1986 Briggs and Stratton 5 HP Motor Parts Manual

The 1986 Briggs and Stratton 5 HP Motor is a classic small engine designed for various applications including lawn mowers, tillers, and other outdoor power equipment. This parts manual provides comprehensive information on engine components, part numbers, assembly diagrams, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting guidance for the 5 horsepower vertical and horizontal shaft models manufactured in 1986.

1. Engine Specifications 2. Parts Identification 3. Cylinder and Piston Assembly 4. Crankshaft and Connecting Rod 5. Carburetor System 6. Ignition System 7. Fuel System 8. Lubrication System 9. Cooling System 10. Maintenance Schedule 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Engine Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1986 Briggs and Stratton 5 HP engine models.

SpecificationDetails
Engine Type4-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled
Bore x Stroke2.437" x 1.750" (61.9mm x 44.5mm)
Displacement8.18 cu in (134 cc)
Compression Ratio6.0:1
Ignition SystemSolid State Magnetron
Fuel Tank Capacity1.0 gallon (3.8 liters)
Oil Capacity20 oz (0.6 liters)
Governor TypeMechanical
CarburetorPulsa-Jet or Flo-Jet
Starting SystemRecoil starter

Parts Identification

Major engine components and their corresponding part numbers.

  1. Cylinder Head Assembly: Part # 290880
  2. Piston and Ring Set: Part # 493076
  3. Crankshaft: Part # 291617
  4. Connecting Rod: Part # 291617
  5. Carburetor Kit: Part # 398811
  6. Ignition Coil: Part # 398811
  7. Air Filter: Part # 694082
  8. Spark Plug: Champion RJ19LM or equivalent
  9. Fuel Pump: Part # 690318 (if equipped)
  10. Governor Assembly: Part # 691268

NOTE! Always verify part numbers with your engine model code before ordering.

Cylinder and Piston Assembly

Detailed breakdown of cylinder head, piston, rings, and valves.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS: Cylinder head bolts: 165-180 in-lbs, Spark plug: 180-210 in-lbs

Crankshaft and Connecting Rod

Crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings, and related components.

ComponentPart NumberDescription
Crankshaft291617Forged steel, 1" diameter shaft
Connecting Rod291617Forged steel with bearing
Main Bearings690318Ball bearings, both ends
Seal Kit491588Crankshaft seals and gaskets
Flywheel692748Cast aluminum with magnets
Key701314Woodruff key 1/4" x 1-1/4"

Carburetor System

Carburetor components, adjustment procedures, and service information.

  1. Remove air cleaner and fuel line
  2. Clean all external surfaces before disassembly
  3. Disassemble carburetor, noting spring and adjustment screw positions
  4. Soak metal parts in carburetor cleaner
  5. Replace diaphragm and gaskets with kit # 398811
  6. Reassemble, set idle mixture screw to initial setting: 1-1/2 turns out
  7. Adjust governor linkage per manual specifications

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable - work in well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Ignition System

Magnetron ignition system components and service procedures.

TESTING: Spark should jump 1/4" gap on tester. No spark indicates faulty coil or flywheel.

Fuel System

Fuel tank, lines, filter, and carburetor fuel delivery system.

  1. Fuel Tank: 1 gallon capacity, with sediment bowl
  2. Fuel Lines: 1/4" ID fuel-resistant hose
  3. Fuel Filter: In-tank or inline filter
  4. Carburetor: Briggs Pulsa-Jet or Flo-Jet models
  5. Fuel Pump: Diaphragm type (on some models)
  6. Check Valves: Ensure proper fuel flow direction

MAINTENANCE: Clean fuel tank annually, replace fuel lines every 2 years.

Lubrication System

Splash lubrication system components and oil specifications.

ComponentService IntervalSpecification
Engine OilEvery 25 hours or seasonSAE 30 detergent oil
Oil ChangeAnnually20 oz capacity
DipstickCheck each useFill to FULL mark
Oil DrainWith oil changeRemove drain plug or tip engine
Oil SealAs neededPart # 491588

Cooling System

Air cooling system components and maintenance requirements.

CAUTION! Never operate engine without cooling shrouds in place.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Service ItemFrequencyProcedure
Oil ChangeEvery 25 hours or seasonDrain and refill with SAE 30
Air FilterEvery 25 hoursClean or replace foam element
Spark PlugEvery 100 hoursClean and gap or replace
Fuel SystemAnnuallyClean tank and carburetor
Valve ClearanceEvery 300 hoursSet intake: 0.005-0.007", exhaust: 0.009-0.011"
Compression TestAs neededShould be 60+ PSI

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems and solutions for the 5 HP Briggs engine.

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo spark, bad fuel, chokeCheck spark, fresh gas, proper choke setting
Hard startingDirty carburetor, bad plugClean carburetor, replace spark plug
Loss of powerDirty air filter, governorClean filter, check governor springs
OverheatingDirty cooling finsClean fins and shrouding
Oil consumptionWorn rings, bad sealsCheck compression, replace seals
Engine surgesFuel delivery, governorClean carburetor, adjust governor

Service Support: Briggs & Stratton dealer locator: 1-800-233-3723

Parts Ordering: Use engine model and type numbers for correct parts

1986 Briggs and Stratton 5 HP Motor Parts Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025