Briggs & Stratton Engine 276352 Model 440000 Operating Instructions

							Operating & Maintenance
Instructions
Model 440000 Series covered in this manual
FORM NO. 276352-10/05
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
© Copyright 2005 by Briggs & Stratton Corporation
www.briggsandstratton.com
The Power That Works For You
 
						

							2
Safety References
The safety alert symbol  is used to identify safety
information about hazards that can result in personal
injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or
CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the
likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition,
a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of
hazard.
DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, might result in minor or moderate
injury.
CAUTION, when used without the alert
symbol, indicates a situation that could result
in damage to the engine.
This manual contains safety
information to make you aware of
the hazards and risks associated with engines, and
how to avoid them. Because Briggs & Stratton does
not necessarily know what equipment this engine will
power, it is important that you read and understand
these instructions and the instructions for the
equipment this engine powers.
Table of Contents
Safety References 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Features 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety Information 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stopping 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Troubleshooting 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Oil 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Maintenance 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage and Service 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Specifications and Emission Information 16. . . . . 
Warranty Information 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS ENGINE:
Explosion
To x i c  F u m e s
Moving Parts
Shock Hot Surface Kickback Fire
On Off Fuel Shutoff Read 
Operating
Manual
Fuel
Choke
Oil
Run
Stop
Slow FastHazardous 
Chemical
WARNING
Briggs & Stratton does not approve or authorize
the use of these engines on 3-wheel All Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs), motor bikes, aircraft products
or vehicles intended for use in competitive
events. Use of these engines in such applica-
tions could result in property damage, serious
injury (including paralysis), or even death.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm.
WARNING
This engine is shipped from Briggs & Stratton
without oil. If you start the engine without oil, the
engine will be damaged beyond repair and will
not be covered under warranty.
CAUTION 
						

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Features
1. Dipstick/Oil fill
2. Rotating screen
3. Fuel pump
4. Air cleaner
5. Intake manifold
6. Choke control bracket
7. Carburetor
8. Speed control bracket
9. Engine Identification
(Model-Type-Code)
10. Spark plug wire
11. Oil filter
12. Fuel filter (if equipped)
13. 12V electric starter
14. Oil drain plug
10
 
1
2
5
6
89
11
12
1314
10
7
3
4
3
4
1 
						

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Safety Information
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death.
WHEN ADDING FUEL

Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2
minutes before removing gas cap.

Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated
area.

Do not overfill fuel tank.

Keep gasoline 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.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE

Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air
cleaner are in place.

Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.

If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST and crank until
engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT

Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT

Transport with fuel tank EMPTY.
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR EQUIPMENT
WITH FUEL IN TANK

Store away from furnaces, stoves, water
heaters or other appliances that have pilot light
or other ignition source because they can
ignite gasoline vapors.
WARNING
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.

Start and run engine outdoors.

Do not start or run engine in enclosed area,
even if doors or windows are open.
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable
gases.
Explosion and fire could result.

If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area, do
not start engine.

Do not use pressurized starting fluids because
vapors are flammable.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback)
will pull hand and arm toward engine faster
than you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result.

When starting engine, pull cord slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.

Direct coupled equipment components such as,
but not limited to, blades, impellers, pulleys,
sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING 
						

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Safety Information
Rotating parts can contact or entangle
hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe lacera-
tion can result.

Operate equipment with guards in place.

Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.

Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling
drawstrings or items that could become
caught.
WARNING

Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool
before touching.

Remove accumulated combustibles from
muffler area and cylinder area.

Install and maintain in working order a spark
arrester before using equipment on
forest-covered, grass-covered,
brush-covered unimproved land. The state of
California requires this (Section 4442 of the
California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws
apply on federal land.
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.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in
fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in
entanglement, traumatic amputation,
or laceration.
BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENTS
OR REPAIRS

Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away
from spark plug.

Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only
engines with electric start.)

Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or
hard object because the flywheel may later
shatter during operation.

Do not tamper with governor spring, links or
other parts to increase engine speed.

