8BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM
Maintenance
NOTICE:If the engine is tipped during maintenance, the fuel tank must be empty and
thesparkplugsidemustbe up. If the fuel tank is not empty and if the engine is tipped in
anyother direction, it may be difficult to start due to oil or gasoline contaminating the air
filterand/or the spark plug.
WARNING: Whenperforming maintenance that requires the unit to be
tipped,the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or
explosion.
Werecommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all
maintenanceand service of the engine and engine parts.
NOTICE:All the components used to build this engine must remain in place for proper
operation.

EmissionsControl

Maintenance,replacement, or repair of the emissions control devices and systems
maybe performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or indivi dual.
However,to obtain “no charge” emissions control service, the work must be performed
bya factory authorized dealer. See the Emissions Warranty.
Unintentionalsparking can result in fire or electric shock.
Unintentionalstart-up can result in entanglement, traumatic
amputation,or laceration.
Firehazard
WARNING
Beforeperforming adjustments or repairs:
Disconnectthe spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug.
Disconnectbattery at negative terminal (only engines with electric start.)
Useonly correct tools.
Donot tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine
speed.
Replacementparts must be of the same design and installed in the same
positionas the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may damage
theunit, and may result in injury.
Donot strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel
maylater shatter during operation.
Whentesting for spark:
Useapproved spark plug tester.
Donot check for spark with spark plug removed.

MaintenanceChart

First5 Hours
Changeoil
Every8HoursorDaily
Checkengine oil level
Cleanarea around muffler and controls
Cleanfinger guard
Every25 Hours or Annually
Cleanair filter *
Cleanpre-cleaner *
Every50 Hours or Annually
Changeengine oil
Checkmuffler and spark arrester
Annually
Replaceair filter
Replacepre-cleaner
Replacespark plug
Replacefuel filter
Cleanair cooling system *
*Industy conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often.

CarburetorAnd Engine Speed Adjustment

Nevermake adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was set at
thefactory 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
requiredcontact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Center for service.
NOTICE:The equipment manufacturer specifies the maximum speed for the engine as
installedon the equipment. Do not exceed this speed. If you are unsure what the
equipmentmaximum speed is, or what the engine speed is set to from the factory,
contacta Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Center for assistance. For safe and
properoperation of the equipment, the engine speed should be adjusted only by a
qualifiedservice technician.

Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester - Figure 1

Runningengines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler,
becomeextremely hot.
Severethermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustibledebris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
WARNING
Allowmuffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
Removeaccumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
Itis a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or
operatethe engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land
unlessthe exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in
Section4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or federal
jurisdictionsmay have similar laws. Contact the original equipment
manufacturer,retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the
exhaustsystem installed on this engine.
Removeaccumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler (I,
Figure1) for cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the spark arrester (P), if
equipped,and inspect for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install
replacementparts before operating.
WARNING: Replacementparts must be of the same design and installed
inthe same position as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may
damagethe unit, and may result in injury.

How ToReplace The Spark Plug - Figure 10

Checkthe gap (A, Figure 10) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, reset the gap. Install
andtighten the spark plug to the recommended torque. For gap setting or torque, see the
Specificationssection.
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
typefor replacement.

How ToChange The Oil - Figure 111 12 13

WARNING
Fueland its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fireor explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Ifyou drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel
canleak out and result in a fire or explosion.
Usedoil is a hazardous waste product and must be disposed of properly. Do not discard
withhousehold waste. Check with your local authorities, service center, or dealer for safe
disposal/recyclingfacilities.

RemoveOil

Youcan drain the oil from the bottom drain hole, the side drain hole, or from the top oil fill
tube.
1. Withengine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire (A) and keep it away
fromthe spark plug (Figure 11).
2. Theengine is equipped with a bottom drain (Q, Figure 1) and/or a side drain (R).
Removetheoildrainplug(H).Drain the oil into an approved container.
Note:Any of the oil drain plugs (H) shown may be installed in the engine.
3. Afterthe oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
4. Ifyou drain the oil from the top oil fill tube (E), keep the spark plug end of the engine
(F)up (Figure 12). Drain the oil into an approved container.
WARNING: Ifyou drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must
beempty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion. To empty the fuel tank,
runthe engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
Not for
Reproduction