It will be simple to order maintenance or repair parts for your Briggs and Stratton engine online or from your local dealer if you know the model number. However, if you don't know how to locate this code, ordering new pieces for your mower can be tricky.
Luckily, we've done some digging and are here to help!
Typically, the model numbers of Briggs and Stratton engines used in lawn mower applications are etched into the muffler heat shield, blower housing, or a few inches above the spark plug.
Keep reading as we discuss what the engine model number indicates and what other engine numbers you should know. We'll also talk about what you should do if you can't locate the engine model number in the locations mentioned above and how to maintain your B&S engines properly.
Why Can't I Find The Number On My Briggs And Stratton Engine?
If the model number is not located in one of the designated places, look for it on any other visible metal components on the engine's top, back, front, and sides.
If you cannot locate the number, check underneath the shroud or a fancy chrome rocker cover. Check the metal underneath the shroud or rocker cover by removing it.
What Does Your Engine Model Number Tell You?
The model number is the first set of numbers and contains information about the starter type, crankshaft orientation, design series, and cubic inch displacement.
The second set of numbers indicates the engine type. The third set of numerals indicates the date and location of manufacture.
You can find these numbers in various locations depending on the engine type.
How Do I Know How Old My Briggs And Stratton Engine Is?
The code number on each Briggs & Stratton engine identifies the precise date the engine was made. Briggs and Stratton offer a method for deciphering these code numbers.
For instance, if your engine's code is 08021855, then:
- The first two digits (08) indicate the engine's manufacturing year, which is 2008 in this example.
- The following two numerals (02) represent the manufacturing month, which is February.
- The manufacturing day is represented by the following two numerals (18).
- And the final two digits identify the manufacturing facility and assembly line where it was made.
However, this method is only applicable to engines manufactured after 1965.
Since the tracking system utilizing the Code Number was not implemented until 1965, the procedure for determining the manufacture date for earlier engines is unfortunately different.
Where To Find The Serial Number Of A Briggs And Stratton Overhead Valve (OHV) Engine?
Numerous horizontal shaft and overhead valve engines have their model, and serial numbers stamped onto the OHV rocker cover.
On some overhead valve-powered generators, however, the equipment manufacturer mounts a decorative chrome rocker cover over the B&S cover.
To find the model number, type, and engine code on your engine, you might need to take off any ornamental covers that it may have.
How Long Do Briggs And Stratton Engines Last?
How long each engine lasts depends on the lawn trimmer's lifespan and engine size.
Larger engines can often survive up to 1000 hours longer than one-cylinder engines, which generally only last 500 to 750 hours.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Briggs And Stratton Engines?
Here are the top 5 advantages of using B&S engines:
Easy
To provide you with the finest mowing experience, the petrol engines of B&S combine a variety of simple features. It includes everything you need to simplify your life, from simple electric starting to simple storage and maintenance.
Fast
Pushing your lawn mower will be easier thanks to B&S gasoline engines. A self-propelled mower's motor propels the wheels, enabling quick work of big or uneven lawns.
Thick grass can be cut through without extra effort. It gives large self-propelled decks the power to cut the grass faster than before.
Strong
There will never be difficulty cutting long or wet grass. Wet or thick grass won't have a chance against B&S petrol engines' ability to cut through the grass in any situation.
The quality of the cut is also unmatched thanks to the power at your disposal, leaving your lawn looking fantastic.
Durable
Compared to other engines, B&S petrol engines endure the longest. They are more durable and can tolerate more abuse, which increases engine life.
Light
B&S gasoline engines have the best weight-to-power ratio. The machine can be easily moved across uneven and challenging-to-reach places because of its unique lightweight design.
What Is Briggs And Stratton Engine Maintenance Minder?
The Engine Maintenance Minder is a helpful tool for monitoring your engine maintenance intervals. It's a simple-to-install little engine accessory that keeps track of how long the engine has run.
The Maintenance Minder is compatible with both two and 4-cycle engines and flashes every 25 hours of operation.
Why Is Regular Maintenance Important For Your B&S Engine?
