DescriptionThis video provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the exhaust gasket on Briggs and Stratton small engines, commonly found in Toro, Lawn Boy, and John Deere lawn mowers, riding tractors, zero-turn radius mowers, wheeled edgers, pressure washers, and generators. The most common reason for replacing the exhaust gasket is if it is damaged in some way, allowing air to leave the engine without going through the muffler, causing the engine to be loud.
All of the information in this exhaust gasket replacement video is applicable to the following brands: Toro, Lawn Boy, John Deere, Briggs & Stratton
Tools used: flat-head screwdriver, hammer, 7/16” socket, Phillips head screwdriver, 5/16” socket or nut driver, 3/8” socket or nut driver, pliers
Step-By-Step Instructions1
Before you replace an exhaust gasket on your engine first make sure the engine and muffler have cooled.
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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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Use a flat-head screwdriver to bend the muffler mounting bolt locking tabs out of the way.
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Now use a 7/16th inch socket to loosen and unthread the bolts.
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Pull the muffler free of the cylinder along with the choke thermostat.
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You’re now ready to replace an exhaust gasket.
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The gasket can be used between the muffler and heat shield or on either side of the choke thermostat.
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To allow proper alignment of the choke thermostat arm when reinstall the muffler assembly, we recommend removing the blower housing.
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To do this, use a phillips-head screwdriver to unthread the mounting screws securing the engine cover.
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Next, release the starter rope from the retainer.
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Now use a 5/16th inch socket or nut driver to remove the screws securing the fuel tank.
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Use a 3/8th inch socket to remove the mounting bolt securing the tank to the side of the engine block.
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You can now remove the 3/8th inch bolts securing the blower housing.
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Pull off the blower housing and oil dipstick tube.
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Now apply some anti-seize to the threads of the muffler mounting bolts.
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Position the muffler assembly on the cylinder, making sure the choke thermostat arm is inside the air vane hook.
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Thread the mounting bolts and torque them to seven-and-a-half foot pounds.
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Bend the locking tabs in to prevent the bolts from unthreading.
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Be aware that the thermostat arm needs to be aligned between the markings on both the front and side of the air vane hook.
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Replace the blower housing making sure the attached dipstick tube is inserted into the sump.
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Thread the mounting bolts to secure and torque them to seven-and-a-half foot pounds.
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Confirm that the spacer is in place on the fuel tank then reposition the tank on the blower housing.
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Replace the bolt and mounting screws to secure.
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Realign the engine cover.
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Rethread and tighten the mounting screws.
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Depress the bail arm, extend the starter rope and secure it in the retainer.
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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.