Steps to Better Engine Maintenance
For optimum performance, you should change the oil in your small engine at
least once per season, or every 25 hours of use.
Changing Oil Guide| <javascript:window.print()> Print
Step 1: Getting Started
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Start the engine and run it until it is warm. Stop the engine. WARNING: Be
sure to disconnect the spark plug wire, and secure it away from the spark
plug to prevent accidental starting. Clean around the oil fill and drain
plug area to prevent dirt and debris from falling into the crankcase (see
photo at right). Remove the dipstick, if equipped.
Step 2: Draining The Oil
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Tilt the mower deck with the air filter or spark plug side up, and position
some newspaper and an oil pan or jug beneath the mower. Use a 3/8" drive
socket wrench and extension (no socket) to turn the plug counter clockwise
(see photo at right), allowing the old oil to drain. If the plug also serves
as a fill cap (normally yellow or white in color), it may have two prongs so
you can loosen it by hand or with a screwdriver or hex key for additional
torque.
Replace the drain plug by twisting clockwise and tightening with a box
wrench or adjustable wrench. If your engine does not have an oil filter,
skip this step.
Step 3: Engines with Oil Filters
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If your engine has an oil filter, replace it at least once per season.
· Replace the oil filter by twisting counterclockwise on the body,
using a filter wrench or pipe wrench.
· Examine the sealing surface on the oil filter adapter for debris
or gasket material. Clean if necessary.
· Lightly oil the filter gasket with clean engine oil. Install a new
filter, screwing in by hand until the gasket contacts the filter adapter
(see photo at right). Tighten the filter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
Step 4: Fill With New Oil
Pour in the correct amount and approved type of oil for your engine, based
on this
<http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/routine_maintenance/changing_
oil/oil_capacity_chart.pdf> oil capacity chart
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<http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/index.aspx?ma
nuType=Operator%20Manuals> your operator manual. If you have two
<http://www.briggsandstratton.com/images/site/maint_change-oil_plug.jpg> oil
fill plugs (normally yellow or white in color) on each side of the engine,
either one can be used to fill the engine with oil to the correct level.
Please DO NOT fill the engine with oil without using the correct measuring
device as illustrated in
<http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/index.aspx?ma
nuType=Operator%20Manuals> your operators manual.
Oil Recommendations
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To optimize engine performance, use Warranty Certified Briggs & Stratton
Small Engine Oil. Briggs & Stratton offers a Synthetic 5W-30 oil that
provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved
starting with less oil consumption.
For optimum performance, you should change the oil in your small engine
after the first five hours of use and then, every 50 hours of use:
· Use Briggs & Stratton SAE 30W Oil above 40°F (4°C) for all of our
engines.
· Check oil level regularly.
· Air-cooled engines burn about an ounce of oil per cylinder, per
hour.
· Fill to mark on dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL.
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