If you maintain your tiny engine regularly, you can avoid many issues and save money on components and repairs.
For specific instructions for your make and model, always make sure to reference your operator's manual.
For commonly used outdoor power equipment like a snow blower or lawn mower engine, service is usually needed for heavy use or under dusty or dirty conditions.
What Are Some Ways To Care For My Lawn Mower Engine?
Here are some maintenance practices you should do when your lawn mower operates after specific amounts of time:
After the first 5 hours
-Change engine oil
Every 8 hours
- Check the amount of engine oil
- Clean the vicinity of the controls and the muffler
- Tidy the finger guard
Every 25 hours
-Air filter cleaning
-Pre-cleaner cleaning
Every 50 hours
- Engine oil change
- Inspect the spark arrester and muffler
Annually
- Change the air filter
- Change the pre-cleaner
- Replace the spark plug
- Change the fuel filter
- Change the system for cooling clean air
How Do You Break In A Lawn Mower Engine?
The engine should be broken in to get the most out of your new lawn mowers or outdoor power equipment. When using an air-cooled engine for the first time, the two main things to keep in mind are:
1. Don't run the engine for the first 5-10 hours at full capacity
The engine break-in phase was crucial to the engine's overall life and durability.
Compared to earlier engines, the break-in period has been reduced to 5-10 hours thanks to advancements in engine design, such as better piston ring materials and designs.
Any speed above idle is suitable for breaking in your lawn mower engine.
The engine should be run at various loads and speeds to hasten the break-in process. We don't recommend running an engine continually at full power during the first few hours of use.
The cylinder bore may become permanently deformed as a result of this.
2. After the first 5-10 hours of use, change the oil
Performing the initial break-in oil change is crucial.
You need to change the oil to eliminate deformities that have broken from the bearings of the engine's components and cylinder wall after the first 5 to 10 hours of operation.
You can use specified standard or synthetic oil grades for the break-in oil change.
Remember: To prevent property damage or personal harm, always read the engine and equipment manuals before starting, using, or servicing your engine or equipment.
What To Do When Your Briggs And Stratton Lawn Mower Engine Stops Running
There are several causes of engine starting issues, mainly if you utilize your lawn mower or outdoor power device after it has been put away for the winter or off-season.
You can check the following to diagnose what the problem is with your engine:
Fuel
Are you using clean, new fuel in the tank? Fill it up if it's empty, then move on! If it is, ensure the gasoline shut-off valve is in good condition.
The most frequent reasons for outdoor power equipment not starting correctly are stale fuel, grime, and debris. Engine damage might result from storing equipment with untreated gas in the tank.
By properly storing your lawnmower and outdoor power equipment, you can avoid this issue in the future. A fuel stabilizer will prevent your gas from causing problems with small engines.
Spark Plug/Ignition
Disconnected, unclean, or fouled spark plugs are frequent reasons engines fail to start. Usually, you need to change them after 25 hours of operation or every season.
Additionally, make sure that you set the spark plug gap correctly.
Even if your spark plugs appear in good condition, issues with your ignition system can still prevent a spark. These can include a damaged flywheel key, a shorted kill switch, or a defective spark plug lead.
Carburetor
Engine issues with carburetors lead to mower engine failure. The carburetor controls fuel and airflow through the engine, which powers your machinery.
If it is unclean, it may result in poor engine performance or difficulty starting.
Compression Systems And Valves
Engines that power lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment rely on air-fuel compression to function.
The engine's compression system, which consists of valves, pistons, cylinders, and rings, regulates how air and fuel vapors are transported through the engine.
The intake and exhaust valves open and close to let air in and out, push the air-fuel combination to the ignition system, and the piston rings keep everything tightly sealed.
An engine may have compression issues that prevent it from starting if there is improper valve clearance or a leak. With a leak-down tester, you can test a compression system.
Our Final Words
The model number of a Briggs and Stratton engine is usually stamped in easy-to-see spots. However, you can check the area under the shroud or cover if you can't locate it.
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