Briggs & Stratton I 950 Series Operator's Manual page 9

NOTICE: The equipment manufacturer specifies the maximum speed for the engine as
installed on the equipment. Do not exceed this speed. If you are unsure what the
equipment maximum speed is, or what the engine speed is set to from the factory,
contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Center for assistance. For safe and
proper operation of the equipment, the engine speed should be adjusted only by a
qualified service technician.
How To Replace The Spark Plug - Figure 6
Check the gap (A, Figure 6) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, reset the gap. Install
and tighten the spark plug to the recommended torque. For gap setting or torque, see the
Specifications section.
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
type for replacement.
Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester - Figure 7
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 7) 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 8
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 8).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (B, Figure 9). Drain the oil into an approved receptacle.
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.

See the Specifications section for oil capacity.

Models with short dipstick
1. Remove the dipstick (D, Figure 9) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Fill to point of overflowing.
3. Insert the dipstick. Do not turn or tighten.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator
(F) on the dipstick.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick.
Models with extended dipstick
1. Remove the dipstick (F, Figure 10) 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.
en
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How To Service The Air Filter - Figure 11
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.
NOTICE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air can
damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
See the Maintenance Chart for service requirements.
Oil Bath Air Filter - Figure 11
1. Remove the fastener(s) (A, Figure 11) that holds the cover (B).
2. Remove the foam filter (C) from the cover.
3. Wash the foam filter (C) in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. If the filter is damaged, replace with a new filter.
4. After the filter has thoroughly dried, apply a small amount of SAE 30 oil onto the filter.
Squeeze the filter until the oil is evenly saturated. To remove any excess oil, squeeze
the filter in a clean cloth.
5. Remove the retainer (E), and o-ring (F) from the bowl (D).
6. Pull the bowl (D) off of the carburetor (G).
7. Pour the dirty oil into an approved receptacle.
8. Wash the bowl (D) and cover (B) in liquid detergent and water. Wipe dry with a clean
cloth.
9. Mount the ring (H) and bowl (D) onto the carburetor.
10. Pour clean SAE 30 oil into the bowl (D). Correct oil level (J) is shown on side of bowl.
Do not overfill.
CAUTION:
Do not pour oil into the carburetor. Pour the oil only into the
bowl. If oil or debris enters the carburetor, damage can occur to the engine and void
your warranty. If oil or debris enters the carburetor elbow, wipe with a clean dry cloth.
11. Install retainer (E) and o-ring (F) into the bowl (D).
12. Install the foam filter (C) into the cover (B).
13. Assemble the cover (B) and secure with the fastener(s) (A).
How To Clean/Replace The Debris Strainer - Figure 12
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.

Replace if necessary.
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. Remove the fuel cap (A, Figure 12).
2. Remove the debris strainer (B).
3. If the debris strainer is dirty, clean or replace it. If you replace the debris strainer,
make sure to use an original equipment replacement debris strainer.
How To Clean The Air Cooling System - Figure 13
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.
This is an air cooled engine. Dirt or debris can restrict air flow and cause the engine to
overheat, resulting in poor performance and reduced engine life.
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