How do I Fix an Oil Seal on a Briggs & Stratton Engine?

Written By
Yvonne Grant
Yvonne Grant
Published: Jan 18, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Fortunately, if it's the oil seal on your Briggs & Stratton engine, you won't even need to tear down the engine. You should be able to do the job in half an hour, using basic tools.

Things You Will Need

  • Crescent wrench
  • Drain pan
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Lubricant spray
  • Small rubber mallet
  1. Place the engine on a flat work bench. Put a drain pan under the oil plug at the bottom of the engine. Remove the plug with the crescent wrench and drain the oil into the pan. Reattach the oil plug.

  2. Turn the engine over so that the crankshaft is facing up. The oil seal is at the bottom of the crankshaft, recessed into the engine block.

  3. Pry out the seal with the flat-head screwdriver. Spray the new seal and the crankshaft with lubricant.

  4. Push the oil seal slowly into place. Once the lip of the seal is in the recessed part of the engine block, gently hammer all around the seal with the rubber mallet until the seal is firmly seated.

  5. Turn the engine back over so it's in the upright position. Refill with oil, per the specifications listed in the operator's manual.

The Drip Cap

  • Briggs & Stratton manufactures a wide variety of small engines, from single-cylinder to V-twins, that are used in everything from lawn tractors to snow blowers.
  • Fortunately, if it's the oil seal on your Briggs & Stratton engine, you won't even need to tear down the engine.
  • Remove the plug with the crescent wrench and drain the oil into the pan.
  • Turn the engine over so that the crankshaft is facing up.
Yvonne Grant

Based out of Orlando, Fla., Yvonne Grant has since 1997 done everything from designing and outlining company handbooks to preparing reports for the IRS. She maintains a popular interior design blog where she gives advice and design tips.…

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