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Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester
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.
WARNING
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 area and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler for
cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove 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.
How To Service The Spark Plug ‐
Figure
6
Check the gap (A, Figure 6) 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.
How To Change The Oil ‐
Figure
7
8
9
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or
fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion.
Check and add oil as required. See the
How To Check/Add Oil
section. An oil change is
not required but if you desire to change the oil follow the procedure below.
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
The oil must be drained from the top oil fill tube (E, Figure 8).
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire (A) and keep it away
from the spark plug (Figure 7).
2. Remove the dipstick (G, Figure 9).
3. When you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube (E), keep the spark plug end of the
engine (F) up (Figure 8). Drain the oil into an approved container.
WARNING:
When you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank
must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion. To empty the fuel
tank, run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
Add Oil
Place engine level.
Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
See the
Specifications
section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick (G) and wipe with a clean cloth (Figure 9).
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (H). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait one
minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator
(J) on the dipstick.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick.
How To Service The Air Filter ‐
Figure
10
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Never start or 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.
The air cleaner system uses a pleated filter with an optional pre‐cleaner. The pre‐cleaner
can be washed and reused.
1. Open the cover (B, Figure 10).
2. Remove the filter (D).
3. Remove the pre‐cleaner (E), if equipped, from the filter. To loosen debris, gently tap
the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.
4. Wash the pre‐cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. Do not oil the pre‐cleaner.
5. Assemble the dry pre‐cleaner, if equipped, to the filter.
6. Install the filter (D).
7. Close the cover (B).
How To Clean The Air Cooling System ‐
Figure
11
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.
WARNING
Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
NOTICE: Do not use water to clean the engine. Water could contaminate the fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth to clean the engine.
This is an air cooled engine. Dirt or debris can restrict air flow and cause the engine to
overheat, resulting in poor performance and reduced engine life.
Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the air intake grille (A). Keep linkage,
springs and controls (B) clean. Keep the area around and behind the muffler (C) free of
any combustible debris (Figure 11).
Storage
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When Storing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have
pilot lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
NOTICE: Store the engine level (normal operating position). If the engine is tipped for
maintenance, the fuel tank must be empty and the spark plug side must be up. If the fuel
tank is not empty and if the engine is tipped in any other direction, it may be difficult to
start due to oil or gasoline contaminating the air filter and / or the spark plug.
Fuel System
Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum
deposits to form in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. To keep fuel fresh,
use Briggs & Stratton Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer, available
wherever Briggs & Stratton genuine service parts are sold.
There is no need to drain gasoline from the engine if a fuel stabilizer is added according
to instructions. Run the engine for 2 minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel
system before storage.
If gasoline in the engine has not been treated with a fuel stabilizer, it must be drained into
an approved container. Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel. The use of a fuel
stabilizer in the storage container is recommended to maintain freshness.
Engine Oil
An oil change is not required but if you desire to change the oil then change while the
engine is warm.
Not for
Reproduction