Briggs & Stratton 120000 Operator's Manual page 9

Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester - Figure 10
WARNING
Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler,
become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.

Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.

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. Contact the original equipment
manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the
exhaust system installed on this engine.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler (A,
Figure 10) for cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the spark arrester (B), if
equipped, and inspect for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install
replacement parts before operating.
WARNING:
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed
in the same position as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may
damage the unit, and may result in injury.
How To Change The Oil - Figure 11
Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be disposed of properly. Do not discard
with household waste. Check with your local authorities, service center, or dealer for safe
disposal/recycling facilities.
Remove Oil
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire (A) and keep it away
from the spark plug (Figure 11).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (B, Figure 12). Drain the oil into an approved receptacle.
Note: Any of the oil drain plugs shown below may be installed in the engine.
3. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
Add oil
Place engine level.

Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
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See the Specifications section for oil capacity.

Models with oil fill cap
1. Remove the oil fill cap (D, Figure 12).
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Fill to point of overflowing.
3. Replace and tighten the oil fill cap.
Models with short dipstick
1. Remove the dipstick (F, Figure 12) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Fill to point of overflowing.
3. Install the dipstick but do not screw in. Remove and check the oil level. Oil level
should be at the FULL mark (G) on the dipstick.
4. Install and tighten the dipstick.
Models with extended dipstick
1. Remove the dipstick (F, Figure 13) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait
one minute and then recheck the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator
(G) on the dipstick.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick.
How To Service The Air Filter - Figure 14
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Never start or run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the

air filter (if equipped) removed.
en
12 13
15 16
NOTICE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air can
damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
The air cleaner system uses a pleated filter with an optional pre-cleaner. The pre-cleaner
can be washed and reused.
Flat Air Filter (Figure 14 and Figure 15)
1. Loosen the fastener (D) that holds the cover (A).
2. Open the cover and remove the pre-cleaner (C) and the filter (B).
3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively
dirty, replace with a new filter.
4. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
5. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner to the filter with the lip (G) of the pre-cleaner on the
bottom of the filter pleats.
6. Install the filter.
7. On models equipped with air filter shown in Figure 14, install the cover tabs (E) into
the slots (F).
8. Close the cover and secure with the fastener.
Oval Air Filter (Figure 16)
1. Loosen the fastener (D) that holds the cover (A).
2. Open the cover and remove the pre-cleaner (C) and the filter (B).
3. Remove the pre-cleaner (C), if equipped, from the filter. To loosen debris, gently tap
the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.
4. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
5. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner to the filter.
6. Install the filter and pre-cleaner into the base (E) and onto stud (F). Make sure filter
fits securely into base.
7. Install air filter cover and secure with the fastener. Make sure the fastener is tight.
How To Change The Gear Reduction Oil - Figure 17
If your engine is equipped with a gear reduction unit, service as follows.
1. Remove the oil fill plug (B) and the oil level plug (C).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (A, Figure 17) and drain the oil into an appropriate
receptacle.
3. Install and tighten the oil drain plug.
4. To refill, slowly pour gear lube into the oil fill hole (see Specifications section).
Continue to pour until the oil runs out of the oil level hole.
5. Install and tighten the oil level plug.
6. Install and tighten the oil fill plug.
Important: The oil fill plug has a vent hole (D) and must be installed on the top of the
gear case cover as shown.
How To Replace The Fuel Filter - Figure 18
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition

sources.
Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks.
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Replace if necessary.
Before replacing the fuel filter, drain the fuel tank or close the fuel shut-off valve.

Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the

original parts.
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.

1. Before replacing the fuel filter (A, Figure 18), if equipped, drain the fuel tank or close
the fuel shut-off valve. Otherwise, fuel can leak out and cause a fire or explosion.
2. Use pliers to squeeze tabs (B) on the clamps (C), then slide the clamps away from
the fuel filter. Twist and pull the fuel lines (D) off of the fuel filter.
3. Check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
4. Replace the fuel filter with an original equipment replacement filter.
5. Secure the fuel lines with the clamps as shown.
How To Clean The Air Cooling System - Figure 19
WARNING
Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler,
become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.

Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.

NOTICE: Do not use water to clean the engine. Water could contaminate the fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth to clean the engine.
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