Keeping your lawn mower running smoothly starts with the spark plug. For Briggs & Stratton engines, a properly functioning spark plug is essential for reliable starting, efficient performance, and long engine life. This guide explains everything you need to know about choosing, maintaining, and replacing spark plugs for your mower.
Briggs and Stratton Spark Plug for Lawn Mower
1. Briggs & Stratton 796112S
- Copper core for reliable ignition
- Designed for OHV and vertical shaft engines
- Easy to install and durable
2. Briggs & Stratton 802592S
- High-quality copper material
- Compatible with many walk-behind mowers
- Maintains proper gap and reliable spark
3. Champion RJ19LM
- Copper plug with long-life design
- High heat tolerance for extended operation
- Works with most small engines
4. NGK BPR6ES
- Iridium tip for long service life
- Provides consistent performance in demanding conditions
- Excellent for engines with heavy mowing loads
5. Bosch 7406
- Platinum spark plug for durability
- Strong spark and consistent engine performance
- Suitable for OHV and small vertical shaft engines
Related Briggs and Stratton Spark Plug Gap Chart(For All Models)
Signs Your Spark Plug Needs Replacement
Knowing the symptoms of a bad spark plug can save time and prevent mower damage.
Common Signs:
- Difficulty starting the mower
- Engine misfires or runs rough
- Reduced cutting performance
- Black soot or oil on the spark plug
- Increased fuel consumption
Replacing a worn spark plug often restores engine performance and makes starting easier.
Related Spark Plug for Lawn Mower(Top 5 Best Picks)
Why the Spark Plug Is Important
The spark plug is a small but crucial part of your lawn mower engine. Its main job is to ignite the air–fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Without it, your mower won’t start or run efficiently.
Key Functions of a Spark Plug:
- Ignition: Creates the spark that starts the engine.
- Combustion Efficiency: Helps ensure fuel burns completely, improving performance.
- Engine Health: A worn or dirty spark plug can cause misfires, hard starting, or reduced power.
A bad spark plug can lead to inconsistent engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting your mower. Regular inspection and replacement are essential for optimal mower performance.
How to Choose the Right Spark Plug
Choosing the correct spark plug depends on your engine type and model. Briggs & Stratton produces a variety of engines, including OHV, Flathead, and Quantum, each with its recommended plug.
Related Lawn Mower Champion Spark Plug Cross Reference Chart(All Brands)
Steps to Choose the Right Spark Plug:
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your mower’s manual for the recommended part number and gap specification.
- Match Engine Type: Different engines require different plugs. For example, OHV engines may use one type, while older Flathead engines use another.
- Consider Plug Material:
- Copper: Affordable, works well for general use.
- Platinum: Longer life and more consistent performance.
- Iridium: Premium choice, highly durable, and excellent spark efficiency.
- Set the Correct Gap: Even new plugs may need adjustment. A correct gap ensures proper ignition and engine performance.
How to Maintain and Replace Your Spark Plug
Replacing or maintaining the spark plug is simple but critical for engine health. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Maintenance:
- Turn Off the Engine: Always disconnect the spark plug wire for safety.
- Locate the Spark Plug: Usually on the top or side of the engine.
- Remove the Old Plug: Use the correct socket to unscrew the plug, turning counterclockwise.
- Inspect the Old Plug: Check for carbon build-up, oil deposits, or damage. If worn, replace it.
- Check the Gap: Use a feeler gauge to set the spark plug gap according to manufacturer specifications.
- Install the New Plug: Thread it by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then tighten gently. Do not over-tighten.
- Reconnect the Wire: Once installed, attach the ignition wire and test-start the mower.
Regular inspection of the spark plug is recommended, especially before mowing season or after extended storage.
Related Husqvarna Spark Plug Chart(For All Types & Models)
Maintenance Tips for Briggs & Stratton Engines
To extend engine life and keep your mower running smoothly:
- Inspect or replace spark plugs at least once per season or every 100 hours of use.
- Always use the correct plug type and gap for your specific engine model.
- Pair spark plug replacement with regular oil changes and air filter maintenance.
- Store the mower in a dry location to prevent moisture damage.
FAQs
What is the spark plug gap for a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
The spark plug gap for most Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engines is typically 0.030 inches (0.76 mm), but always check your engine’s manual, as it may vary slightly depending on the model and engine type.
How to change a spark plug on a lawn mower Briggs and Stratton?
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Locate and remove the old spark plug using a spark plug socket.
- Inspect the old plug for wear or deposits.
- Check and adjust the gap on the new spark plug if needed.
- Install the new spark plug by hand, then tighten gently with a socket.
- Reattach the spark plug wire and start the mower to test.
How to know if a lawn mower spark plug is bad?
Signs of a bad spark plug include:
- Difficulty starting the mower
- Engine misfires or runs rough
- Reduced power or performance
- Black soot or oil on the plug
- Increased fuel consumption
How do you clean the spark plugs on a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
- Remove the spark plug from the engine.
- Use a wire brush or spark plug cleaner to remove carbon deposits.
- Check the electrode for wear; replace if damaged.
- Re-gap the spark plug to the recommended specification.
- Reinstall and test the engine.
What happens if spark plugs are gapped too much?
If the gap is too wide, the spark may be weak or inconsistent, causing hard starting, misfires, and poor engine performance. Too small a gap can also reduce combustion efficiency and engine power.
What is a BPR6ES spark plug for?
The BPR6ES spark plug is an iridium or copper plug commonly used in small engines, including Briggs & Stratton mowers. It provides reliable ignition, consistent performance, and is suitable for a variety of 4-stroke engines.
Final words
A Briggs & Stratton spark plug is a small but essential component that keeps your lawn mower running efficiently. Choosing the right spark plug, maintaining it properly, and replacing it on schedule can improve performance, extend engine life, and make mowing your lawn hassle-free. For optimal performance, always follow your engine manufacturer’s recommendations and inspect the spark plug regularly.
