Briggs & Stratton 400400 Series

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Briggs & Stratton 400400 Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

This document is an owner's manual for Briggs & Stratton Model Series 400400, 402400, 404400 & 422400 engines, providing essential information for safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It serves as a comprehensive guide for users to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their engines.

The primary function of these engines is to power various types of equipment, as indicated by the instructions for engine selection and installation. The manual emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct engine for specific applications to prevent hazards like fire or explosion. It also provides guidance on proper installation, including the correct assembly of fuel lines, wiring, and exhaust systems, to ensure safe and efficient operation. The engines are designed for a range of uses, but specific warnings are given against using them in certain applications, such as 3-wheel All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), motor bikes, aircraft products, or competitive events, highlighting the manufacturer's focus on safety and intended use.

Usage features are detailed extensively, covering everything from initial setup to starting and stopping procedures. Before starting, users are instructed to read and understand the entire manual, as well as the operating instructions for the equipment the engine powers. Key pre-start checks include ensuring all engine parts, such as the fuel cap, spark plug, muffler, air cleaner, and drive component guards, are in place. For walk-behind lawn mowers, all mower components, including the cutting blade, must be correctly installed. The manual also advises removing the spark plug wire and, for electric start models, the negative battery wire, when working on the engine or equipment, to prevent accidental starting. Fueling instructions are precise, emphasizing outdoor filling in well-ventilated areas, allowing for cooling, and leaving space for fuel expansion to prevent spills and fire hazards. Starting procedures vary slightly depending on whether the engine uses a rewind starter or an electric starter, but both methods require setting the throttle to the FAST position and, if necessary, using the choke. The manual also provides tips for cold weather starting, such as using the correct oil viscosity and de-clutching external loads. Stopping the engine involves moving the throttle to the SLOW position, then to STOP, or turning the key to OFF for models equipped with a switch. Users are explicitly warned not to choke the carburetor to stop the engine, as this can cause backfire or damage.

Maintenance features are crucial for the engine's lifespan and are outlined in a detailed schedule. Regular oil checks are recommended every 5 hours or daily, with specific instructions on how to check and add oil to the FULL mark on the dipstick. Oil changes are advised after the first 5 hours of operation, and then every 25 or 50 hours depending on whether the engine has an oil filter, or more frequently under heavy load or high ambient temperatures. The manual specifies using high-quality detergent oil and warns against using multi-viscosity oils above 40°F (4°C) due to potential high oil consumption and engine damage. Oil filter replacement is recommended every 100 hours. Air cleaner service is also detailed, involving cleaning the pre-cleaner and cartridge, with warnings against using petroleum solvents or pressurized air on the cartridge. Spark plug inspection and replacement are part of the maintenance routine, with instructions to use a Briggs & Stratton Spark Tester for checking spark and to ensure terminals fit firmly. Cleaning the engine and its parts, including the debris guard, rotating screen, and muffler area, is emphasized to prevent overheating and engine damage. For engines equipped with spark arrester screens, these should be removed for cleaning and inspection. Fuel filter replacement and cleaning combustion deposits from cylinder heads are also covered, ensuring comprehensive upkeep. The manual also provides a hotline number for pre-recorded messages offering engine maintenance information, underscoring the manufacturer's commitment to supporting users in maintaining their engines.