If you own or are maintaining a Craftsman 24-inch two-stage snowblower, understanding the correct oil capacity, recommended oil type, and maintenance best practices is key.
This guide explains everything you need to know to keep your snowblower running efficiently throughout the winter season.
Craftsman 24 Inch Snowblower Oil Capacity
The Craftsman 24-inch snowblower typically holds about 20 ounces (0.6 quarts / 0.57 liters) of engine oil, and the recommended oil type is SAE 5W-30 for cold-weather performance. This oil capacity applies to most 179cc–208cc Craftsman two-stage snowblower engines.
Always check the dipstick when filling to avoid overfilling, and change the oil after the first 5 hours of use, then once per season or every 50 hours of operation. Proper oil maintenance ensures easier starting, smoother operation, and longer engine life.
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Best Oil for Craftsman 24-inch snowblowers
Click the Links Below to Check the Latest Prices on AMAZON
1. Briggs & Stratton SAE 5W-30 4-Cycle Snow Thrower Oil
- Designed specifically for small 4-cycle snowblower engines
- Provides reliable lubrication in cold temperatures for easier starting
- Comes in a larger 32-ounce bottle, offering multiple fills for smaller engines
2. Ariens SAE 5W-30 Snowblower Engine Oil
- Formulated for winter engine performance and protection
- Ideal for snowblowers operating in freezing conditions
- Available in smaller bottle sizes, making it easy to top up or complete a full oil change
3. Toro 4-Cycle Winter Engine Oil 5W-30
- Specifically blended for cold-weather operation
- Suitable size for engines with a 20-ounce capacity, preventing waste
- Helps maintain smoother engine operation in heavy snow conditions
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Recommended Oil Type
Craftsman snowblowers are designed to run on 4-stroke engine oil, not 2-stroke oil. For cold-weather operation, which is typical for snowblower use, SAE 5W-30 is the recommended oil viscosity. This oil flows well in low temperatures and ensures proper lubrication when starting and operating the machine in freezing conditions.
Synthetic vs Conventional Oil
Both synthetic and conventional 5W-30 engine oils are suitable, but there are advantages to choosing synthetic:
- Better cold-start performance
- Reduced engine wear over time
- Longer oil life between changes
If you live in very cold climates where temperatures frequently drop below -15°C (5°F), synthetic 5W-30 or even 0W-30 may help your snowblower start and run more easily.
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Why Proper Oil Matters
Your snowblower engine experiences frequent cold starts and has to work hard to throw wet, heavy snow. Oil ensures smooth internal movement and prevents heat and friction damage. Running with low oil or old oil can lead to:
- Engine overheating
- Hard starting
- Loss of power
- Permanent engine damage
Snowblower engines do not have oil filters like car engines do, meaning contaminants remain in the oil. That makes changing the oil regularly even more important to maintain clean lubrication.
Oil Change Frequency
For best performance and long engine life:
- Change the oil after the first 5 hours of use on a new machine (break-in period).
- After that, change the oil every 50 hours of use or at the start of each winter season, whichever comes first.
- Always check the oil level before each use during the snow season.
If you run the snowblower hard or frequently handle wet, heavy snow, you may want to check and replace oil more often.
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How to Change the Oil Step-by-Step
Changing the oil is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a simple guide:
- Warm the engine for a few minutes to loosen the oil. Turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
- Place an oil pan under the drain plug or oil fill area, depending on your model.
- Remove the oil drain plug or tilt the machine gently to allow the oil to drain.
- Remove the dipstick cap to help oil flow out more smoothly.
- Allow all the old oil to drain completely. This may take several minutes.
- Reinstall the drain plug securely after draining.
- Refill with fresh SAE 5W-30 oil slowly, a little at a time.
- Check the level using the dipstick, ensuring oil sits between the Low and Full marks.
- Reconnect the spark plug and wipe any spilled oil before use.
Related Engine Oil Consumption Calculator
FAQs
What kind of oil does a Craftsman 24 inch snowblower take?
A Craftsman 24-inch snowblower uses SAE 5W-30 4-cycle engine oil, which is designed to flow properly in cold temperatures and protect the engine during winter use. Synthetic 5W-30 is also suitable for improved cold-start performance.
How much horsepower does a Craftsman 24 inch snowblower have?
Most Craftsman 24-inch two-stage snowblowers are equipped with engines ranging from 179cc to 208cc, which typically produce around 5.5 to 7 horsepower, depending on the specific model and year.
How much oil does a 24 inch Ariens snowblower take?
A typical 24-inch Ariens two-stage snowblower holds about 20 to 24 ounces (0.6 to 0.7 quarts) of engine oil. Always confirm using the dipstick when filling, as oil capacity can vary slightly by engine model.
How much oil for Craftsman T240?
The Craftsman T240 lawn tractor uses a much larger engine than a snowblower and typically requires approximately 48 ounces (1.5 quarts) of SAE 10W-30 engine oil. Check your model manual or dipstick to confirm fill level.
How much oil do I put in my Craftsman?
The amount of oil required depends on the equipment type and engine size. For most Craftsman 24-inch snowblowers, the correct amount is about 20 ounces of SAE 5W-30. For Craftsman lawn tractors, it is generally about 1.5 quarts, depending on the engine. Always fill slowly and verify using the dipstick to avoid overfilling.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the correct oil capacity and using the right type of oil are essential steps in maintaining your Craftsman 24-inch snowblower. With its typical 20-ounce oil capacity and recommendation for SAE 5W-30, maintenance is simple and affordable, but extremely important.
Regular oil checks and timely oil changes ensure your machine starts easily, runs smoothly, and lasts for many winters to come.
By taking a few minutes to care for your snowblower’s engine, you’ll avoid costly repairs and enjoy reliable performance every time the snow begins to fall.