Use only correct tools.
WHEN TESTING FOR SPARK

Use approved spark plug tester.

Do not check for spark with spark plug
removed.
WARNING 
						

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Starting
1. Check oil level. Ensure level is at FULL mark on
dipstick. Use a high quality motor oil. Review oil
recommendations for selection of oil grade for
expected starting temperature.
2. Open the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped.
3. Move choke control to CHOKE and speed control
to FAST or RUN.
4. Insert key and turn to START.
Note:To prolong starter life, use short starting
cycles (5 seconds maximum, then wait one
minute). Follow equipment manufacturer’s
recommendations for charging battery.
5. Let engine warm up.
6. Choke Equipped: Move choke control lever toward
RUN a short distance at a time over several
seconds in warm weather or minutes in cold
weather. Let engine run smoothly before each
change.
7. Operate with choke in RUN or OPEN position.CAUTION
Operation of this engine is for the application it
was intended. All the components used to build
this engine assembly must remain in place for
the proper operation of this engine.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
If engine is equipped with an oil pressure switch, the
switch will either activate a warning light or stop the engine
when the engine runs low on oil. (Read the operating
instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer to
determine which way your engine is equipped because
the equipment manufacturer supplies the oil pressure
gauge.)
Engines give off carbon
monoxide, an odorless, colorless,
poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.
WARNING
Stopping
1. Move speed control to SLOW, if equipped.
2. Turn key to OFF. Remove key and store out of
reach of children.
3. Close fuel shut-off valve, if equipped.
WARNING
DO NOT stop engine by choking
carburetor. Backfire, fire or engine
damage could occur.
1-800-233-3723
(USA and Canada ONLY, Pre-recorded message.)
www.briggsandstratton.comNeed assistance? 
						

							7

Add clean fresh fuel.

Ensure there is nothing blocking the air intake of the
engine. Check the air cleaner cartridge for dirt or
debris that may be clogging air movement. If very dirty
replace with new cartridge.
Engine will not start.

Drain excess oil from engine to bring level to FULL mark
on dipstick.

Check air cleaner filter for oil saturation. 
If saturated, clean or replace filter.
DO NOT OVERFILL.
Overfilling crankcase with oil
may cause smoking, hard
starting, spark plug fouling or
oil saturation of air filter.
CAUTION

Remove spark plug. Clean, check gap, re-install. Refer to
Maintenance section for details.
WARNING

Ensure fuel cap, and air
cleaner are in place
before starting engine.

Before refueling − turn
engine OFF and let
engine cool at least 2
minutes before
removing gas cap.

Check fuel lines, tank,
cap, and fittings for
cracks or leaks. Replace
if necessary.

Do not crank engine with
spark plug removed.
Engine is Smoking or Running Rough.
If engine is tipped to transport
equipment, to remove debris,
to drain oil, etc., keep the
spark plug side of engine up.
CAUTION

Check oil level with dipstick.

If oil pressure drops below 4-6 psi (.2-.4 kg/cm
2), an oil
pressure switch will either activate a warning light or
stop the engine.

Refer to Oil Pressure Switch in Maintenance section of
this manual.
Troubleshooting
 Out of Fuel

Move CHOKE to RUN position. Turn engine over
(use short starting cycles 5 seconds, then wait a
minute) until engine starts.
 Engine Flooded
 Low Oil
 Spark Plug Fouling
 Oil Level is OVER FULL mark on dipstick.
 Spark Plugs Fouled

Check and ensure the spark plugs are clean. Check the
gap with a feeler gauge. If necessary, reset to .76 mm or
.030 in.

Replace the spark plugs if upon inspection the
electrode is burned or worn.
 Air Cleaner Dirty 
						

							8
Oil
Capacity
Engine without oil filter holds approximately 1-7/8 quarts
(60 ounces; 1.8 liter).
Engine equipped with oil filter holds approximately
2 quarts (64 ounces; 1.9 liters).
Recommendations

Use a high quality detergent motor oil, such as
Briggs & Stratton 30W, Part Number 100005 (20 oz)
or 100028 (48 oz).

