How to Change the Air Filter in a Briggs Lawnmower

Changing a Paper Filter

• 1

  Disconnect the spark plug wire. Be sure that the engine is completely cool.

• 2

  Locate the air filter canister. On newer models, it is usually on either side of the engine. Older engines feature top-mounted canisters directly fastened to the carburetor.

• 3

  Loosen the air filter canister's cover screw by turning it counterclockwise using the appropriate screwdriver. Pull the hinged cover down. The screw is permanently retained in the cover.

• 4

  Remove the old air filter cartridge from the canister. Wipe the interior of the canister clean using a paper shop towel.

• 5

  Install the new cartridge with the paper pleat side facing out toward you.

• 6

  Shut the canister cover and tighten the screw clockwise with the screwdriver.

• 7

  Replace the spark plug wire.

Changing a Foam Filter

• 8

  Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for changing a paper filter.

• 9

  Remove the air filter housing cap screw with a screwdriver. Turn the screw counterclockwise. Pull the screw straight up and lift the cap off from the housing.

• 10

  Pull the old foam air filter out from the filter housing.

• 11

  Clean the inside of the air filter housing and cap with a paper shop towel.

• 12

  Saturate the replacement foam filter using new engine oil. Cover the filter with a clean cotton cloth and squeeze the cloth to remove any excess oil.

• 13

  Install the foam air filter into the housing. Be sure that the lip of the filter extends over the edge of the housing.

• 14

  Install the housing with the new filter onto the carburetor. Replace the cap and screw. Tighten the screw clockwise to secure the cap and housing.

• 15

  Replace the spark plug wire.