Starting The Engine - Briggs & Stratton 500 Series Maintenance Manual

Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton

4 Starting the Engine

The engine oil should be checked before each use. Check there is sufficient
petrol in the fuel tank, and that it is clean and fresh. Old, stale fuel may cause
poor starting. Drain stale fuel from the tank and replace with fresh petrol.
1. Ensure the machine is situated on a firm level
surface (path, patio or short grass). Before
checking the underside, make sure to remove
the HT cap (spark plug cap). Check the
underside of the machine is clear from old lawn
debris. If you have to tilt the mower, do this
backwards only. First remove the grass catcher,
then lift the front wheels until the handles reach
the ground at the rear.
2. Check the H.T. lead (1 in the diagram) is correctly
fitted to the spark plug.
3. On 400 Series engines only, set the throttle lever
to the FAST position.
4.
Push the primer bulb (1) at least three times.
When starting from cold (or for new engines) it
may be necessary to prime the engine eight to ten
times continuously to bleed the fuel system of any
air pockets.
5.
Check the Operator Presence Control (OPC) lever
is held against the handle (it may be marked
STOP, or it may be a red handle at the left side of
the main handle bar) when starting and using the
mower.
QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:
Problem:
Engine is difficult
to start
Page 10 of 32 B&S Classic, 450 and 500 Series Selfhelp
Classic,
450 and 500 Series
Likely Cause:
•
Spark plug disconnected
•
Dirty spark plug or incorrect gap
•
No fuel
•
Stale fuel or build-ups in fuel
tank
•
OPC Cable has stretched
Solution:
•
Check the spark plug
cap is firmly fitted on
the spark plug (see
A)
•
Check the spark plug
(see A)
•
Check and top up
(see B)
•
Drain old fuel, re-fill
with fresh fuel (see
B)
•
Adjust or replace
(see C)
Guide 2011, Issue 1.0