DescriptionThis video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the breather reed on a Briggs and Stratton small engine. The most common reason for replacing the breather reed is when the engine is not running smoothly.
All of the information for this breather reed replacement video is applicable to the following brands:
Briggs & Stratton, MTD
Tools needed: 5/16 inch socket or nut driver, 15/16 inch socket, mallet, spring clamp, flywheel puller, 5.5 mm socket, torque wrench
Step-By-Step Instructions1
Before you replace the breather reed on your engine first make sure the engine has cooled.
2
Next, you should remove the wire and boot from the spark plug to prevent the engine from accidentally starting.
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We recommend performing this procedure with little or no fuel in the tank.
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Now loosen the rope guide wing nut and remove the starter rope.
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Use a 5/16th inch socket or nut driver to unthread the bolts securing the blower housing cover.
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Next, use a support to prevent the flywheel from rotating.
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Now use a 15/16th inch socket and strike it with a mallet to help loosen the flywheel mounting nut.
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Unthread the nut and remove the flywheel cup.
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Now depress the bail arm and use a spring clamp to hold the arm in place.
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Use a flywheel puller and the mallet to help loosen the flywheel.
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Remove the flywheel key as well if still intact.
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Next, detach the fuel tank from the blower housing and remove the dipstick tube assembly.
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Now unthread the screws securing the blower housing. You will need to break the breather chamber seal to be able to lift off the housing.
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Use a 5.5mm socket or nut driver to unthread the screw securing the breather reed – lift out the old reed.
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Install the new breather reed by aligning it in the breather chamber with the metal support facing up.
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Thread the screw to secure.
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Clean any residue from the blower housing and the edge of the breather chamber.
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Avoid getting any debris in the chamber.
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Apply some sealant to the edge of the breather chamber and reposition the blower housing.
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Thread the screws to secure.
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Reinsert the dipstick tube assembly firmly into the crankcase as you clip the assembly onto the blower housing.
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Realign the fuel tank tabs with the slots in the blower housing and snap the tank into place.
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Reinstall the flywheel by aligning the notch in the flywheel with the slot in the crankshaft
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Push the key into place.
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Remove the clamp from the bail arm.
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Align the flywheel cup on the flywheel.
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Position the washer and thread the mounting nut.
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Use a torque wrench to torque the nut to 60 foot pounds.
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Replace the blower housing cover then thread and tighten the bolts to secure.
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Depress the bail arm extend the starter rope and hook the rope on the guide.
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Tighten the rope guide wing nut.
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With the repair completed reattach the wire and boot to the spark plug refill the fuel tank and your engine should be ready for use.