Riding Mower Tune Up Kit Briggs & Stratton

Tuning up your Briggs and Stratton engine on your riding mower is a simple, straightforward process. You don’t need to be a mechanic to do it. Performing a rider tune-up consists of the following steps:

Change the oil

Replace the oil filter

Replace the spark plug

Replace the air filter

Replace the fuel filter

Add Briggs and Stratton Fresh Start fuel stabilizer

On a riding mower, the entire tune-up process takes about 30 minutes. In most cases, it only needs to be performed once a year.

You’ll enjoy many benefits from an engine tune-up. The engine will start easier, run better, and be better for the environment. You can reduce emissions by up to 50%, which is a real benefit for everyone.

Briggs and Stratton simplifies the process by providing a handy do-it-yourself kit for riding mowers. The kit includes:

An air filter with pre-cleaner

Oil with a pre-measured amount

A spark plug

An oil filter

A fuel filter

Fresh Start fuel stabilizer

Also included are step-by-step instructions. Kits are engine-specific, so refer to your operator’s manual for your engine type.

Before you start the tune-up process, run your engine for a few minutes. This warms the oil inside the engine, making it easier to change. After running the engine, be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire or wires so the engine won’t start accidentally.

Change the Oil and Replace the Oil Filter

First, attach a drain hose to the oil drain valve on the bottom of the engine. Place the end of the hose into an oil drain pan.

To start the flow of used oil, push in on the drain valve and turn it counterclockwise. The oil will begin to flow. Remove the oil fill cap, which is usually the oil dipstick, to allow the oil to drain faster.

After the used oil has drained, remove the hose, close the cap, and push in the oil drain valve. Turn the valve clockwise to close it.

Next, change the oil filter. Unscrew the old oil filter by turning it counterclockwise and remove it. Use a strap wrench if needed.

Condition the oil filter gasket by lubricating it with new motor oil to ensure a proper seal. Install the new oil filter, making sure not to overtighten it.

Now you are ready to add fresh oil. The Briggs and Stratton tune-up kit provides the exact amount of oil for specific engines. If you have any questions about the required oil capacity, refer to your operator’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Always check your oil level while filling. There may be a small amount of oil left in the engine, and overfilling is never recommended.

Replace the Spark Plug

Replace the spark plug or plugs, depending on your engine. The spark plug is a very important part of the Briggs and Stratton engine. It’s essential to change your spark plug every 100 hours or at the beginning of every mowing season.

After loosening the spark plug with a wrench, remove it. The Briggs and Stratton tune-up kit includes a new spark plug or plugs. Hand-tighten the new plug into place, then snug it down with the wrench.

Remember: never overtighten the spark plug. A snug fit is all that’s required and will make replacement easier during your next service interval.

Replace the Air Filter

Change the air filter every 3 months or 25 hours of use. If you mow in dusty conditions, you may need to change the filter more often.

The air filter is how the engine breathes. Keeping it maintained allows the engine to breathe properly and maximizes performance.

To change the air filter, remove the old filter and install the new one. Your Briggs and Stratton tune-up kit includes the correct air filter based on your engine model.

If you’re unsure you have the correct size filter, check your operator’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace the Fuel Filter

The Briggs and Stratton tune-up kit includes a new fuel filter. The fuel filter is located near the engine on the fuel hose.

Using pliers, pinch and loosen the hose clamp on each end of the fuel filter, then slide them out of the way on the fuel hose. Once the clamps are moved, pull the hose off each end of the fuel filter and discard the old filter.

Reattach the hoses to the new fuel filter. Be sure the fuel flow arrows printed on the side of the fuel filter are pointing in the proper direction.

Once the hoses are attached to the new filter, use the pliers to move the hose clamps back into place. This completes the fuel filter installation.

After completing the installation, reconnect the spark plug wire or wires.

Now start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. After turning it off, check the oil level using the dipstick under the oil fill cap to make sure it is at the proper level.

Also visually inspect your work to make sure there are no oil or gas leaks.

Add Fresh Start Fuel Stabilizer

Finally, add Briggs and Stratton Fresh Start Plus fuel stabilizer to your gas can. The stabilizer is included in the kit.

It helps keep the gasoline engine from gumming up and prevents corrosion caused by ethanol-related fuel problems.

Mix the stabilizer with up to 2½ gallons of fuel in a separate gas can. Top off your Briggs and Stratton fuel tank, and you’re ready to go.

Once your tune-up is complete, properly dispose of the used engine oil by taking it to a participating Briggs and Stratton dealer or oil recycling center at no charge.

If you need to find an oil recycling center near you, use the dealer locator on the Briggs and Stratton website or check with your local municipality.

With a clean air filter, fresh oil, new spark plug, oil and fuel filters, and fuel treated with Briggs and Stratton fuel stabilizer, you can count on your rider to start right up.

Get your Briggs & Stratton Tune Up Kit

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