Maintenance Schedule
First 5 Hours
• Change oil
Every 8 Hours or Daily
• Check engine oil level
• Clean area around muffler and controls
• Clean air intake grille
Every 100 Hours or Annually
• Service exhaust system
Every 200 Hours or Annually
• Change engine oil
• Clean air filter
1
Every 600 Hours or Every 3 Years
• Replace air filter
Annually
• Replace spark plug
• Service fuel system
• Service cooling system
1
• Check valve clearance
2
1
In dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often.
2
Not required unless engine performance problems are noted.
Carburetor and Engine Speed
Never make adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was set at
the factory to operate efficiently under most conditions. Do not tamper with the governor
spring, linkages, or other parts to change the engine speed. If any adjustments are
required contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for service.
NOTICE
The equipment manufacturer specifies the maximum speed for the engine
as installed on the equipment. Do not exceed this speed. If you are not sure what the
equipment maximum speed is, or what the engine speed is set to from the factory,
contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for assistance. For safe and
proper operation of the equipment, the engine speed should be adjusted only by a
qualified service technician.
Service Spark Plug
See Figure: 16
Check the gap (A, Figure 16) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, reset the gap. Install
and tighten the spark plug to the recommended torque. For gap setting or torque, see
the Specifications section.
Note: In some areas, local law requires using a resistor spark plug to suppress ignition
signals. If this engine was originally equipped with a resistor spark plug, use the same
type for replacement.
Service Exhaust System
WARNING
Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler, become
extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
• Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
• Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
• It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or
operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section
4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or federal jurisdictions
may have similar laws. Contact the original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or
dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this
engine.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler for
cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the deflector or the spark arrester, if
equipped, and inspect for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install
replacement parts before operating.
WARNING
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed in the same position
as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may damage the unit, and
may result in injury.
Change Engine Oil
See Figure: 17, 18, 19
Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be disposed of properly. Do not discard
with household waste. Check with your local authorities, service center, or dealer for
safe disposal/recycling facilities.
Remove Oil
1.
With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire (D, Figure 17) and
keep it away from the spark plug (E).
2.
Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 18).
3.
The engine has two oil drain plugs. Remove one of the oil drain plugs (F, H,
Figure 19). Drain the oil into an approved container.
4.
After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug (F, H, Figure 19).
Add Oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
• See the Specifications section for oil capacity.
1.
Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 18) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2.
The engine has multiple oil fills. Slowly pour oil into one of the engine oil fills (C,
G, Figure 19). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait one minute and then check
the oil level.
3.
Install the dipstick (A, Figure 18).
4.
Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the
full indicator (B, Figure 18) on the dipstick.
5.
Reinstall the dipstick (A, Figure 18).
6.
Connect the spark plug wire (D, Figure 17) to the spark plug (E).
Service Air Filter
See Figure: 20, 21
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
• Never start and run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the
air filter (if equipped) removed.
NOTICE
Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air
can damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
See the Maintenance Schedule for service requirements.
Paper Air Filter
1.
Loosen the fastener(s) (C, Figure 20).
2.
Remove the cover (A, Figure 20).
3.
Remove the filter (B, Figure 20).
4.
To loosen debris, gently tap the filter (B, Figure 20) on a hard surface. If the filter
is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.
5.
Install the filter (B, Figure 20).
6.
Install the cover (A, Figure 20) and secure with the fastener(s) (C). Make sure the
fastener(s) is tight.
Paper Air Filter - Low Profile
1.
Move the latch (A, Figure 21) to unlock the cover (C).
2.
Push in the tabs (B, Figure 21) and remove the cover (C).
3.
Remove the filter (D, Figure 21).
4.
To loosen debris, gently tap the filter (D, Figure 21) on a hard surface. If the filter
is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.
5.
Install the filter (D, Figure 21).
6.
Install the cover (C, Figure 21). Move the latch (A) to the locked position.
11