Briggs & Stratton 1450 Series Operator's Manual page 9

Maintenance Chart
First 5 Hours
Change oil

Every 8 Hours or Daily
Check engine oil level

Clean area around muffler and controls

Clean finger guard

Every 25 Hours or Annually
Clean air filter *

Clean pre-cleaner *

Every 50 Hours or Annually
Inspect muffler and spark arrester

Every 100 Hours or Annually
Change engine oil

Annually
Replace air filter

Replace pre-cleaner

Replace spark plug

Clean air cooling system *

* In dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often.
Carburetor And Engine Speed Adjustment
Never make adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was set at
the factory to operate efficiently under most conditions. Do not tamper with the governor
spring, linkages, or other parts to change the engine speed. If any adjustments are
required contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Center for service.
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.
en
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.
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.
Foam Filter - Figure 11
1. Loosen the fastener (A) that holds the cover (B). Remove the cover.
2. Remove the fastener (C, D) and the filter (E).
3. Remove the support cup (F) from the foam element.
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. Insert the support cup into the foam element.
7. Install the foam element into the base (G) and onto stud (H). Make sure foam
element is properly assembled into base and secure with the fasteners.
8. Install the air filter cover and secure with the fastener. Make sure the fastener is tight.
Flat Air Filter - Figure 12
1. Loosen the fastener(s) (A) that holds the cover (B).
2. Open the cover and remove 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. Install the filter.
5. Close the cover and secure with the fastener(s).
High Capacity Air Filter - Figure 13
The air cleaner system uses a pleated filter with a pre-cleaner. The pre-cleaner can be
washed and reused.
9 10
12 13 14
9