Small Engine Maintenance

Many 6x6 ATVs utilize small engines for power due to their availability, price, and reliablility. These engines can provide a lifetime of trouble free use if you properly maintain them. Of course anytime that you subject them to abrasive environments you will have to maintain them more frequently and if you happen to be as unfortunate as my Max II in this photo it and submerge the motor under water you should always change the oil and filters.
Here I will list the recommended maintenance schedule from Briggs and Stratton but this really applies for all small engines:

- Check Oil Level- Every 5 hours
- Change Oil - 50 Hours or every season
- Replace Oil-Foam Element - 25 Hours or Every season
- Replace air-cleaner cartridge - 25 Hours or Every season
- Clean cooling system - 100 Hours or Every Season
- Inspect spark-arrester - 50 Hours or Every Season
- Replace in-line fuel filter - 50 Hours or Every Season
- Replace spark plug - 100 Hours or Every Season
- Clean combustion chamber deposits - Every 100-300 Hours

They also recommend that if you are going to be letting the engine sit for a while without running it that you:


- Empty fuel tank and change engine oil. Recycle the oil.
- Fill fuel tank with fuel treated with Briggs & Stratton Fuel Stabilizer Plus gasoline additive to prevent fuel system and carburetor gumming.
- Run engine for a short time to circulate Additive through carburetor. Engine and fuel can be stored for up to 24 months.
- Remove spark plug and pour about 1/2oz (15ml) of engine oil into cylinder. Replace spark plug and crank slowly to distribute oil.
- Disconnect spark plug wire or power cord.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal on units so equipped.
- Store in a clean dry area, but not near a stove, furnace or water heater which uses a pilot light or any device that can create a spark.