Briggs & Stratton SNAPPER Operator's Manual page 14

BladeService- Figure "_
I ,_ WARNING: Before you inspect the blade (C) or the blade adapter (D), discon-
nect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug. If the blade hits
an object, stop the engine. Disconnect the wire to the spark plug. Check the unit
for damage.
Frequently check the blade (C) for wear or damage such as cracks. Frequently check the bolt
(A) that holds the blade. Keep the bolt tight. If the blade hits an object, stop the engine. Discon-
nect the wire to the spark plug. Check the blade adapter (D) for damage. Check for a bent or
damaged blade, a badly worn blade, or other damage. Before you operate the unit, damaged
parts must be replaced with factory authorized replacement parts or like parts. For safety,
replace the blade every two years. Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not sharp will
cause the ends of the grass to become brown. To remove or service the blade, take the mower
to an approved service dealer.
CheckTheLevelOfCut
Testthe unit in a small area. If the height of cut is not level or if the cut grass is not discharged
or does not cut even, see the Troubleshooting section.
Engine Maintenance
Carburetor Adjustment
Never make adjustments to the carburetor. The carburetor was set at the factory to operate
efficiently under most conditions. However, if adjustments are required, see any Briggs & Strat-
ton Authorized Dealer for service.
How To ChangeThe Oil-Figure _
_ ARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
° If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can
leak out and result in a fire or explosion.
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.
RemoveOil
You can drain the oil from the bottom drain hole, the side drain hole, or from the top oil fill tube.
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug.
2. The engine is equipped with a bottom drain and/or a side drain. Remove the oil drain
plug. Drain the oil into an approved container.
3. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
4. If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube (C, Figure 17, 18), keep the spark plug end of
the engine up. Drain the oil into an approved container.
I _, WARNING: If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be
empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or explosion. To empty the fuel
tank, run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
Change The Oil Filter (if equipped)
Some models are equipped with an optional oil filter. For replacement intervals, see the Main-
tenance chart.
t. Drain the oil from the engine. See the How To Change The Oil section.
2. Remove the oil filter (D) and dispose of properly. See Figure t 8.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter gasket with fresh, clean
oil.
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter adapter, then tighten the
oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil. Seethe Add Oil section.
6. Start and run the engine. As the engine warms up, check for oil leaks.
7. Stop the engine and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator (B) on
the dipstick (Figure 18).
AddOil
. Place engine level.
° Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick (A) and wipe with a clean cloth (Figure 17, 18).
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (C). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait one
minute and then check 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
(B) on the dipstick.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick.
How To Service TheAir Filter-Figure _ _ _
Follow the procedure that matches your specific air filter assembly.
NOTICE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air can damage
the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
,_ 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.
Air Filter - Figure'_9
1. Remove the screw (A) from the top of the air filter assembly (B). See Figure 35.
2. To prevent debris from falling into the carburetor, carefully remove the air filter assembly.
3. Remove the foam element (C) from the air filter base.
4. Wash the foam element in liquid detergent and water. Squeeze dry the foam element in a
clean cloth.
5. Saturate the foam element with clean engine oil. To remove the excess engine oil,
squeeze the foam element in a clean cloth.
6. Install the foam element into the air filter base.
7. Install the air filter assembly onto the carburetor and secure with screw.
Air Filter - Figuret___'
t. Loosen the fastener (A) that holds the cover (B, Figure 36).
2. Open the cover and remove the pre-cleaner (C) and the filter (D).
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 (E) of the pre-cleaner on the bottom
of the filter pleats.
6. Install the filter.
7. Install the cover tabs (F) into the slots (G).
8. Close the cover and secure with the fastener.
Air Filter -Figurek°3
1. Loosen the fastener (A) that holds the cover (B). Remove the cover. SeeFigure 37.
2. Remove the pre-cleaner (C) and the filter (D).
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.
6. Install the filter and pre-cleaner into the base (E). Make sure filter fits securely in the
base.
7. Install air filter cover and secure with fastener. Make sure the fastener is tight.
Air Filter -Figure'_9
1. Open the cover (A) and remove the filter. See Figure 38.
2. For paper filters (B), gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively dirty,
replace with a new filter.
3. For foam elements (C), wash the foam element in liquid detergent and water. Squeeze
dry the foam element in a clean cloth.Saturate the foam element with clean engine oil. To
remove the excess engine oil, squeeze the foam element in a clean cloth.
4. Install the filter/element and close the cover.
Storage
_ ARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When Storing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
. Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have pilot
lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
FuelSystem
Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits to
form in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. To keep fuel fresh, use Briggs & Strat-
ton FRESHSTART_ fuel stabilizer, available as a liquid additive or a drip concentrate cartridge.
There is no need to drain gasoline from the engine if a fuel stabilizer is added according to
instructions. Run the engine for 2 minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel system.
The engine and fuel can then be stored up to 24 months.
If gasoline in the engine has not been treated with afuel stabilizer, it must be drained into an
approved container. Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel. The use of a fuel stabilizer in
the storage container is recommended to maintain freshness.
14 BriggsandStratton.com