Briggs & Stratton 500 Series User Manual

Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton
Classic,
450 and 500 Series
Page
1 of 32 B&S Classic, 450 and 500 Series Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.0
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 HP • 460 PD
• 460 R PD • PWR 400 • SP530
• HP470 • SP470 • T4204 and 4204S
• T4604S
• GL480SP
• T4604RS • T5105S
1. Safety Precautions …………………………………. 2
2. Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements. 6
3. Routine Engine Maintenance ……………………... 7
4. Starting the Engine ………………………………… 10
5. Engine Starts and Smokes Heavily ………………. 15
6. Engine Cutting Out or Running Unevenly ……….. 17
7. Pull Cord Not Pulling or Snatching Back ………… 20
8. Cutting and Collecting Grass, Vibration …….…… 22
9. Loss of Drive on Self-Propelled Mowers …………
10. Transportation and Handling ………………………
26
30
11. Maintenance and Storage …………………………. 31
12. Guarantee Spare Parts, Repairs .………………… 32
If, after reading this guide, you feel you are either unsure of what is
required, or that you do not have the correct tools to undertake a job
yourself, please contact:
• Our Helpline service, telephone 0845 600 2912 (Monday to
Saturday 9am – 5pm, and Sunday 10am – 4pm), or
• Our local ServiceLink centre who can undertake any remedial
work requested (work that is not covered by the guarantee will be
chargeable)
Your local ServiceLink centre can be found at
www.servicelink.org.uk

Briggs & Stratton 500 Series Specifications

General

Oil Capacity	20 oz (0.6 Liters)
Starting System	Recoil
Fuel Type	Unleaded gasoline
Engine Type	OHV (Overhead Valve)
Bore	65.0 mm
Torque	5.0 ft-lbs (6.8 Nm)

Summary

Safety Precautions

Safety Symbols and Warnings

Explanation of visual safety symbols and their meanings for safe operation.

Safe Operation and User Responsibility

Essential safety rules for operation, user responsibility, and avoiding hazards.

Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements

Fuel Requirements

Specifies the correct type of unleaded petrol for the 4-stroke engines.

Oil Specifications and Capacity

Details the recommended engine oil types, viscosity, and oil capacities for the engines.

Air Filter and Spark Plug Specs

Information on the cleanable air filter and the correct spark plug model and gap.

Routine Engine Maintenance

Testing for Engine Spark

Step-by-step guide on how to test for a spark using the spark plug and HT lead.

Draining Fuel and Changing Oil

Procedures for draining fuel for storage and changing engine oil.

Engine Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance tasks and intervals for Classic, Sprint, and 450 Series engines.

Starting the Engine

Starting Procedure and Pre-checks

Steps for safely starting the engine, including pre-start checks and primer bulb use.

Troubleshooting Starting Problems

Guidance on common problems preventing the engine from starting and their solutions.

Adjusting Operator Presence Control Cable

Procedure to adjust the OPC cable tension for proper engine starting and operation.

Engine Starts and Smokes Heavily

Diagnosing and Resolving Engine Smoke

Troubleshooting steps for engine smoke caused by overfilling or incorrect tipping.

Engine Cutting Out or Running Unevenly

Troubleshooting Engine Stalling and Uneven Running

Identifies causes like diaphragm issues, air filter problems, or primer bulb faults for engine instability.

Replacing Diaphragm or Primer Bulb

Step-by-step guides for replacing the engine diaphragm or primer bulb.

Pull Cord Not Pulling or Snatching Back

Troubleshooting Pull Cord Issues

Diagnoses problems with the pull cord not engaging or snatching back unexpectedly.

Checking Blade and Mounting for Snatch

Inspects the blade, mounting, and surface for issues causing the pull cord to snatch.

Cutting and Collecting Grass, Vibration

Improving Cutting Performance

Tips for effective grass cutting, including technique, grass conditions, and height adjustments.

Addressing Excessive Vibration

Identifies causes of excessive vibration, such as blade issues or loose engine mounting.

Resolving Grass Collection Problems

Solutions for poor grass collection due to build-up or lack of airflow.

Loss of Drive on Self-Propelled Mowers

Adjusting Clutch Cable Tension

Procedure to adjust the clutch cable tension for self-propelled mower drive.

Replacing the Drive Belt

Step-by-step guide for replacing the drive belt on self-propelled mowers.

Transportation and Handling

Safe Handling and Transportation

Guidelines for safely accessing, lifting, transporting, and storing the lawnmower.

Maintenance and Storage

General Maintenance Checks

Regular checks for nuts, bolts, guards, and blade condition to ensure safe operation.

Long-Term Storage Procedures

Instructions for preparing the mower for storage, including fuel management and cleaning.

Guarantee, Spare Parts, Repairs

Product Guarantee Periods

Details the warranty periods for different lawnmower models and conditions.

Obtaining Spare Parts and Repairs

Information on how to get spare parts and arrange for repairs through the ServiceLink network.