Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum SELF-HELP PROBLEM SOLVING and MAINTENANCE for PETROL LAWNMOWERS The Briggs & Stratton Quantum engine is fitted to many mowers including the following recent products: • 460 PD/ES • 510 PD • 510 PD/ES • 460 R PD/ES • M40 HP • M40 PD • M60 PD • M60 PD/ES • 480R • 480 R/ES • 550R • 550 R/ES • SP470ES • SP550 Tricut 1. Safety Precautions …………………………………. 2. Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements. 3. Routine Engine Maintenance ……………………... 4.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 Quantum 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 Quantum discharge opening at all times. 17. Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the engine is running. 18.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum • 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 36 B&S Quantum Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 2 Fuel, Oil, Air Filter and Spark Plug Requirements FUEL – this is a 4-stroke petrol engine. The correct fuel is ordinary unleaded petrol. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fill the fuel tank to approximately 1 – 11/2” 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. The dipstick shows the minimum and maximum levels.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 – a push/pull fit. 3. Unscrew the spark plug (12 in the diagram) with a genuine spark plug spanner. 4.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 it by screwing it in, now withdraw it to gain an accurate reading.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum ENGINE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS: As a guide, the information below has been copied from the engine manufacturer’s user manual: NB: Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual for specific information. Page 9 of 36 B&S Quantum Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum Battery Care (for key-start models only): These guidelines for the care of lawnmower batteries should be observed. If not, a shortened working life of the battery may result. These are duplicated in the Owners Instruction pack supplied with the lawnmower. 1. Always read the instructions carefully in the owner’s manual which is supplied with the engine. 2.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 Quantum 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 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 Quantum B: Fuel: Ensure there is fresh unleaded petrok in the fuel tank. The fuel is fed by gravity. 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. When starting from cold (or for new engines) it may be necessary to prime the engine eight to ten times continuously to bleed the fuel system of any air pockets.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum C: No response from key start (electric start models only): Before attempting to start a new engine on the key, charge the battery for 24 hours continuously (use only the battery charger supplied with the machine) and then leave to rest for 12 hours. Frequent stopping and restarting of the engine may result in a low battery charge.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum Battery Care Guidelines – these should be observed. If not, a shortened working life of the battery may result. 1. Always read the instructions carefully in the owner’s manual which is supplied with the engine. 2. Before attempting to start a new engine on the key, charge the battery for 24 hours continuously (use only the battery charger supplied with the machine) and then leave to rest for 12 hours. 3.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 • • 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) The correct way to tip your mower is BACKWARDS.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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. The filter is located on the left hand side (viewed from the front). The cover (4) has a screw to release it at the top. Remove the cover and then the inner paper filter. If contaminated with oil or fuel, it will need to replaced. Clean the cover and housing from any excess oil.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 6 Engine Cutting Out or Running Unevenly QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: Problem: Likely Cause: Engine revs are • Paper air filter may be very low and contaminated with oil maybe uneven Engine is hunting (revs go up and down) • • Dirt or build-ups (or stale fuel) in fuel tank Air drawn into the engine from a faulty inlet manifold Solution: • Replace the air filter (see A) • • Drain old fuel, re-fill with fresh fuel (see B) Refer to a service dealer.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum We advise the engine should be drained of fuel before storage for more than 30 days. One should only buy fuel in quantities that can be used within a few weeks, and petrol should be bought from the garage and transported/stored in approved plastic petrol containers. Please dispose of old fuel and used engine oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment NB: Where a fuel supply blockage has occurred, a service dealer should be consulted to free the blockage.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 OPC lever must be he
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 Quantum 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 incorrect Grass is too long
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 Quantum 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 Quantum 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 Quantum 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 come off the drive p
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum FOR MOWERS WITH THE CLUTCH ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE HANDLE: a) Check the clutch cable runs up the right hand side of the main handle (right hand side viewed from behind the mower) and through the tension bracket (shown as 1 in the diagram above). If the cable is not in this bracket, insert it and follow the instructions in b) below to adjust the tension.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum tension to the cable and restore the drive, the cause of the problem may be the belt has come off the drive pulleys (see Section B) or the clutch cable has broken or become detached (see a service dealer). B REPLACING THE BELT Find your local ServiceLink centre at www.servicelink.org.uk To replace the belt on these machines, it will involve tipping the machine to gain access to the belt.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 4. Raise the stone guard flap, tip the mower BACKWARDS with the handle hanging over the edge of the bench – it will stand upright like this 5. Mark the blade so that after removing it you can replace it the correct way 6. Unscrew the blade (normal thread so turn the spanner anti-clockwise to unfasten) 7.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum 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 Quantum 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 Quantum 12 Guarantee, Spare Parts, Repairs Congratulations on the purchase of your lawnmower.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum Repairs Your local ServiceLink centre can be found at www.servicelink.org.uk Notes: Page 33 of 36 B&S Quantum Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum Notes: Page 34 of 36 B&S Quantum Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum Notes: Page 35 of 36 B&S Quantum Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.
Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton Quantum Notes: Page 36 of 36 B&S Quantum Selfhelp Guide 2011, Issue 1.