5 Pack 799579 Air Cleaner Foam Filter Replace for B&S 4248, 5434, 799579 Fits 09P602 09P702 550e-550ex Series 09P000, 08P000 Engine Lawn Mower Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
Ready to buy? Check the current price and availability on Amazon:
đ See Current Price on AmazonOverview
This is not a lawn mowerâitâs a 5-pack of air cleaner foam filters designed for Briggs & Stratton engines commonly found on walk-behind mowers like the 550e and 550ex series. If you own a mower with a B&S 09P602, 09P702, 08P000, or 09P000 engine, this kit is your ticket to keeping the carburetor breathing clean without overpaying at the dealership. Priced at just $7.99 for five filters, itâs aimed at budget-conscious homeowners who want to extend engine life with regular maintenance.
Who Should Buy This
- Homeowners with 1/4- to 1/2-acre lawns who run a B&S-powered mower (like a Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, or MTD) and want to avoid costly carburetor repairs from dirty air.
- DIY maintenance enthusiasts who change filters every season or after heavy useâthis 5-pack gives you years of spares for less than the cost of two filters at a big-box store.
- Owners of older B&S engines (08P000, 09P000 series) who struggle to find replacement parts that fit. This pack directly matches those discontinued models.
- Anyone tired of paying $6+ for a single filter at a local dealer. If youâre okay with buying in bulk, this is the cheapest way to keep a fleet of mowers (or a single mower for years) running clean.
Key Features Breakdown
Compatibility with B&S 4248, 5434, 799579
This isnât a generic foam blockâitâs designed to replace OEM part 799579, which fits a wide range of B&S engines including the 550e and 550ex series. If your mowerâs manual lists those numbers, youâre golden. Double-check your engineâs model number (stamped near the spark plug) to be sure.
5-Pack Value
At $7.99 for five filters, youâre paying about $1.60 each. Compare that to a single OEM filter at $5â$8. This is a âbuy once, forget about it for yearsâ deal, especially if you store a spare in your garage and keep the rest for seasonal swaps.
Foam Construction
These are oiled-foam filters, not paper. Foam traps fine dust better than paper in dry, dusty conditions, but it needs to be cleaned and re-oiled periodically (or just replaced, given the cost). The foam is dense enough to catch debris without choking airflow, which helps maintain engine power.
Universal Fit for 09P602, 09P702, 08P000, 09P000
These engine families cover a ton of entry-level and mid-range B&S mowers from the last decade. If youâve got a 550e or 550ex model, this is the exact filter you need. Itâs also a drop-in replacement for many Craftsman and Troy-Bilt mowers.
Pros
- Insane value â Five filters for $7.99 means you can replace your air filter every season for five years at a total cost lower than a single trip to a hardware store.
- Perfect fit for common B&S engines â No trimming or mods needed on 09P602, 09P702, 08P000, and 09P000 engines. It snaps right into the housing.
- Durable foam material â Holds up to cleaning with soap and water if you want to reuse them, though at this price, tossing them is fine.
- Reduces engine wear â A clean air filter prevents dust from scoring cylinder walls and fouling carburetor jets, which is the #1 cause of small engine failure.
- Saves space â Five filters come in a small package you can stash in a toolbox or mower bag.
- High buyer satisfaction â With 805 reviews and a 4.8-star average, the consensus is clear: these work as advertised.
Cons
- No pre-oiling â Foam filters need to be lightly oiled (with foam filter oil or even motor oil) before use to trap fine dust. The packaging doesnât mention this, so first-time buyers might install them dry and get poor filtration.
- Not compatible with all B&S engines â Donât assume it fits your mower just because itâs a Briggs. Check the model numberâengines like the 12A- or 12B-series use different filters.
- Slightly thinner foam than OEM â A few users note the foam feels a bit less dense than the original B&S filter. It still works, but it may clog faster in very dusty conditions.
- No instructions included â If youâre new to small engine maintenance, youâre on your own for installation and oiling. Search YouTube for âB&S foam filter oilingâ for guidance.
Bottom Line
This 5-pack of air cleaner foam filters is a no-brainer for anyone with a compatible B&S engineâespecially the 550e/550ex series or older 08P000/09P000 models. At $1.60 per filter, itâs the cheapest way to keep your mowerâs lungs clean without sacrificing quality. Just remember to oil them before installation, and youâll save money while extending engine life. If youâre a homeowner who does your own mower maintenance, buy this pack and forget about filters for the next five years. Highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do these filters fit a Briggs & Stratton 550ex mower?
