Emissions Control; Maintenance Chart; Carburetor Adjustment - Briggs & Stratton 550 Series Operator's Manual

NOTICE: This engine was shipped from Briggs & Stratton without oil. Before you start
the engine, make sure you add oil according to the instructions in this manual. If you
start the engine without oil, it will be damaged beyond repair and will not be covered
under warranty.
Note: Equipment may have remote controls. See the equipment manual for location and
operation of remote controls.
1. Check the oil level. See the How To Check/Add Oil section.
2. Make sure equipment drive controls, if equipped, are disengaged.
3. Move the fuel shutoff (E) to the on position.
4. Move the choke control lever (A) to the choke
Note: Choke is usually unnecessary when restarting a warm engine.
5. Move the throttle control lever (B), if equipped, to the fast
the engine with the throttle control lever in the fast position.
6. On engines equipped with a stop switch (C), move the switch to the on position.
7. Firmly hold the starter cord handle (D). Pull the starter cord handle slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
Note: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, go to
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM or call 1-800-233-3723 (in USA).
WARNING:
Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kickback) will pull your
hand and arm toward the engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures,
bruises or sprains could result. When starting engine, pull the starter cord slowly until
resistance is felt and then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.
8. As the engine warms up, move the choke control (A) to the run
Maintenance
We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all
maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
NOTICE: All the components used to build this engine must remain in place for proper
operation.

Emissions Control

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emissions control devices and systems
may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual.
However, to obtain "no charge" emissions control service, the work must be performed
by a factory authorized dealer. See the Emissions Warranty.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
Fire hazard
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
 Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug.
 Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only engines with electric start.)

Use only correct tools.

Do not tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine
speed.

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.

Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel
may later shatter during operation.
When testing for spark:

Use approved spark plug tester.

Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.
en
position (Figure 4).
position. Operate
position.
How To Stop The Engine - Figure 4
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
 Do not choke the carburetor to stop engine.
1. Move the stop switch (C) to the stop position.
or
Move the throttle control lever (B), if equipped, to slow
position.
2. Move the fuel shutoff (E) to the off position.

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
 Change engine oil
 Inspect muffler and spark arrester
Every 100 Hours

Change gear reduction oil (if equipped)
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 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 & Stratton Authorized Dealer for service.
NOTICE: The manufacturer of the equipment on which this engine is installed specifies
the top speed at which the engine will be operated. Do not exceed this speed.
and then to the stop
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