Briggs & Stratton Operator's Manual

Safety First: Understanding Hazards

Your safety and the safety of others are paramount. This manual uses safety alert symbols and signal words to highlight potential hazards.

• DANGER: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• NOTICE: Indicates a situation that could result in damage to the product.

Common Hazard Symbols:

• Thrown object hazard: Wear eye protection. ?️
• Frostbite hazard: ?
• Amputation hazard - moving parts: Be aware of rotating components. ⚙️
• Thermal heat hazard: Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot. Allow to cool before touching. ?
• Chemical Hazard Corrosive: ☣️
• Explosion hazard: ?
• Toxic fume hazard: Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. Operate ONLY outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents. ?
• Noise hazard: Ear protection recommended for extended use. ?

California Proposition 65 Warning: Certain components in this product contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Engine Use Restrictions: Briggs & Stratton Engines are not designed for and must not be used to power fun-karts, go-karts, children's recreational or sport ATVs, motorbikes, hovercraft, aircraft products, or vehicles used in competitive events not sanctioned by Briggs & Stratton.

Operating Your Engine

Before Starting:

• Ensure the engine is level.
• Check the engine oil level. NOTICE: Engines are shipped without oil. Starting without oil will cause irreparable damage and void the warranty.
• Add the correct type and amount of oil as specified in the manual.
• Ensure the fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane (87 AKI / 91 RON). Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable. NOTICE: Do not use unapproved gasolines like E15 and E85.
• Check that the spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner are in place and secured.
• If equipped, ensure the stop switch is in the ON position.
• If equipped, move the throttle control to the FAST position.

Starting Procedures:

For Primer System Engines:

1. Push the red primer three (3) times.
2. Hold the engine stop lever (if equipped) against the handle.
3. Firmly hold the starter cord handle. Pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.

For ReadyStart® System Engines (Automatic Choke):

1. Hold the engine stop lever (if equipped) against the handle.
2. Firmly hold the starter cord handle. Pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.

Kickback Warning: Rapid retraction of the starter cord can pull your hand and arm toward the engine, potentially causing broken bones or fractures. Always pull the cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.

Stopping the Engine:

• Release the engine stop lever (if equipped).
• Push the stop switch to the OFF position (if equipped).
• Move the throttle control to the STOP position (if equipped).

Maintenance Schedule & Procedures

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity. We recommend servicing by a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer.

Recommended Maintenance:

• Change engine oil regularly.
• Check engine oil level before each use.
• Clean the area around the muffler and controls.
• Clean the air intake grille.
• Service or replace the air filter as needed.
• Service the exhaust system.
• Replace the spark plug periodically.
• Service the cooling system (keep fins clean).

Changing Engine Oil:

1. Ensure the engine is off and warm. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the dipstick.
3. Drain the oil from the top oil fill tube into an approved container. Ensure the fuel tank is empty if tipping the unit.
4. Refill with the correct type and amount of oil. Check the level using the dipstick.
5. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Servicing the Air Filter:

• Foam Air Filter: Wash in detergent and water, squeeze dry, saturate with clean engine oil, squeeze out excess oil, and reinstall.
• Paper Air Filter: Gently tap to remove debris. Replace if excessively dirty. Do not wash paper filters.
• Never run the engine with the air cleaner assembly or filter removed.

Servicing the Cooling System:

Keep cooling fins and air intake grilles clean and free of debris to prevent overheating.

Storage

Fuel System:

To prevent fuel system issues during storage (over 30 days), use a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for 2 minutes after adding stabilizer to circulate it. If not using stabilizer, drain the fuel tank completely by running the engine until it stops.

Engine Oil:

Change the engine oil while the engine is still warm before storage.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, consult the troubleshooting section of the full manual or contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer or visit BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com.

Specifications

• Displacement: Varies by model (e.g., 8.64 cu in / 140 cc)
• Oil Capacity: Refer to specific model specifications.
• Spark Plug Gap: Refer to specific model specifications.
• Recommended Oil: SAE 30 or 10W-30 depending on temperature.
• Fuel: Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum.

Warranty Information

Briggs & Stratton offers a limited warranty on its engines. Refer to the warranty section for details on coverage, duration, and exclusions. Keep your proof of purchase.

Emissions Control Warranty: Specific warranty provisions apply to emissions control systems, covering parts like the fuel system, ignition system, and catalytic converter.

Owner's Responsibilities: Perform required maintenance as outlined in the manual. Failure to do so may void the warranty.

For warranty service, locate the nearest Authorized Service Dealer via BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM.