Briggs & Stratton Engine 277038 Operators Manual

							
Operator’s Manual
Sprint 500 Series
Quattro 500 Series
LX 500 Series
SQ 500 Series
Q 500 / 550 Series
Classic 450 Series
Sprint 475 Series
Quattro 475 SeriesModel 90000 Model 100000
Quick Start Guide
on page 4
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com

Copyright  Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A. Form No. 277038-9/06
Printed in U.S.A. 
						

							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.
Because Briggs & Stratton does not necessarily
know what equipment this engine will power, it is
important that you read the instructions and the
instructions for the equipment this engine powers.
Table of Contents
Safety References 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Features 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Quick Start Guide 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Troubleshooting 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating & Stopping 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Oil 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Specifications & Emission Information 12
Maintenance 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage & Service 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warranty Information 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS ENGINE:
Explosion
To x i c  F u m e s
Moving Parts
ShockHot SurfaceKickback Fire
On Off Fuel ShutoffRead 
Operating
Manual
Fuel
Choke
Oil
Run
Stop
SlowFast
Hazardous 
Chemical
WARNING
Briggs & Stratton does not approve or authorize the
use of these engines on 3-wheel All Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs), motor bikes, fun/recreational
go-karts, aircraft products or vehicles intended for
use in competitive events. Use of these engines in
such applications 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 
						

							3
Starter
Handle
Fuel Fill
Carburetor
Primer
Bulb
Spark
Plug Wire
Air Cleaner
Governor
Control Lever
(if equipped)
Know Your Engine
Oil Fill/-
Dipstick
Oil Drain
Plug
Engine Model   Type    
          XXXXX  XXXX XX 
            Code
          XXXXXXXX
Muffler/Muffler Guard (if
equipped)/Spark Arrester
(if equipped) 
						

							4
 
See page 9 for details.
HOW ?
Unscrew and remove oil cap.
Pour in oil. Replace cap.
WHAT KIND ?
High quality SAE 30 detergent oil rated SF, SG,
SH or higher.
HOW MUCH ?
To FULL line on dipstick.
Engine holds about 18 oz.
SPECIAL CONCERNS ?
Do not overfill. 
Do not tip enigine.
See page 11 for details.
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Gasoline and its vapors are
extremely flammable and
explosive. Fire or explosion can
cause severe burns or death.
If fuel spills, wait until it
evaporates before starting
engine.
DO NOT use pressurized starting
fluids.
HOW ?
Remove gas cap. Pour in gas. Replace cap.
WHAT KIND ?
HOW MUCH ?
Fill to one inch below top of fuel fill neck.
SPECIAL CONCERNS ?
Fuel equipment outdoors. If fuel spills, wait until
it evaporates before starting engine. Unleaded, 85 octane or higher.
FULL
ADD OIL
WIPE DIPSTICK.
REPLACE DIPSTICK
AND TIGHTEN CAP.
REMOVE DIPSTICK
TO READ LEVEL.
1234
ADD GAS
1234
This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks
associated with engines. Read the Operating Manual before starting your engine. 
						

							5
For complete starting instructions 
see page 7.
HOW ?
Locate primer bulb. Press with finger. Wait two
seconds between each press.
HOW MANY TIMES ?
Press 5 times the FIRST TIME you start engine.
For all future starts, press
 3 times.
SPECIAL CONCERNS ?
Pressing primer too many times can flood
engine with gas. A flooded engine will not start. 
See Troubleshooting section.
HOW ?
Stand behind equipment.
Close bail, or operator control bar, on
equipment with this feature. If you do not keep
bail held against equipment handle, engine will
not start.
Slowly pull cord until you feel resistance, then
pull quickly.
SPECIAL CONCERNS ?
Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm
toward engine faster than you can
let go. To avoid kickback, slowly
pull the cord until you feel
resistance, then pull rapidly.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises
or sprains could result.
Rotating parts can contact or
entangle hands, feet, hair,
clothing, or accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
To Stop Engine −
Let go of brake release bar, which activates
brake and stops engine from running.
WARNING
PUSH PRIMER
1234
PULL STARTER HANDLE
1234
Need assistance? 1-800-233-3723 
(USA and Canada ONLY, Pre-recorded message.) www.briggsandstratton.com If speed control equipped, start in FAST position.
Also, see warning at right. 
						

							6
Starter handle will not pull.
•Ensure all external equipment/engine loads are removed
before starting engine. Direct coupled equipment
components must be securely attached such as, but not
limited to, blades, impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc.
WARNING
Troubleshooting
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.
Oil Level is OVER FULL
mark on dipstick.DO NOT OVERFILL.
Overfilling may cause
smoking, hard starting, spark
plug fouling or oil saturation of
air filter.
CAUTION
Out of Fuel
Engine Flooded
Spark Plug Fouling
•Add gasoline.
•Prime engine.
•Set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle (if equipped) in FAST
and continue to pull starter handle.
•Remove spark plug. Clean, check gap,
replace. See Maintenance section.
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 emits smoke or running rough.
•Check for fouled spark plug.
•Check air cleaner filter for oil saturation. 
If saturated, clean or replace filter.
If engine is tipped to transport
equipment, to remove debris, to
drain oil, etc., keep the spark
plug side of engine up.
CAUTION
Engine may have been
tipped during transport.
KEEP SPARK PLUG UP
The proper equipment handle is not
engaged which releases the brake from
the flywheel allowing the engine to turn
over.
Place equipment on flat level surface. 
						

