technician.
However, for "no charge" emissions control service, the work must be done
by a factory authorized dealer. Refer to the Emissions Control Statements.
Maintenance Schedule
First 5 Hours
• Change oil
Every 8 Hours
• Check engine oil level
• Clean area around muffler and controls
• Clean air intake grille
Every 50 Hours or Annually
• Clean air filter
1
• Clean pre-cleaner (if equipped)
1
• Change engine oil
• Replace oil filter (if equipped)
• Service exhaust system
Every 200 Hours
• Replace air filter
1
• Replace pre-cleaner
1
Annually
• Replace spark plug(s)
• 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
Do not make adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was set at
the factory to operate satisfactorily under most conditions. Do not change the governor
spring, linkages, or other parts to adjust 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 correct operation
of the equipment, the engine speed should only be adjusted by a qualified service
technician.
Service Engine Exhaust
WARNING
During operation, the engine and muffler become hot. If you touch a hot engine,
thermal burns can occur.
Combustible materials, such as leaves, grass and brush, can catch fire.
• Before you touch the engine or muffler, stop the engine and wait two (2) minutes.
Make sure that the engine and muffler are safe to touch.
• Remove debris from the muffler and engine.
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;
reference Federal Regulation 36 CFR Part 261.52. Contact the original equipment
manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the exhaust
system installed on this engine.
Remove debris from the muffler and cylinder area. Examine the muffler for cracks,
corrosion, or other damage. Remove the deflector or the spark arrester, if equipped, and
examine for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install the replacement
parts before you operate the equipment.
WARNING
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed in the same position as the
original parts. Other parts could result in damage or an injury.
Service Spark Plug
Refer to Figure: 10
Check the gap (A, Figure 10) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, set the gap. Install
and tighten the spark plug to the recommended torque. For gap or torque, refer to the
Specifications
section.
NOTE:
In some areas, it is mandatory by local law that you use a resistor spark plug
to decrease ignition signals. If a resistor spark plug was installed by the equipment
manufacturer, use the same type for replacement.
Change Engine Oil
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion could result in
burns or death.
During operation, the engine and muffler become hot. If you touch a hot engine,
thermal burns can occur.
• If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty. If it is not
empty, fuel leakage can occur and cause a fire or an explosion.
• Before you touch the engine or muffler, stop the engine and wait two (2) minutes.
Make sure that the engine and muffler are safe to touch.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be discarded of correctly. Do not
discard with household waste. Contact your local authorities, service center, or dealer
for safe disposal or recycling facilities.
Remove Oil
Refer to Figure: 11, 12, 13, 14
1. With engine off but warm, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 11) and keep
it away from the spark plug(s) (E).
2. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 12).
3. Remove the oil drain plug (F, Figure 13). Drain the oil into an approved container.
NOTE:
One of the oil drain plugs (G, Figure 13) could be installed in the engine.
4. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug (F, Figure 13).
5. When you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube (C, Figure 14), keep the spark plug
(E) end of the engine up. 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. If it is not
empty, fuel leakage can occur and could result in a fire or an explosion. Operate the
engine until the fuel tank is empty.
Change Oil Filter, if equipped
Refer to Figure: 12
1. Drain the oil from the engine. Refer to the
Remove Oil
section.
2. Remove the oil filter (H, Figure 12) and discard correctly.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter gasket with clean oil.
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket touches the oil filter adapter, then tighten
the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil. Refer to the
Add Oil
section.
6. Start and operate the engine. When the engine is warm, do a check for oil leaks.
7. Stop the engine. Make sure that oil level is at the top of the full indicator (B, Figure
Add Oil
Refer to Figure: 11, 12
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
• Refer to the
Specifications
section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 12) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Slowly pour oil into the engine oil fill (C, Figure 12).
Do not overfill.
After adding oil,
wait one minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 12).
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 12) on the dipstick.
8
Not for
Reproduction