A: Yes, if your engine model is 09P602, 09P702, 08P000, or 09P000. Check the engine label near the spark plug or under the top coverâthe 550ex series commonly uses these models. If your engine number starts with those digits, this filter will work.
Q: Do I need to oil these filters before use?
A: Yes. Foam filters rely on a thin layer of oil to trap fine dust. Without oil, theyâll let particles through, which can damage your engine. Use a foam filter oil (like K&N or Maxima) or a light motor oilâsqueeze out excess so itâs just damp.
Q: How often should I replace these filters?
A: Replace every 25 hours of operation or once per mowing season, whichever comes first. In dusty conditions, check after 10 hoursâif the foam looks dirty or clogged, swap it out. With a 5-pack, you can afford to replace more often without guilt.
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison based on the information provided. Please note: The products listed are air filters, not complete lawn mowers. Mower A is a multi-pack of replacement air filters, and Mower B is a single Briggs & Stratton filter. The comparison will treat them as replacement parts for existing mowers, not as actual mowers themselves.
Quick Verdict
The 5-pack (Mower A) wins for value and convenience, offering five filters for nearly the same price as one, while the single Briggs & Stratton (Mower B) wins for brand trust and single-unit efficiency for buyers who only need one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A (5 Pack 799579) | Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 | $8.73 |
| Power Source | N/A (Air filter for gas engines) | N/A (Air filter for gas engines) |
| Cutting Width | N/A (Not a mower) | N/A (Not a mower) |
| Self-Propelled | No (Itâs a filter) | No (Itâs a filter) |
| Best Yard Size | N/A (Fits 550e/550ex series engines) | N/A (Fits Briggs & Stratton engines) |
| Warranty | Not specified (likely 30-day return) | Standard 1-year limited (Briggs & Stratton) |
| Rating | 4.8/5 (805 reviews) | 4.8/5 (22,608 reviews) |
| Quantity | 5 filters | 1 filter |
Where Mower A (Pack) Wins
-
Massive Cost Savings
At $7.99 for five filters, you pay $1.60 per filter. Mower B costs $8.73 for one filter. If you have multiple mowers or plan to change filters frequently (every 25 hours of use), the Pack saves you over 80% per filter. -
Convenience for Multi-Engine Households
The 5-pack is ideal for owners of multiple small engines (lawn mower, pressure washer, generator) that use the same 799579 foam filter. You always have a spare ready without a trip to the store. -
Better for High-Maintenance Conditions
Foam filters (like this pack) are washable and reusable, but they degrade over time. Having five on hand means you can swap a dirty filter for a clean one immediately, then wash the dirty one at your leisureâgreat for dusty or sandy yards.
Where Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) Wins
-
Proven Brand Reliability
With 22,608 reviews and a 4.8-star average, Mower B has overwhelming buyer confidence. Briggs & Stratton is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many engines, ensuring exact fit and material quality. The 5-pack is a generic aftermarket product. -
Single-Unit Simplicity
If you only own one mower and change the filter once a season, buying a 5-pack is wasteful. Mower B gives you exactly what you needâno extra clutter, no unused filters collecting dust. -
Better Warranty & Support
Mower B comes with a standard Briggs & Stratton 1-year limited warranty. If the filter fails (e.g., tears, poor fit), you have recourse. The 5-packâs warranty is unclear, and returns on a $7.99 multi-pack may be harder to process.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (5 Pack) ifâŠ
- You own two or more engines that use the 799579 filter (e.g., a riding mower and a push mower).
- You mow large or dusty properties and need to change filters every 25â50 hours.
- You want the lowest cost per filter and donât mind a generic brand for a simple foam part.
Buy Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) ifâŠ
- You only own one mower and need a single replacement filter for this season.
- You prioritize OEM quality and brand trust over price, especially if your mower is still under warranty.
- You prefer a straightforward purchase with no extra inventory to manage.
Buy Neither ifâŠ
- Your mower uses a different filter number (e.g., 795969 or 698369). Always check your engineâs model number (e.g., 09P602, 550e) before buying. Foam filters are not universal.
Here is a head-to-head comparison based on the products you listed.
Important Note: The items you provided are replacement parts (an air filter and an oil filter), not complete lawn mowers. To provide the most accurate and useful comparison, I will treat them as lawn mower maintenance components and compare their utility, value, and application for a buyer who needs to service their mower.
Quick Verdict
Mower A (Pack of Air Filters) wins for overall value and frequency of need, as it is cheaper, sold in a multi-pack, and required more often (every 25 hours of use) than an oil filter.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MOWER A (Air Filter Pack) | MOWER B (Oil Filter) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 (for 5 filters) | $9.30 (for 1 filter) |
| Price Per Unit | $1.60 per filter | $9.30 per filter |
| Product Type | Foam Pre-Cleaner / Air Filter | Spin-On Oil Filter |
| Compatibility | B&S 550e/550ex, 09P/08P Series Engines | B&S Single Cylinder Engines (Vanguard, Intek, etc.) |
| Replacement Interval | Every 25 hours (or annually) | Every 100 hours (or annually) |
| Rating / Reviews | 4.8 / 5 (805 reviews) | 4.8 / 5 (15,496 reviews) |
| Best Use Case | High-dust/dry conditions, frequent mowing | Standard residential mowing, engine longevity |
| Warranty | No manufacturer warranty (generic) | OEM Briggs & Stratton warranty |
Where Mower A (Air Filter Pack) Wins
- Extreme Cost-Per-Use Value: At $7.99 for five filters, you get a five-year supply (if mowing 25 hours/year) for less than the cost of a single oil filter. This is ideal for budget-conscious owners or those with multiple mowers.
- Essential for Dusty/Dry Conditions: Foam air filters are the first line of defense against dirt ingestion. If you mow dry grass, dirt, or in dusty conditions, you need to change this filter every 25 hours. The 5-pack ensures you always have a clean one ready, preventing costly engine wear.
- Easy, No-Tool Replacement: Changing a foam pre-cleaner typically requires no toolsâjust remove the cover, swap the foam, and go. The oil filter (Mower B) requires an oil change, a drain pan, and a filter wrench, making it a more involved task.
Where Mower B (Oil Filter) Wins
- Critical Engine Protection: The oil filter removes microscopic metal shavings, carbon, and debris from the engine oil. This directly protects the crankshaft, bearings, and valves. Mower B is far more important for long-term engine health than the air filter (Mower A).
- Proven OEM Quality & Trust: With 15,496 reviews and a 4.8 rating, the Briggs & Stratton 492932S is one of the most trusted small-engine filters on the market. It is an OEM part, meaning it meets exact specifications for oil flow and bypass pressure, while Mower A is a generic foam replacement.
- Broader Compatibility: While Mower A fits a specific series (550e/550ex), Mower B fits hundreds of Briggs & Stratton engines, including Vanguard, Intek, and Professional Series. If you have multiple engines or plan to keep your mower for 10+ years, this filter is a safer long-term investment.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (5-Pack Air Filters) if:
- You mow in dusty, dry, or sandy conditions. A clean foam filter every 25 hours is non-negotiable. The 5-pack is the cheapest way to stay on schedule.
- You are on a tight budget and just need to get through the season. At $1.60 per filter, this is a no-brainer for basic maintenance.
- You own a newer B&S 550e/550ex engine and want a dedicated supply of the exact foam filter needed for your model.
Buy Mower B (Oil Filter) if:
- You are performing an oil change. Never reuse an old oil filter. This is the single most important maintenance task for engine longevity.
- You have an older or higher-hour mower. As engines wear, they produce more debris. A high-quality OEM oil filter is critical to keeping that debris from destroying the engine.
- You want peace of mind. With 15,000+ reviews and OEM backing, this is the proven, reliable choice for protecting your engineâs internal components over the long term.
Final Recommendation: Do not choose one over the otherâbuy both. Use the 5-pack of Mower A for frequent, cheap air filter swaps, and buy Mower B every time you change your oil (annually or every 100 hours). Together, they are the two most cost-effective ways to double your engineâs lifespan.
Related Mowers to Consider
Related Buying Guides
Owner Guides for This Mower
Keep it running and fix common issues:
Check if this mower is right for your yard:
đ View on Amazon âLast updated: June 2026