Troubleshooting - Briggs & Stratton 310000 Operator's Manual

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 dipstick (D).
Standard Oil Drain Plug
1. Remove the oil drain plug (B, Figure 8). Drain the oil into an approved container.
Note: Any of the oil drain plugs shown below may be installed in the engine.
2. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
Optional Quick Oil Drain
1. Disconnect the oil drain hose (G, Figure 9) from the side of the engine.
2. Turn and remove the oil drain cap (H). Carefully lower the quick oil drain (I) into an
approved container (J).
3. After the oil has drained, install the oil drain cap. Attach the oil drain hose to the side
of the engine.
Change The Oil Filter (if equipped)
Some models are equipped with oil filter. For replacement intervals, see the
Maintenance chart.
1. Drain the oil from the engine. See Remove Oil section.
2. Remove the oil filter (C) and dispose of properly. See Figure 10.
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. See 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 (F)
on the dipstick (Figure 7).
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) and wipe with a clean cloth (Figure 7).
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait
one minute and then check the oil level.
Note: Do not add oil at the quick oil drain (I) (if equipped).
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
(F) 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.
The air filter system uses a cylindrical cartridge. Some models also include a pre-cleaner
that can be washed and reused.
1. Remove the fasteners (A) and the air filter cover (B). See Figure 11.
2. To remove the filter (C), lift the end of the filter and then pull the filter off the intake
(D).
3. Remove the pre-cleaner (E), if equipped, from the filter.
4. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively
dirty, replace with a new filter.
5. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
6. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner to the filter.
7. Install the filter on the intake. Push the end of the filter into the base as shown. Make
sure filter fits securely in the base.
8
8 9 10
8. Install air filter cover and secure with fasteners.
How To Replace The Fuel Filter - Figure 12
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition

sources.
Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks.

Replace if necessary.
Before replacing the fuel filter, drain the fuel tank or close the fuel shut-off valve.

Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the

original parts.
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.

1. Before replacing the fuel filter (A, Figure 12), if equipped, drain the fuel tank or close
the fuel shut-off valve. Otherwise, fuel can leak out and cause a fire or explosion.
2. Use pliers to squeeze tabs (B) on the clamps (C), then slide the clamps away from
the fuel filter. Twist and pull the fuel lines (D) off of the fuel filter.
3. Check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
4. Replace the fuel filter with an original equipment replacement filter.
5. Secure the fuel lines with the clamps as shown.
How To Clean The Air Cooling System - Figure 13
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/rotating screen (A).
Keep linkage, springs and controls (B) clean. Keep the area around and behind the
muffler (C) free of any combustible debris (Figure 13).
Storage
WARNING
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.
Fuel System
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 & Stratton FRESH START
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 a fuel 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.
Engine Oil
While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil.

Troubleshooting

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fuel stabilizer, available as a liquid additive or a
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