Briggs & Stratton 1461-2, Owner'S Manual, Page: 18 / 44

Briggs & Stratton Power Products Backup Power System
Owner’s Manual
18
Engine Maintenance
CAUTION!
When working on the generator,
always remove the 15 Amp fuse from control panel.
Also disconnect spark plug wires from spark plugs
and keep wires away from spark plugs.This will
prevent accidental start–up.
Check fuel lines and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks.
Replace if necessary.
Checking Oil Level
Before placing the backup generator in service and at the
recommended maintenance interval, check the engine oil
level, as follows:
• Remove Oil Service door. Clean area around oil fill and
dipstick locations.
• Remove dipstick.Wipe with clean cloth.
• Insert dipstick fully. Remove and check oil level.
• If oil level is low, slowly add recommended oil to bring
level to “Full” mark on dipstick (Figure 6).
• A reusable oil spout that fits most oil bottles is supplied
to make it easier to pour oil into the engine (Figure 7).
Changing the Oil and Oil Filter
Oil capacity is approximately 1-1/2 quarts (48 ounces or
1.6 liters) when changing oil and filter. Use only 5W-30 API
Service Grade SJ or greater synthetic oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours and replace oil
filter every 100 hours. If you are using this engine under
dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather,
change the oil more often.
Use the following instructions to change the oil
while the engine is still warm:
1. Unclip and wipe the oil drain hose clean with a rag.
Place the oil drain hose into a suitable container. Grasp
the oil drain fitting (see Figure 5), push it in towards
the engine, rotate it counterclockwise to its stop, then
pull the fitting outwards. Oil should begin to flow out
of the oil drain hose.
2. When the oil is drained, grasp the oil drain fitting and
rotate it clockwise until it locks in place. Position the
oil drain hose into its storage clip.
3. Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and
remove the filter.
Figure 6 — Oil Dipstick Markings
Figure 7 — Oil Fill Spout on Oil Bottle