STIHL BR500/BR600 service and fuel-cap recall identity
The cited BR500/BR600 US manual specifies 50:1 mixed fuel and CMR6H or USR4AC plugs at 0.5 mm. Stop and cool the blower before refueling or servicing. For an older used machine, check the tool-less fuel-cap campaign as well as oil-mix and plug history; a routine tune-up does not establish recall repair.
An older fuel cap can require a separate remedy
CPSC’s 2011 fuel-cap recall includes specified BR500 and BR600blowers up to serial 284053456. Affected caps can be difficult to install or remove and can leak fuel. Compare the complete model, serial and cap identification with the notice.
STIHL’s campaign instructions distinguish the redesigned cap by molded identifiers. A serial within the range is a reason to check the installed remedy, not proof that every cap currently on that unit is defective. Obtain dealer confirmation before continued use of an affected unrepaired machine.
Fuel mixture and valve service are different jobs
The BR500/BR600 manual specifies air-cooled engine mix oil and excludes water-cooled/outboard mix oils. Its1.4Lmaximum tank figure does not mean oil should be mixed by separately topping up the tank. Prepare the specified ratio in an approved mixing container.
It calls for plug replacement after about 100 operating hours and qualified valve-clearance service when required. A fresh plug does not adjust a valve or correct a fuel-cap leak. Keep each completed task and any symptom in the maintenance record.
A service-kit name must include its actual blower family
The former page linked a 42440071800kit intended for different blower/sprayer families alongside theBR500/600 service information. The STIHL kit comparison distinguishes that listing from the 42820071800dealer-listed BR500/550/600/700kit.
At an example ten operating hours per week, 100 hours arrives in ten weeks. That amount of use can occur long before an annual reminder. Record hours and follow the actual manual’s additional inspection and adverse-condition requirements.
Inspect the nozzle/spacer and cooling intake as instructed. Stop for damaged safety parts or uncontrolled engine behavior, and follow the manual’s pressure-release/refueling procedure rather than opening a hot tank quickly.
STIHL BR 500 and BR 600 backpack blowers: fuel mix, spark plug and maintenance
The STIHL BR 500 and BR 600 backpack blowers share a 64.8 cc engine that runs a 50:1 mix, which is 2.6 ounces of two-cycle oil per US gallon of gasoline, and never a water-cooled or outboard oil. The plug is an NGK CMR6H or Bosch USR 4AC gapped 0.02 inch, replaced after about 100 operating hours, and the fuel tank holds up to 47.3 ounces. The BR 600 blows harder, at 199 MPH and 677 cubic feet per minute against 172 MPH and 544 for the BR 500.
Never open a warm fuel tank quickly, since the tank can be pressurized and spray fuel. Stop the engine and let it cool first, and treat every tank as if it is pressurized.
A 64.8 cc backpack blower: the mix, the plug and the nozzle
The STIHL BR 500 and BR 600 are backpack blowers with the same 64.8 cc (3.95 cubic inch) engine, idling at 2,500 RPM. They differ in how hard they blow: the BR 500 has a blowing force of 22 N and an air velocity of 172 MPH, and the BR 600 has 32 N and 199 MPH. Both weigh about 22 pounds without fuel.
| Item | BR 500 | BR 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3.95 cu in (64.8 cm³) | 3.95 cu in (64.8 cm³) |
| Idle speed | 2,500 RPM | 2,500 RPM |
| Spark plugs | NGK CMR6H or BOSCH USR 4AC, from STIHL | NGK CMR6H or BOSCH USR 4AC, from STIHL |
| Electrode gap | 0.02 in (0.5 mm) | 0.02 in (0.5 mm) |
| Maximum fuel tank volume | 47.3 oz (1.4 L) | 47.3 oz (1.4 L) |
| Weight without fuel | 22.5 lb (10.2 kg) | 22.3 lb (10.1 kg) |
| Blowing force and air velocity | 22 N; 172 MPH (77 m/s) | 32 N; 199 MPH (89 m/s) |
| Air flow rate | 544 cf/min (925 m³/h) | 677 cf/min (1150 m³/h) |
The mix and what not to use
STIHL specifies a 50:1 mix: 2.6 ounces of oil per US gallon of gasoline, 6.4 ounces per 2.5 gallons and 12.8 ounces per 5 gallons. It says to use high-quality two-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines, pour the oil into the container first, then the gasoline, and shake it by hand. Do not use NMMA or TCW rated (water-cooled) mix oils, or any oil for both water-cooled and air-cooled engines, such as outboard, snowmobile or moped oils.
STIHL warns not to keep more than a 30-day supply of mixed fuel, and to use gasoline blends suited to the season, since a winter blend used in summer raises the pressure in the tank.
