28 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine Oil Capacity(All Series)

Routine oil maintenance is one of the most important steps in keeping your 28 HP Briggs & Stratton engine running smoothly.

This guide explains the exact oil capacity for most 28 HP Briggs & Stratton engines, the best oil to use, how to change it properly, and tips to extend your engine’s lifespan.

28 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine Oil Capacity

A 28 HP Briggs & Stratton engine typically holds 64 oz (1.9 L / 2.0 quarts) of oil without a filter and about 70 oz (2.1–2.2 quarts) with an oil filter, depending on the specific V-Twin model series such as Intek, Professional Series, Commercial Turf, or Vanguard.

Briggs & Stratton recommends using SAE 30 for warm climates, 10W-30 or Synthetic 5W-30 for all-temperature use, and 15W-50 synthetic for heavy-duty Vanguard commercial engines.

Engine Model Series	HP Rating	Oil Capacity (No Filter)	Oil Capacity (With Filter)
Intek V-Twin 49 Series	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)
Intek V-Twin 500000 Series	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)
Professional Series V-Twin 49T5	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.2 L)
Professional Series V-Twin 44N7	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)
Vanguard V-Twin 49E8	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.2 L)
Vanguard Commercial V-Twin 49R8	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.2 L)
Commercial Turf V-Twin 49M7	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)
Extended Life Series (ELS) V-Twin 49L7	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)
Cyclonic V-Twin 540000 Series	28 HP	64 oz (1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)
Opposed Twin 40 Series (Older 28 HP)	28 HP	60–64 oz (1.8–1.9 L)	70 oz (2.1 L)

Always check the dipstick after filling, avoid overfilling, and change the oil every 50 hours or annually to maintain optimal engine performance.

Related Briggs and Stratton 2 Cycle Oil Mix Chart(For All Engine Types)

Best Oil for 28 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine

Click the Links Below to Check the Latest Prices on AMAZON

1. Briggs & Stratton SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil

Best for: All-weather performance and maximum engine protection

Features:

• Fully synthetic formula designed specifically for air-cooled small engines
• Provides excellent cold-start protection and stable lubrication in hot temperatures
• Reduces engine wear, deposits, and sludge buildup
• Ideal for heavy-duty or frequent mowing conditions
• Helps maintain cleaner operation and longer engine life

2. STP Premium Small Engine 4-Cycle Oil SAE 10W-30

Best for: All-season use with a balanced synthetic blend

Features:

• Synthetic-blend oil that performs well in both cold and hot climates
• Contains detergents and anti-wear additives for cleaner engine operation
• Protects against corrosion, varnish, and deposit formation
• Smooth cold starts and stable viscosity under load
• Convenient 32-oz bottle size ideal for lawn tractors and riding mowers

3. STP Premium Small Engine 4-Cycle Oil SAE 30

Best for: Warm-weather mowing and simple maintenance

Features:

• Straight-weight SAE 30 oil recommended for warm climates
• Maintains viscosity under high-temperature engine operation
• Provides reliable lubrication for splash-lubricated small engines
• Budget-friendly option for seasonal or occasional use
• Reduces friction and protects internal components during summer mowing

Related Briggs Stratton Engine Oil Recommendations(By Manufacturer)

Oil Type to Use in a 28 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine

Briggs & Stratton recommends oil based on your operating temperature:

SAE 30

• Best for warm weather (40°F / 4°C and above)
• Most common option for lawn mowers
• Excellent for summer mowing

10W-30

• Good all-season performance
• Easier starting in cold weather
• Slightly increased oil consumption in hot conditions

Synthetic 5W-30

• Excellent for all temperatures
• Reduced oil consumption
• Best cold-start protection
• Ideal for year-round mowing or high-hour usage

15W-50 Synthetic

• Recommended for Vanguard Commercial V-Twin engines
• Best for heavy-duty, high-temperature continuous operation
• Great for commercial mowing fleets

If your mower works in very hot climates or for long hours, synthetic oil improves lubrication and reduces wear.

Related Briggs and Stratton Engine Oil Capacity Chart(For All Models)

How to Check Oil in a 28 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine

Follow these steps:

1. Park the mower on a flat surface.
2. Turn off the engine and let it cool for 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
4. Reinsert it (do not screw it in on many models).
5. Remove and check the oil level.
6. Ensure it sits between FULL and ADD.
7. If low, add oil slowly in small amounts.

Always avoid overfilling, too much oil can cause smoking, loss of power, and plugged air filters.

How to Change Oil on a Briggs & Stratton 28 HP Engine

Changing the oil every 50 hours (or annually) keeps your engine running efficiently.

What You Need

• 2 quarts of recommended engine oil
• New oil filter (optional but ideal)
• Oil drain pan
• Socket or wrench
• Shop towels

Steps

1. Run the engine for 2 minutes to warm the oil.
2. Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug.
3. Locate the oil drain valve or plug, usually at the base of the engine.
4. Place a pan below and open the drain to let oil flow out fully.
5. Remove the old oil filter if you’re replacing it.
6. Install the new oil filter, lightly oiling the rubber seal.
7. Close the drain valve.
8. Add 2.0–2.2 quarts of fresh oil.
9. Check the dipstick and adjust if needed.
10. Run engine 1 minute and recheck the level.

Maintenance Tips for a Longer Engine Life

• Change oil every 50 hours or every season
• Replace the oil filter at every oil change
• Use synthetic oil for heavy-duty use
• Avoid overfilling the crankcase
• Clean or replace the air filter regularly
• Keep the cooling fins free of debris
• Store the mower properly during the off-season

Good oil maintenance alone can extend engine life by 30–40%.

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FAQs

How much oil does a 28 HP Briggs and Stratton hold?

A 28 HP Briggs & Stratton engine typically holds 64 oz (1.9 L / 2.0 quarts) of oil without a filter and about 70 oz (2.1–2.2 quarts) when an oil filter is installed.

How much oil does a 27 horse Briggs & Stratton take?

Most 27 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engines use the same capacity as the 28 HP models, holding 64 oz (1.9 L) without a filter and around 70 oz (2.1 L) with a new filter.

How much oil do Briggs and Stratton use for a mower?

Most Briggs & Stratton riding mower engines use 48–64 oz (1.4–1.9 L) of oil, depending on the engine size. Larger V-Twin engines (24–28 HP) generally need 2 quarts.

What oil is best for Briggs & Stratton engines?

The best oils for Briggs & Stratton engines are SAE 30 for warm weather, 10W-30 for all-season use, Synthetic 5W-30 for superior protection and cold starts, and 15W-50 synthetic for commercial heavy-duty Vanguard models.

Can I use 10W30 in my Briggs and Stratton engine?

Yes, you can use 10W-30 in Briggs & Stratton engines. It provides reliable all-temperature performance, easier cold starts, and good overall protection, though it may burn slightly more oil in very hot conditions.