DO NOT use special additives.

Choose a viscosity according to the table shown.
Note:Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2,
API certification mark and API service sym-
bol (shown at left) with “SJ/CF ENERGY
CONSERVING” or higher, is an acceptable
oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic oil
does not alter required oil change
intervals.
*Air cooled engines run hotter than
automotive engines. The use of
non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W-30,
10W-30, etc.) in temperatures above 40° F
(4° C) will result in higher than normal oil
consumption. When using a multi-viscosity
oil, check oil level more frequently.
**SAE 30 oil, if used below 40° F (4° C), will
result in hard starting and possible engine
bore damage due to inadequate
lubrication.
°F-20 0 20 40 60 80 100°C-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
***
32
SAE Viscosity  Grades
CAUTION
Checking and Adding Oil
1. Place engine level. Clean around dipstick and oil fill.
2. Turn and pull up to remove dipstick. Wipe dipstick
clean with cloth.
3. Replace dipstick and tighten down. Remove
dipstick again to check oil level.
4. If oil is needed, slowly pour into oil fill tube.
Add only a couple ounces and recheck level.
5. Fill to FULL line on dipstick.
6. Replace dipstick. Tighten down firmly.
8 oz. 
						

							9
Fuel
Recommendations

Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 85 octane. Fresh fuel prevents gum from
forming in the fuel system or on essential carburetor
parts. Purchase fuel in quantity that can be used
within 30 days.

Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol.

Do not mix oil with gasoline.

For engine protection use Briggs & Stratton
Gasoline Additive available from your Authorized
Briggs & Stratton Dealer (P/N 5041 or single use
pouch).

This engine is certified to operate on gasoline.
Exhaust Emission Control System: EM (Engine
Modifications).
Adding Fuel
1. Clean area around fuel cap and remove.
2. Replace cap before starting.
Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
gasoline, are gasoline blended with alcohols or
ethers. Excessive amounts of these blends can
damage the fuel system or cause performance
problems. If any undesirable operating
symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower
percentage of alcohol or ether.
CAUTION

Turn engine OFF and let engine
cool at least 2 minutes before
removing fuel cap.

Fill fuel tank outdoors or in
well-ventilated area.

DO NOT overfill fuel tank. Fill tank
to approximately 1-1/2 inches below
top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion.

If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates
before starting engine.

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.
WARNING 
						

							10
Maintenance
Regular maintenance will improve the performance and
extend the life of the engine. See any Authorized Briggs
& Stratton Dealer for service. Use only genuine Briggs
& Stratton parts. Other parts may not perform aswell, may damage the engine, and may result in
injury. In addition, use of other parts may void your
warranty.
Emission Control
Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emission
control devices and systems may be performed by
any nonroad engine repair establishment or
individual. However, to obtain no charge repairs under
the terms and provisions of the Briggs & Stratton
warranty statement, any service or emission control part
repair or replacement must be performed by a factory
authorized dealer. See Emission Warranty section for
details.
Follow the instructions and
schedules indicated below.
Unintentional sparking can result
in fire or electric shock.
Fire or explosion can cause
severe burns or death.
Unintentional start-up can result
in entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
Before performing maintenance:

Disconnect spark plug wire and
keep it away from spark plug.

Disconnect battery at negative
terminal (only engines with electric
start).

Do not strike the flywheel with a
hammer or hard object because the
flywheel may later shatter during
operation.

Do not tamper with governor spring,
links or other parts to increase
engine speed.

Use only correct tools.
When testing for spark:

Use approved spark plug tester.

Do not check for spark with spark
plug removed.
WARNING
Clean Combustion Chamber
Task
Perform task at hourly
or calendar interval, 
whichever comes first.
Check Oil Level
Clean Debris
Clean Air Cooling System Replace Spark Plugs
Change Oil **
Service Air Cleaner*
Replace Fuel Filter, If Equipped
* Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present. Replace air cleaner, if very dirty.
**Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 50 hours. Change oil every 25 hours when operating the
engine under heavy load or in high temperatures.