Briggs and Stratton: Engine care and maintenance
Briggs and Stratton are famous for their small engines, which are used to power all kinds of lawn care equipment. Briggs and Stratton engines are typically found in lawn mowers, with brands such as Snapper, Troy-Bilt, Husqvrana, Cub Cadet, John Deere, Toro, Craftsman and more sporting a Briggs and Stratton powered engine. Those brands are among the most popular and dependable brands available, and that’s for good reason. Briggs and Stratton have been producing world-class engines for over 100 years, making them one of the most successful and ubiquitous engines around.
If you have a Briggs and Stratton engine, maintenance is key to keeping it running optimally for years to come. There are a few key parts that will be required, and some tips to follow, but this simple process will yield the best value and life for your engine.
Frequently Asked Questions: Briggs and Stratton engines
Q: Why should I maintain my engine?
A: Maintenance has many advantages including:
• Reduce emissions up to 50%
• Reduce fuel consumption up to 30%
• Restore engine up to 7.5%
• Extend engine life
Q: How often should I service my engine?
A: We have provided a chart for you with the recommended service intervals inside.
Q: What parts do I need to replace?
A: A Briggs & Stratton® Tune-up Kit provides you with all the parts needed to maintain your engine. It includes an air filter, oil, a spark plug, and fuel treatment & stabilizer. Some kits may include an oil or fuel filter.
Q: What tools are needed to tune up my engine?
A: These tools may be needed to perform basic maintenance on your Briggs & Stratton® engine:
• Socket wrench set
• Screwdrivers
• Funnel
• Drain pan
• Spark plug gauge
Q: Is it difficult to perform routine maintenance?
A: It’s easy. Just follow the directions in your operator’s manual, and you will be done in 30 minutes or less.
Do I have all the parts I need to complete my tune up?
Engine maintenance can get really messy real fast, so make sure you are prepared with all of the proper equipment before you begin. This checklist will help guide you through the process:
- Air Cleaner
- Spark Plug
- Oil
- Oil Filter (if equipped)
- Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer
- Fuel Filter (if equipped)
- Belts (if equipped)
- Blade (if equipped)
- Battery (if equipped)
Basic Engine Care
Oil:
• Check oil level regularly: fill to mark on dipstick
Do Not Overfill:
• Use Briggs & Stratton® SAE 30 oil above 40°F (4°C)
• Change oil after first 5 hours of use, then after every 50 hours or at the beginning of the season
Air Cleaner:
• Replace air cleaners at least once a season with original parts, more often under dusty conditions
• Always use Briggs & Stratton® air filters to assure optimum performance and maximum protection for your engine
Gasoline:
• Use clean, fresh, unleaded gas, no E85
• Do not mix oil with gas
• Use Briggs & Stratton® Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer to keep your fuel fresh. It can also protect against ethanol related problems.
Spark Plug:
• Replace spark plug at the beginning of every mowing season and/or every 100 hours of use
• Use Briggs & Stratton recommended spark plugs
Storage:
• Use Briggs & Stratton® Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer to prevent stale gas over storage period
• Drain engine oil and refill
• Pour ½ oz (14ml) oil into spark plug hole
• Replace spark plug and crank engine slowly
• Clean dirt and grass from engine and store in clean, dry area
Briggs and Stratton Engine Maintenance Schedule
Every 5 hours:
Check oil level
Change oil. Also replace oil filter, if equipped.
Every 25 hours or every season:
Replace foam air cleaner or optional foam pre-cleaner.
Replace paper air cleaner.
50 hours or every season:
Change oil. Also replace oil filter, if equipped.
100 hours or every season:
Change oil. Also replace oil filter, if equipped.
Replace paper air cleaner.
Replace spark plug.
Replace in-line fuel filter, if equipped.
Tune-Up Kits: Make it easy!
Briggs and Stratton Engine Tune-Up Kit
All the parts you need for regular maintenance are available in a Briggs and Stratton engine tune-up kit.
- Oil
- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Fuel treatment and stabilizer
Some kits may include an oil or fuel filter.