Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plug Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper understanding, installation, and maintenance of your Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plug. This component is designed to ensure reliable starting of compatible diesel engines, particularly in cold weather conditions.

A glow plug is an essential heating device used to aid in starting diesel engines. It preheats the combustion chamber, allowing the fuel to ignite more easily when the engine is cranked. The Briggs & Stratton 821308 is a genuine replacement part, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance with specified Briggs & Stratton diesel engines.

2. Product Overview

The Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plug is a critical component for the efficient operation of your diesel engine. It is a direct replacement for the older Briggs & Stratton part number 825176.

This glow plug is specifically designed for use on most 3-Cylinder Liquid Cooled Briggs & Stratton Diesel Engines with model series 522000, 582000, 588000, and 58A000.

Image: The Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plug, a metallic cylindrical component featuring a threaded end for secure installation and a heating element tip for preheating the combustion chamber.

3. Setup and Installation

Safety Precautions: Always ensure the engine is cool and the battery is disconnected before attempting any installation or maintenance procedures. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection.

1. Locate Glow Plugs: Refer to your engine's service manual to identify the exact location of the glow plugs.
2. Disconnect Wiring: Carefully disconnect the electrical wiring from each glow plug.
3. Remove Old Glow Plugs: Using an appropriately sized wrench, carefully unscrew and remove the old glow plugs. Be cautious not to strip the threads.
4. Inspect and Clean: Inspect the glow plug ports for any carbon buildup or debris. Clean if necessary.
5. Install New Glow Plugs: Thread the new Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plugs into their respective ports by hand to ensure proper alignment.
6. Torque to Specification: Using a torque wrench, tighten the glow plugs to the torque specification provided in your engine's service manual. Overtightening can damage the glow plug or cylinder head.
7. Reconnect Wiring: Reconnect the electrical wiring to each new glow plug, ensuring a secure connection.
8. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the engine battery.

If you are unsure about any step of the installation process, it is recommended to consult a qualified service technician or refer to your engine's specific service manual.

4. Operating Principles

The Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plug operates automatically as part of the engine's starting sequence. When the ignition key is turned to the 'preheat' or 'on' position (depending on your engine model), electrical current flows through the glow plugs, causing their tips to heat up rapidly.

This preheating raises the temperature within the combustion chamber, facilitating the ignition of diesel fuel when the engine is cranked. Once the engine starts, the glow plugs typically deactivate, though some systems may keep them active for a short period to reduce emissions and improve initial running smoothness.

5. Maintenance

Regular inspection and timely replacement of glow plugs are crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance and reliable starting, especially in colder climates.

• Inspection: Periodically inspect the glow plugs for signs of damage, such as cracked ceramic, bent tips, or excessive carbon buildup. Check electrical connections for corrosion or looseness.
• Replacement Schedule: Refer to your engine's service manual for recommended glow plug replacement intervals. While glow plugs do not have a fixed lifespan, they are wear items and will eventually require replacement.
• Symptoms of Failure: If your engine experiences hard starting, particularly in cold weather, or exhibits excessive white smoke during startup, it may indicate a failing glow plug.
• Genuine Parts: Always use genuine Briggs & Stratton replacement parts, such as the 821308, to ensure proper fit, function, and longevity.

6. Troubleshooting

If your diesel engine is experiencing starting difficulties, especially in cold conditions, the glow plugs may be a contributing factor. Here are common symptoms and troubleshooting steps:

• Hard Starting in Cold Weather: This is the most common symptom of faulty glow plugs. The engine may crank for an extended period before starting, or may not start at all.
• Rough Idling or Misfires on Startup: One or more non-functioning glow plugs can lead to uneven combustion in cylinders, causing the engine to run roughly until it warms up.
• Excessive White Smoke: Unburnt fuel due to insufficient combustion chamber temperature can result in white smoke from the exhaust during startup.
• Check Engine Light: In some modern engines, a faulty glow plug may trigger a check engine light.

Testing Glow Plugs:

• Visual Inspection: Look for physical damage, corrosion, or carbon buildup.
• Resistance Test: Using a multimeter, check the resistance of each glow plug. Consult your engine manual for the correct resistance values. A glow plug with infinite resistance (open circuit) is faulty.
• Continuity Test: A simple continuity test can determine if the glow plug circuit is complete.

If troubleshooting indicates a faulty glow plug, replace it with a genuine Briggs & Stratton 821308 part.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Briggs & Stratton genuine parts are manufactured to exact OEM standards to ensure optimum performance and compliance with applicable emission regulations. For specific warranty information regarding your Briggs & Stratton 821308 Glow Plug, please refer to the documentation included with your engine or contact Briggs & Stratton customer support directly.

For technical assistance or further inquiries, please visit the official Briggs & Stratton website or contact their authorized service centers.