What is the right spark plug and gap for my small engine?
Checking and changing spark plugs is an essential step in routine small engine maintenance and when troubleshooting problems with your lawn mower, snow blower or other outdoor power equipment. Follow this 3-step guide for resources to walk you through the process or jump to the section.
Finding the Spark Plug on Your Engine
Use the Spark Plug Gap Chart to Find the Right Replacement & Setting
How To Gap Spark Plugs
Before doing any small engine repair or maintenance, be sure to check your manual for recommendations on specific parts numbers and safety precautions.
Follow this step-by-step image guide to locate spark plugs in different Briggs & Stratton engine types. A spark plug wrench can help avoid engine damage when removing these parts for cleaning or replacement.
Spark Plug Location for FlatHead Engines
Also known as L head or Side Valve Engines, these engines are commonly used for walk behind lawn mowers and pressure washers.
Spark Plug Location for OHV (Overhead) Engines
Now that you’ve found the part you’d like to replace, you can use the chart below to identify the genuine Briggs & Stratton replacement spark plug and gap recommendation.
CAUTION! Be sure to use the right spark plug! Although several different spark plugs may screw into the engine, using the incorrect one will result in performance problems and possible internal engine damage.
Also known as L head or Side Valve Engines, these engines are commonly used for walk behind lawn mowers and pressure washers.
| Replacement Part Type | Replacement Spark Plug Options by Briggs & Stratton Part Number |
Spark Plug Gap |
| Standard Resistor | 796112S 802592S 5095 |
.030” |
| Electromagnetic Suppression (EMS) | 697451 | .030” |
| Extended Life Series® L-Head Spark Plug Platinum |
796560 5062 (5062D, 5062H) |
.030” |
| Champion CJ8, RCJ8, RJ19HX, J19LM, and RJ19LM | 796560 5062 (5062D, 5062H) |
.030” |
| Champion RJ19LMC used in Quantum engines |
591868 | .020” Engines built after Code Date 110630x .030” – built before Code Date 110701xx* |
| Champion RJ2YLE used in Quantum Series 625, 675, & 725 engines built after Date Code 110701xx | 799876 *Not for Quantum engines built before Date Code 110701xx or other L Head engines |
.020” |
| "Surefire" RJ2YXLE in Craftsman Smooth Start (MRS) lawn mower | 591040 | .030” |
If you have a Quantum engine, be sure to check the Code Date before doing any engine maintenance.
>> Find your small engine model number, code date and more.
| Replacement Part Type | Briggs & Stratton Spark Plug Part Number |
Spark Plug Gap |
| Resistor used on Vanguard models 050032 and 086400 only (Replaces Champion RC12YC) |
692051 | .030” |
| Resistor (Replaces Champion RC12YC) | 491055S |
.030” |
| Electromagnetic Suppression (EMS) (Replaces Champion QC12YC) |
691043 792015 |
.030” |
| Extended Life Series® OHV Spark Plug Platinum (Replaces Champion RC12YC) |
696202 5066 (5066D, 5066H) |
.030” |
| Resistor Spark plug - hotter spark (Replaces Champion RC14YC) |
496018S 5092 |
.030” |
| Resistor | 692051 |
.020” |
| Electromagnetic Suppression (EMS) (If not Chamion QC12YC model; check Illustrated Parts List to confirm) |
692720 | .030” |