							7
Starting
[1] Check oil level. Ensure level is at FULL mark on
dipstick. Use the correct oil type for expected
starting temperature.
[2] Fill with fresh gasoline. Move throttle to FAST.
(if equipped)
[3] Firmly push primer bulb 3 times.
Note: If starting a NEW ENGINE, press 5 times.
If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST (if equipped)
and crank until engine starts.
[4] Squeeze brake release bar toward handle on
mower and any other equipment with this feature.
If you do not keep brake release bar held against
mower handle, engine will not start, or remain
running.
[5] Grasp rope handle. Pull slowly until resistance is
felt, then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid
kickback.
•Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel
cap and air cleaner are in place.
•Do not crank engine with spark plug
removed.
•DO NOT start engine if there is a
natural or LP gas leak in area.
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids
because vapors are flammable.
WARNING
•Start and run engine outdoors.
•Do not start or run engine in
enclosed area, even if doors or
windows are open.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm
toward engine faster than you can
let go. To avoid kickback, slowly pull
the cord until you feel resistance,
then pull rapidly.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises
or sprains could result.
Rotating parts can contact or
entangle hands, feet, hair,
clothing, or accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
WARNING 
						

							8
Operating
Engines give off carbon
monoxide, an odorless,
colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon mon-
oxide can cause nausea,
fainting or death.
WARNING
After engine has started, let it warm up several seconds
to several minutes, depending on outside temperature.
For maximum performance and life, operate engine
with throttle in FAST.
•Do not tip engine or
equipment at angle
which causes gasoline
to spill.
•Do not choke
carburetor to stop
engine.
Periodically remove grass
buildup under mower deck.
(See Maintenance.)
•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
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
•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.
Stopping
[1] Move throttle (if equipped) to SLOW, then
[2] Release safety brake control handle.
Do not stop engine by moving choke control to
CHOKE (if equipped). Backfire, fire or engine
damage could occur.
CAUTION
WARNING 
						

							9
Oil
Oil Capacity
The engine holds approximately 18 oz. or 0.5 liter.
•Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For
Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher, such as Briggs &
Stratton SAE 30.
•Do not use special additives.
•Choose a viscosity according to the table opposite.
Note:Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC
GF-2, API certification mark and API
service symbol (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.
Oil Recommendation
°F-20 0 20 40 60 80 100°C-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40EXPECTED STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
* **
32
SAE Viscosity Grades
* 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.
CAUTION
Checking Oil Level
•Check oil level before starting the engine.
•Check level daily, or after every eight (8) hours.
•Keep oil level at FULL.
[1] Place engine level
and clean around oil
fill area.
[2] Remove dipstick and
wipe clean with cloth.
[3] Replace and tighten
dipstick. Remove and
check oil level. Oil level
should be at FULL line
on dipstick.
[4] If needed, add oil slowly
- recheck. Do not over
fill.
[5] Wipe dipstick clean,
replace and tighten.
Remove and check oil
level. Oil level should be
at FULL line on dipstick.
Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause the
engine to not start, or hard starting. If over the
FULL mark on dipstick, drain oil to reduce oil
level to FULL mark on dipstick.
CAUTION 
						

							10
Changing Oil
Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 50
hours or every season. Change oil every 25 hours when
operating the engine under heavy load or in high
temperatures.
[1] Run engine until it runs out of fuel. Otherwise, fuel
can leak out, creating a fire/explosion hazard,
when you tip engine in Step 4.
[2] Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away 
from spark plug.
[3] With engine OFF but still warm remove dipstick.
[4] Top oil drain, keep spark plug side up. Bottom or
side oil drain (if equipped), keep engine level.
Drain oil into appropriate receptacle.
Note: Top oil drain is recommended method,
however oil can drain from side (if equipped) or
bottom as shown.
[5] Place engine level. Add about (18 ounces: 0.5
liter) new oil. Fill to FULL line on dipstick. Do not
overfill. Replace dipstick.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose
of used oil properly. Do not discard with
household waste. Check with your local
authorities, service center, or dealer for safe
disposal/recycling facilities.
CAUTION
On bottom oil drain, DO NOT rotate blade or
any other parts unless spark plug wire is
disconnected from spark plug.
DRAIN
PLUGSPIPE3/8”
SQUARE
WARNING
RATCHET
AND
EXTENSION
CUTTING
BLADE
OIL DRAIN
PLUG
Low Oil Fill 
(if equipped) High Oil Fill 
(if equipped)Side Oil Drain
(if equipped) Top Oil Drain Bottom Oil Drain
SPARK PLUG