Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series SELF-HELP PROBLEM SOLVING and MAINTENANCE for PETROL LAWNMOWERS The Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series engines are fitted to many mowers including the following recent products: • • • • • 420 HP 460 R PD HP470 T4604S GL480SP • • • • 460 HP PWR 400 SP470 T4604RS • • • • 460 PD SP530 T4204 and 4204S T5105S 1. Safety Precautions …………………………………. 2. Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements. 3.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 1 Safety Precautions Your lawnmower should be used with due care and attention. Symbols have therefore been placed on various parts of the machine to remind you of the main precautions to be taken. Their meaning is explained below. You are also asked to read the safety precautions listed below. 1. Warning: Read the instruction manual before using the machine. 2. Beware of thrown objects: Keep other people at a safe distance whilst working. 3.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series the engine is switched off. PREPARATION: 1. While mowing, always wear sturdy footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when bare foot or wearing open sandals. Avoid loose clothing that may snag on moving parts. 2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine or damage the cutter assembly and the engine (stones, sticks, metal wire, bones, etc). 3.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series discharge opening at all times. 17. Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the engine is running. 18.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series • Grasp the machine at the points that offer a safe grip, taking account of the weight and its distribution; • Use an appropriate number of people for the weight of the machine and the characteristics of the vehicle or the place where it has to be placed or collected. 2. During transport, fasten the machine securely with ropes or chains. Page 5 of 32 B&S Classic, 450 and 500 Series Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 2 Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements FUEL – these are 4-stroke petrol engines. The correct fuel is ordinary unleaded petrol. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fill the fuel tank to approximately 1” below the top of the fuel filler neck to allow for fuel expansion. OIL – the correct oil to use is Mountfield MX855 oil, or a 4-stroke SAE 30 or 10W-30 multi-viscosity oil. DO NOT mix oil with the fuel.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 3 Routine Engine Maintenance Regular and careful maintenance is essential to preserve the original performance and safety level of the engine. Always store the mower in a dry place. TESTING FOR A SPARK (this job requires 2 people) 1. Stand the machine on a firm surface and set the height adjusters to the lowest setting for added safety. 2. Remove the H.T. lead (1 in the diagram) – a push/pull fit. 3.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series CHANGING ENGINE OIL Check the engine oil before each use. Engine Oil These small four stroke engines hold up to 0.6 litres of oil (1.2 Pints). Any oil shortages can cause premature wear or serious damage to the engine. So too will using the incorrect grade of oil. NB Wipe the dipstick, then fully replace/withdraw it to gain an accurate reading.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series ENGINE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS: As a guide, the information below has been copied from the engine manufacturer’s user manual: Classic and Sprint engines: NB: Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual for specific information on all engines. 450 Series Engines: Page 9 of 32 B&S Classic, 450 and 500 Series Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 4 Starting the Engine The engine oil should be checked before each use. Check there is sufficient petrol in the fuel tank, and that it is clean and fresh. Old, stale fuel may cause poor starting. Drain stale fuel from the tank and replace with fresh petrol. 1. Ensure the machine is situated on a firm level surface (path, patio or short grass). Before checking the underside, make sure to remove the HT cap (spark plug cap).
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series A: Spark Plug: Check the H.T. lead (1 in the diagram) is correctly fitted to the spark plug. To check the state of the plug, unscrew the spark plug (2 in the diagram) with a genuine spark plug spanner. Oil can be cleaned from it (the result of the machine having been overfilled with oil or tipped incorrectly) with a clean rag. A wire brush or emery paper can be used to clean any carbon deposit from the plug.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series B: Fuel: Ensure there is at least a third of a tank of fresh fuel, and the mower is standing on level ground. The fuel feed pipe only goes down 2/3 of the way into the fuel to avoid picking up sediment. Push the primer bulb at least three times. You should hear petrol squirting into the engine and feel some resistance to your finger as you press the primer button.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series Add a tablespoon of fuel directly into the carburettor ventury. Without priming the engine again Immediately try to start the machine. The engine should start because you have forced fuel through into the cylinder. Once started allow the engine to run for about 30 seconds. Then stop the engine and refit the air filter assembly.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series C: Adjusting the Operator Presence Control cable (450 and 500 Series engines only): 1. With time the OPC cable may stretch and not fully engage switch which allows the electrical feed to the spark plug. This is the cable which runs down from the top bar on the main handle. 2. Follow the OPC cable down to the back of the engine where the lever moves when the OPC is depressed.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 5 Engine Starts and Smokes Heavily QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: White, blue or • Over-filled with oil grey smoke from • Mower has been tipped incorrectly exhaust Oil coming from exhaust A: • • Over-filled with oil Mower has been tipped incorrectly Solution: • Reduce oil (see A) • Remove oil from cylinder (see B) • • Reduce oil (see A) Remove oil from cylinder (see B) Do not overfill the engine with oil.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series B: This is a general indication that the mower has been over-filled with oil, or tipped incorrectly (perhaps inadvertently). It can be resolved without the intervention of a service dealer. Remove the air filter assembly from above the primer bulb. It is held by a long screw (flat bladed screwdriver required). Once the screw has been removed, lift the air filter assembly about 5mm and draw it from underneath the engine cover.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 6 Engine Cutting Out or Running Unevenly QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Engine runs • Engine is starting with the briefly and stops petrol from pressing the primer bulb, but diaphragm not engaging and feeding petrol Solution: • Change diaphragm (refer to a dealer or see A for instructions) Engine revs are very low • Air filter needs cleaning or the diaphragm is not feeding the petrol evenly • Engine hunts continuously •