What STIHL says to maintain
| Task | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| Spark plug | Install a new plug after approximately 100 operating hours, or earlier if the electrodes are badly eroded or corroded. |
| Spark arresting screen | Have it inspected and cleaned periodically by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. |
| Air filter | Inspect it and replace if damaged, and replace it if you notice a loss of engine power. Clean the area first, then loosen the two screws and fit the new element. |
| Spacer and nozzle | Inspect the spacer and replace if damaged. The nozzle has wear marks that must stay visible; if not, stop and have it replaced. |
| Valve clearance | Have it checked and, if necessary, adjusted by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer. |
| Shutter | Set the blower’s shutter to the winter or summer position to suit conditions. |
STIHL’s troubleshooting order for a blower that runs poorly is to replace the air filter, clean or replace the spark plug, clean or replace the spark arresting screen, and set the shutter for the season. The BR 500, 550, 600 and 700 service kit is STIHL 4282 007 1800, holding an air filter, a dual fuel filter assembly and a spark plug. It is on the service kit page.
50:1
Fuel to oil
2.6 oz per US gallon. No water-cooled oils.
CMR6H
NGK plug, or Bosch USR 4AC
Gap 0.02 in; replace after about 100 hours.
1.4 L
Maximum fuel volume
47.3 oz on both models.
STIHL BR 500 and BR 600 backpack blowers: questions
What fuel mix does a STIHL BR 600 use?
50:1, which STIHL gives as 2.6 ounces of 2-cycle engine oil per US gallon of gasoline, 6.4 ounces per 2.5 gallons and 12.8 ounces per 5 gallons. Pour the oil into the container first, then the gasoline, close it and shake it by hand.
What oil should I not use in a STIHL BR 600?
Do not use NMMA or TCW rated water-cooled mix oils, or any mix oil that states it is for both water-cooled and air-cooled engines, such as those for outboard motors, snowmobiles, chain saws or mopeds. Use a high-quality 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines.
What spark plug does a STIHL BR 600 use?
The manual recommends an NGK CMR6H or a Bosch USR 4AC, both from STIHL, with an electrode gap of 0.02 inch (0.5 millimeter). Install a new plug after approximately 100 operating hours, or earlier if the electrodes are badly eroded or corroded.
How big is the fuel tank on a STIHL BR 500 or BR 600?
The maximum fuel tank volume is 47.3 ounces, or 1.4 liters, on both. The engine is 64.8 cc, or 3.95 cubic inches, and idles at 2,500 RPM. The BR 500 weighs 22.5 pounds without fuel and the BR 600 weighs 22.3 pounds.
What is the difference between the STIHL BR 500 and BR 600?
The engine is the same, and the difference is airflow. The BR 500 blows at 172 MPH and 544 cubic feet per minute with a force of 22 newtons, and the BR 600 at 199 MPH and 677 cubic feet per minute with 32 newtons. Maximum air velocity without the blowing unit is 208 and 237 MPH.
How do I replace the air filter on a STIHL BR 600?
Stop the engine and let the blower cool, clean around the filter with a damp cloth or soft brush, loosen the screws and remove the cover, then take out the element and fit the new one. Refit the cover and tighten the screws. STIHL says dirty filters reduce power and make starting harder.
How does the STIHL BR 600 blower’s winter shutter work?
It is set for winter or summer operation to suit conditions, and STIHL lists setting it as part of its troubleshooting order for a poorly running blower. The other steps are replacing the air filter, cleaning or replacing the plug and cleaning or replacing the spark arresting screen.
How often does a STIHL BR 600 need its valves checked?
STIHL has an authorized servicing dealer check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance as part of proper maintenance. Have it done if the blower loses power or is hard to start.
What is the STIHL BR 500 and BR 600 service kit?
STIHL kit 4282 007 1800 fits the BR 500, BR 550, BR 600 and BR 700. It holds an air filter, a dual fuel filter assembly and a spark plug. The smaller BR 350, BR 430 and BR 450 use kit 4244 007 1800.
How do I know when the STIHL BR 600 nozzle is worn?
The nozzle is made with wear marks that must remain visible. STIHL says that if they are no longer visible, you should stop working and have the nozzle replaced. The manual also says to inspect the spacer and replace it if damaged, and never to operate the blower with a missing spacer.
How long can I keep mixed fuel for a STIHL BR 600?
STIHL says not to keep more than a 30-day supply, and to store the fuel mix in an approved fuel container. It also warns that using a winter gasoline blend in summer increases pressure in the tank, so use blends suited to the season, altitude and conditions.
Why can the STIHL BR 600 fuel tank spray fuel?
A warm tank can be pressurized, and removing the cap can force fuel out in all directions. STIHL says to treat every tank as pressurized, especially when half full or more, to let the blower cool, and to open the cap slowly. It also says never to refuel while the engine is running.