent me one at no charge.

I was taught that Teflon Tape should not be used at that high of a temperature .

Hi, do you have a video on break/clutch adjustment. Seems I have to let it almost all the way out to get it to move .? Thx in advance . Any Info would be appreciated.

I’m a first time riding mower owner, I bought a 46” Troy bilt hydro horse 20hp. Can you please tell me which filter and oil I should buy? Thank you for the vids