How To Clean The Air Filter On A Briggs and Stratton Mower

Is your lawn mower not performing at its best? It could be due to a dirty air filter. We have the expertise to guide you through the cleaning process, ensuring your mower’s optimal performance.

Turn the mower off. Remove filter housing. Wash foam filters with soap and water, rinse, and oil. Use soap and brush on cartridges. Check the seal and replace it if it is damaged. Dry thoroughly before reinstalling. Check the manual for model steps. Clean regularly for efficiency.

Has your trusty mower been underperforming? A simple cleaning of the air filter might be all it needs. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to wash foam filters, clean cartridges, and check seals for damage. Keep your mower running smoothly and efficiently with regular cleanings!

Clean your for the Briggs and Stratton lawnmower’s air filter in 7 easy steps.

● Step 1: Check the details for your specific type

When you are going forward to clean an air filter, the first step is to do your research. Refer to online resources or your user manuals for more information on the different parts.

This will help you understand the model and make various parts (like a carburetor, engine oil, tires, air filters, etc.) from your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower.

Some lawnmower models have a relatively more straightforward mechanism to clean the air filters. For some other Briggs and Stratton lawnmower models, you need a good step-by-step procedure to clean or replace the two air filters.

● Step 2: Make sure your lawnmower is off:

After you have done your research and are familiar with the model and make of the Briggs and Stratton engines and the parts involved, the next obvious step that many people forget is to ensure that the lawnmower is turned off and disconnected from the power source. 

In addition to the engine, a lawnmower comprises many other operating parts even when the engine is off. Hence, it is necessary to ensure that the entire lawnmower is turned off and disconnected as a safety precaution to save yourself from hazards.

● Step 3: Disconnect the spark plugs:

This step is taken as more of a precaution before cleaning the lawnmower. For extra security, one must disconnect the spark plugs. Spark plugs are an integral part of the engine that is essential for it to get turned on.

They are generally located at the front end of the machine. Once you have found them, you can disconnect them by removing the wires getting into the spark plugs. You can even remove them by using a wrench of the appropriate size. Disconnecting the spark plugs is a prerequisite to safe work.

● Step 4: Locate the air filter:

Once you are done with the precautions, the next step is to locate the Stratton lawnmower’s air filter. In the case of a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower, the air filter is generally located near the top of the engine, encapsulated in a metal or plastic casing that has been secured with the help of screws.

You can remove the air filters by unscrewing the wing nut that holds on the air filter housing. After that, remove the housing and lift out the filter.

● Step 5:  Clean the air filter of a lawn mower:

A Briggs and Stratton lawnmower consists of foam air filters used as a pre-cleaner. To clean, pull out the filter and thoroughly wash it with hot water and a liquid soap until all the grease present starts to diminish. After that, remove as much water out of the filter as you can via rinsing.

Once you are done rinsing, spray the air filter with just the right amount of engine oil as an excessive amount could cause problems for the exhaust system. So, squeezing out the extreme oil content from the air filter is recommended to avoid too much oil.

– Cleaning the Dual-Element Air Filter

After cleaning the pre-cleaner, you can now clean the dual-element air filter, a cartridge with soap, water, and a brush. Make sure to clean a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower’s air filter thoroughly.

After cleaning the filter, remove any debris in the rubber gasket/encapsulation that seals the carburetor unit’s air filter. Also, look for any tears and leaks in the gasket; if any, ensure it is sealed completely.

● Step 6: Ensure the presence of the right equipment:

To remove the air filter, you will need to unscrew the casing to remove it and clean the rubber gasket from the inside. Ensure that you have an ample supply of the right-sized screws if they have been corrupted or damaged.

Hence, it is necessary to have the right tools and supplies before getting into the cleaning phase.

● Step 7: Put everything in place:

It is necessary to check all the parts or components you remove. Keep a bowl for the screws so that they do not get misplaced. And if needed, take some photos or a video with your phone of where each screw is and how the parts fit.

This step will help you put back the machine in an orderly fashion and save you from the panic caused by misplaced small screws and components. Remember, dry the filter with a paper towel after cleaning, put the filter back in place, and replace the housing.

Always be careful not to contact the paper filter with any harsh chemicals. If you plan to do this over the weekend, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. If you’re unsure, Williams is a good source for lawnmower maintenance tips.

Lastly, ensure the filter has no black spots before putting it back. If it does, you might need to replace it.

Related Questions:

● How much time, skills, and tools do I need to clean my lawnmower’s air filter?

Cleaning a lawnmower’s air filter sitting for a while is an easy task that can be quickly done at home in a couple of hours, provided you have the proper knowledge.

The tools and items needed for this job are liquid soap that cuts through grease, a paper towel, motor oil, and a replacement gasket if required. Referring to the owner’s manual for detailed instructions and specifications is always suggested.

● Can I use solvent water to clean the air filter?

In the case of a foam air filter, it is warned not to use solvent water as it causes the fibers that make up the foam filter to break down. 

● What types of air filters are present?

There are two basic air filters: the foam air filter and the dual-element air filter.

The dual-element air filter is the best fit because of the double layers of protection that are air-pleated and foam elements.

The other type is foam air filters, which have two different subtypes. A disposable air filter must be replaced after a specific time, and reusable foam air filters can be washed by following the steps mentioned above.  

● Are paper filters also cleanable?

Different lawnmowers use paper filters that can be disposed of. They are easier to handle because they can be removed and replaced without cleaning them. 

Since it is hard to differentiate between paper and foam filters, one often realizes that halfway through the cleaning process, your machine’s filters are made of paper.

It is therefore recommended to ensure that spares are available when you take up the task. Air filters are readily available from local hardware or other online resources.

Remarks:

Cleaning a lawnmower’s air filter is easier with the correct instructions and tools. From time to time, cleaning and replacing the air filter is necessary for the machine’s health and efficiency.

A clogged air filter can hinder the engine’s normal combustion process, causing the engine to malfunction and eventually seize.