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series REMOVE THE CARBURETTOR AND FUEL TANK 1. Remove the carburettor and fuel tank assembly mounting bolts. 2. Slip the carburettor and fuel tank assembly off the end of the fuel intake tube. 3. Turn the fuel tank assembly to free the throttle link from throttle lever. This stage provides a good opportunity to empty any sediment from the tank and to rinse it with petrol. SEPARATE THE CARBURETTOR AND FUEL TANK 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series B: Replacing the Primer Bulb: The red rubber button may perish, or mice may chew holes in this part when the machine is stored over winter in a shed. The item is considered as a consumable item, and therefore not covered by warranty. The part number (including its retaining clip) is 694394. The item is called a Carburettor Primer. A service dealer considers this as a chargeable job and NOT a warranty repair.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 7 Pull Cord Not Pulling or Snatching Back QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Pull cord will not • OPC not engaged pull • Grass caught between the blade and the deck • “Hydraulic lock” Cord snatches back • • Solution: • Hold OPC in (see A) • Remove grass from the blade (see B) • Remove oil from cylinder (see C) Blade rotation is impeded • • Blade is unbalanced or damaged Free blade (See D) (See E) and refer to dealer A: The
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series D: The engine pull cord may snatch back when pulled if the machine is not on a flat and firm surface, or the blade and/or its mounting boss are damaged or fitted insecurely. . E: 1. Ensure the machine is situated on a firm level surface (path, patio or short grass). Check the underside of the machine is clear from old lawn debris. If you have to tilt the mower, do this backwards only.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 8 Cutting and Collecting Grass, Vibration QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Mower will not • Technique is incorrect cut grass • Grass is too long or wet properly • Problem with the blade or blade mounting Mower vibrates excessively • • Mower will not collect grass properly A • • • Solution: • See A • See A • See B Problem with the blade or blade mounting The engine mounting is loose • See B • See B Technique is incorre
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series Follow these simple steps for the best mulching results, and remember that to obtain the perfect cutting height you need to work down from the maximum height setting in steps until you reach your ideal height. 1. Remember the one third rule – never remove more than one third of the length of the blade of grass whenever you mow. This is good advice no matter what type of mower you use! 2.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series Excessive vibration can indicate damage to the blade, or blade mounting, or that the engine is loose Check the blade bolt is tight. WARNING: Mark the blade before attempting to remove it. This will enable you to replace it the correct way up. Check the blade mount. The mount has two lugs one either side of the blade securing bolt. If these have sheered then the blade can move.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series C BUILD-UP OF GRASS CLIPPINGS UNDERNEATH or LACK OF AIRFLOW When cutting grass make sure you are using the machine on full throttle (if one is fitted). Raising the height of cut increases airflow and assists grass collection. This is especially so if the grass is damp. Reducing the height of cut in stages to achieve the desired level is a sound strategy. 1. Ensure there is no build up of grass underneath the casing.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 9 Loss of Drive on Self-Propelled Mowers QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Clutch cable very • Cable is detached or broken slack and mower • Cable tension is incorrect does not drive Solution: • See A • See A Back wheels turn when raised from ground but mower does not drive • • Clutch cable has stretched Cable tension is incorrect • • See A See A Clutch cable may be slack and mower does not drive • Belt is broken or has
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series drive pulleys (see Section 2) or the clutch cable has broken or become detached (see a service dealer). Find your local ServiceLink centre at FOR MOWERS WITH THE CLUTCH BAR RUNNING www.servicelink.org.uk ACROSS THE HANDLE: a) Check the clutch cable runs up the left hand side of the main handle through the anchoring bracket on the handle.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series The air filter cover and filter element/sponge will need also to be removed. This is located above the fuel tank on the front right hand side (viewed from the back), and secured with a single flat headed screw from above. The engine cover does NOT need to removed to do this. Now follow the sequence of steps below: 1. Remove the grassbox 2.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series pulley as if winding a chain onto a bicycle wheel (it may appear that this pulley is at an angle, but the tension of the belt will straighten this) 10. Replace the belt guard plate and re-attach the blade the correct way up 11. Carefully lift the mower down onto the ground without tipping it forwards or sideways and replace the spark plug cap and air filter.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 10 Transportation and Handling The correct way to gain access underneath the mower: Before checking the underside, make sure to remove the HT Cap (sparkplug cap). ALWAYS lift from the front of the mower so that the front wheels are raised, and the handles touch the ground at the rear. Do not tip the mower sideways or forward (like one might lift a wheelbarrow) as this can flood the air filter, exhaust and even the cylinder with engine fluids.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 11 Maintenance and Storage Regular and careful maintenance is essential to preserve original performance and safety levels of the engine. Always store the mower in a dry place. Please also refer to the Engine Routine Maintenance information for additional help. Key maintenance and storage information (all engines): 1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Classic, 450 and 500 Series 12 Guarantee, Spare Parts, Repairs Congratulations on the purchase of your lawnmower.
