Briggs & Stratton 550 Series Operator's Manual page 8

How To Replace The Spark Plug - Figure 5
Check the gap (A, Figure 5) 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 6
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 6) 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 7
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 7).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (B, Figure 8). Drain the oil into an approved receptacle.
Note: Any of the oil drain plugs (C) shown may be installed in the engine.
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.
1. Remove the dipstick (D, Figure 8) 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.
How To Service The Air Filter - Figure 9
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.
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NOTICE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air can
damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
Two types of air filter systems are shown, a Standard and a High Capacity. Determine
the type installed on your engine and service as follows.
Standard Air Filter - Figure 9
The standard air filter uses a foam element that can be washed and reused.
1. Loosen the fastener (A) that holds the cover (B). Remove the cover.
2. Remove the fastener (C), the washer (D), and the foam element (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 washer and the
fastener.
8. Install the air filter cover and secure with the fastener. Make sure the fastener is tight.
High Capacity Air Filter - Figure 10
The air cleaner system uses a pleated filter with an optional pre-cleaner. The pre-cleaner
can be washed and reused.
1. Remove the fastener (A) and the cover (B).
2. Remove the fastener (C) and the filter (D).
3. Remove the pre-cleaner (E), if equipped, from the filter. 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 (F) and onto stud (G). Make sure filter
fits securely into the base. Secure the filter with the fastener (C).
7. Install the cover and secure with the fastener (A). Make sure the fastener is tight.
How To Change The Gear Reduction Oil - Figure 11
If your engine is equipped with a gear reduction unit, service as follows.
1. Remove the oil fill plug (B) and the oil level plug (C).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (A, Figure 11) and drain the oil into an appropriate
receptacle.
3. Install and tighten the oil drain plug.
4. To refill, slowly pour gear lube into the oil fill hole (see Specifications section).
Continue to pour until the oil runs out of the oil level hole.
5. Install and tighten the oil level plug.
6. Install and tighten the oil fill plug.
Important: The oil fill plug has a vent hole (D) and must be installed on the top of the
gear case cover as shown.
How To Clean The Air Cooling System - Figure 12
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.
Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the finger guard (A) (Figure 12). Keep
linkage, springs and controls (B) clean. Keep the area around and behind the muffler (C)
free of any combustible debris.
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