Briggs & Stratton 491056 Oil Filter

What It Is

The Briggs & Stratton 491056 oil filter is an OEM replacement filter designed to trap contaminants in engine oil for small engines used in lawn mowers, tractors, generators, and pressure washers. It’s built for the frequent oil changes needed in air-cooled engines operating under dust and debris.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Engine families: Fits most Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, Intek, Endurance, and some Commercial Series engines. Also compatible with certain Kohler and Kawasaki engines using the same thread and bypass specs.
• Thread size: 3/4-16 UNF. Measure your old filter’s thread diameter if unsure.
• Dimensions: 2.8″ tall, 2.6″ outer diameter. Check clearance in your mower deck or engine compartment—some compact frames may require a shorter filter.
• Cross-reference: Equivalent to OEM numbers 491056S, 5041, 698369, and aftermarket filters like Fram PH8172 or Wix 51356. Always verify your engine’s model number (e.g., 21R707) on the Briggs website or manual before buying.
• Not for: Small push mowers with splash-lubricated engines (most don’t have a replaceable filter). Confirm your engine has a spin-on filter canister.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: OEM filter uses a pleated paper medium and silicone anti-drainback valve. Aftermarket versions may lack the bypass valve spec for high-debris conditions.
• Installation: Hand-tighten only—1/2 to 3/4 turn after gasket contacts. Over-tightening can strip the housing or cause leaks. Lightly oil the gasket before installing.
• Change interval: Replace every 50 hours or annually, whichever comes first. In dusty or heavy-use conditions, cut to 25 hours.
• Gotcha: Some aftermarket filters with the same thread may be too tall, hitting the mower frame or exhaust. Always compare height with your current filter.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you own a Briggs-powered mower or tractor with a spin-on filter and want a reliable, no-guesswork OEM part. It’s priced fairly for the quality, and the 4.8-star rating reflects consistent performance. Skip it only if you’re on a tight budget and can confirm an aftermarket cross-reference matches your engine’s bypass and height specs.