(06-20-2021, 04:08 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: So I have a Murray push mower that I believe dates from sometime between '85-'95.  It was collecting dust on a shelf in the back of the shed for about 14 years.  The misses set up a garden area that doesn't allow use of the rider, so I pulled it out to maintain that area.  I turned the blade by hand to break any seizure in the cylinder, added some fresh gas, and pulled the cord.  Started right up, but runs pretty darn rough, so it is need of a tune up.  The plug will be easy enough to replace, as it will have identifying marks that can be used to match up to a modern equivalent.  My problem lies in the foam air filter.  It is super dirty, but also kind of dry rotted, so I can't just wash, dry, and oil it.  It needs to be replaced, and I can't seem to find any part number on the housing.  The engine says Briggs and Stratton Magnetron, around the pull cord vents, and there is nothing else I can find to identify the model of the engine.  The Google machine hasn't been much help, nor has the B&S website.  There was one filter I found on B&S that stated it was for model years around that time, but the item pictured is not the same shape.  Does anyone have any knowledge on how I can find one?

(06-20-2021, 05:45 PM)bfine32 Wrote: https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Filter-Washable-Pack-20x30x1/dp/B07V8LHH7Z/ref=asc_df_B07V8LHH7Z/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459706200221&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4548506729535347806&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1017873&hvtargid=pla-956046085320&psc=1

(06-20-2021, 05:49 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Try this link for the air filter.

https://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-5088K-Air-Filter/dp/B00114PCEI/ref=asc_df_B00114PCEI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=351606580515&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14588004529126000853&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009675&hvtargid=pla-759240095425&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=71965060518&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=351606580515&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14588004529126000853&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009675&hvtargid=pla-759240095425

I would also recommend running some fuel stabilizer through, to help clean out any residue on the small parts in the carburator.

(06-20-2021, 08:32 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Interesting thought.  This might have to be the fall back idea if I can't find a genuine replacement part.  Thanks for the idea.


Thanks for the link.  This looks like the one I mentioned that is shaped differently, but I noticed in the comment section that someone had trimmed the triangular section to make it fit their needs, which sounds similar to the shape difference I have.  So this might work.  I did notice in the lower section of similarly searched items that you can buy this filter AND the housing which was labeled as a filter upgrade.  I'm starting to think I need to email the fine people at B&S customer service to see what they can tell me.  Perhaps that upgrade kit will fit as a direct replacement.

As for the stabilizer, I always use it in my small engine gas.  There is a spray from PB Blaster that is intended to spray into the cylinder before starting, then into the air intake while running to help clear out deposits, and I planned to do that at the same time as the filter change.  I actually hit the auto parts stores looking for some today with no success, so I will probably stop by Wally World (Walmart) tomorrow for a can.

(06-24-2021, 07:08 AM)grampahol Wrote: Bottom line is if it's running really rough a new filter ain't gonna do a whole lot other than let more oxygen to the fuel mixture. New ignition and carb jet will probably go a whole lot further to help matters. The jet is a matter of 4 bolts and ignition probably even fewer..
If it'll run without the filter it'll run with one on it. Filter just keeps most of the crud from reaching the jet..
If all you're looking to do is change the filter you might as well just stuff a rag in there and call it a day..
By the way..Murray is notorious for being the cheapest of the cheap models. Briggs and Stratton makes a bunch of different engine models from top of the line industrial applications down to the cheapest Walmart models and the Murray name is one of the cheapest.
There's basically two companies that make all lawn mowers all branded under different names.   

(06-24-2021, 06:42 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Then they are the best of the bunch, since it has ran for 20+ years without a hiccup on almost zero maintenance, then started on the first pull after a dozen years untouched on a shelf.

(06-20-2021, 05:49 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Try this link for the air filter.

https://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-5088K-Air-Filter/dp/B00114PCEI/ref=asc_df_B00114PCEI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=351606580515&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14588004529126000853&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009675&hvtargid=pla-759240095425&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=71965060518&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=351606580515&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14588004529126000853&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009675&hvtargid=pla-759240095425

I would also recommend running some fuel stabilizer through, to help clean out any residue on the small parts in the carburator.

(06-20-2021, 08:32 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Interesting thought.  This might have to be the fall back idea if I can't find a genuine replacement part.  Thanks for the idea.


Thanks for the link.  This looks like the one I mentioned that is shaped differently, but I noticed in the comment section that someone had trimmed the triangular section to make it fit their needs, which sounds similar to the shape difference I have.  So this might work.  I did notice in the lower section of similarly searched items that you can buy this filter AND the housing which was labeled as a filter upgrade.  I'm starting to think I need to email the fine people at B&S customer service to see what they can tell me.  Perhaps that upgrade kit will fit as a direct replacement.

As for the stabilizer, I always use it in my small engine gas.  There is a spray from PB Blaster that is intended to spray into the cylinder before starting, then into the air intake while running to help clear out deposits, and I planned to do that at the same time as the filter change.  I actually hit the auto parts stores looking for some today with no success, so I will probably stop by Wally World (Walmart) tomorrow for a can.

(06-20-2021, 09:11 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote:
I'm pretty sure that the new shaped filter and housing will fit right onto the older B&S engines.

(06-27-2021, 08:48 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: So I pulled the trigger on the filter/housing combo, and you were correct that it fit the engine perfectly.  If anyone else runs into that problem in the future, this is the solution.


Thanks to all for the recommendations!

(06-28-2021, 05:48 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Alright!  Glad to hear that it worked out for you.  Most times a new plug, air filter, and de-gumming of the carb will bring most older mowers back to life.

(06-24-2021, 07:08 AM)grampahol Wrote: If all you're looking to do is change the filter you might as well just stuff a rag in there and call it a day..