Briggs & Stratton model number decoder
Reviewed 6 primary sourcesSee sources
Briggs & Stratton stamps three numbers on its engines: model, type and code. Its published chart explains how most model numbers describe the engine, and the code is the build date.
The numbers on the engine
- Model
- Describes the engine’s approximate displacement, design series, shaft direction, bearing type and starter. Example:
303447.[1] - Type
- Identifies the engine’s exact parts, paint color, decals, governed speed and the equipment maker it was built for. Briggs & Stratton publishes no digit-by-digit key for it. Example:
1234-01.[1] - Code
- The manufacturing date: two-digit year, month and day, followed by two digits for the assembly line and plant. Example:
99011556.[3]
What each part means
Design series
First character after the displacement. It relates to cylinder construction, ignition and general layout, but the chart gives no meaning for individual values.[1]
Crankshaft
Second character after the displacement.[1]
| Character | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Horizontal shaft |
| 5–9 | Vertical shaft |
| A–G | Horizontal shaft |
| H–Z | Vertical shaft |
Bearings, gearing and lubrication
Third character after the displacement.[1]
| Character | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Plain bearing (DU), not flange mounted |
| 1 | Plain bearing, flange mounted |
| 2 | Sleeve bearing, flange mounted, splash lubrication |
| 3 | Ball bearing, flange mounted, splash lubrication |
| 4 | Ball bearing, flange mounted, pressure lubrication |
| 5 | Plain bearing with 6:1 reduction gear, counter-clockwise rotation, flange mounted |
| 6 | Ball bearing with 2:1 reduction gear, counter-clockwise rotation |
| 7 | Plain bearing, pressure lubrication |
| 8 | Plain bearing with an auxiliary drive (PTO) at a right angle to the crankshaft |
| 9 | Plain bearing with an auxiliary drive parallel to the crankshaft |
| A | Plain bearing, pressure lubrication, no oil filter |
Starter
Last character of the model number.[1]
| Character | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | No starter |
| 1 | Rope starter |
| 2 | Rewind (recoil) starter |
| 3 | Electric starter only, 110 or 230 volt, gear drive |
| 4 | Electric starter, 110 or 230 volt, gear drive, with alternator |
| 5 | Electric starter only, 12 or 24 volt, gear drive |
| 6 | Alternator only |
| 7 | Electric starter, 12 or 24 volt, gear drive, with alternator |
| 8 | Vertical-pull or side-pull starter |
| 9 | Mechanical starter |
| A | Electric starter, 12 or 24 volt, gear drive, with alternator and inverter |
Example: 303447. Briggs & Stratton’s own example: 30 cubic inches, design series 3, horizontal shaft, ball bearing with flange mounting and pressure lubrication, 12 or 24 volt electric starter with alternator.[1]
Where to find the numbers
- The numbers are stamped into the engine itself. On most push mower engines they are on the metal shroud or valve cover near the spark plug.[2]
- Model and type together are the first 10 characters. If yours add up to only 9, Briggs & Stratton says to put a 0 in front of the model number when you search its manuals.[4]
- Numbers printed on the emissions label can look like model, type and code numbers, but Briggs & Stratton says they cannot be used to identify the engine.[2]
What the decoder can’t tell you
- The chart is Briggs & Stratton’s guide to its post-1965 model numbers and gives approximate cubic-inch displacement, not exact specifications.[1]
- Code dates start in 1965. For older engines Briggs & Stratton points to a separate antique dating chart, which this tool does not cover.[3]
- Full specifications come from the engine’s repair manual or a Briggs & Stratton dealer, looked up by the complete model and type number.[5]
- The model number alone is not always enough for parts. For example, the correct spark plug for some Quantum engines depends on the code date.[6]
Sources
Facts on this page are restated from the documents below and linked to the publisher. Check the document for your exact model before relying on a value.
- Briggs & Stratton model numbering system chartBriggs & Stratton · Revised 2/06 · Chart columns A–E, worked example, TYPE and CODE lines (printed page 9) · retrieved
- How can I find the engine serial / model number, type & trim?Briggs & Stratton · Sections on identifying an engine and on the emissions label · retrieved
- What year was my small engine manufactured?Briggs & Stratton · Section for engines made after 1965 · retrieved
- How to locate your push mower engine model numberBriggs & Stratton · Step 1: Confirm correct model number · retrieved
- How do I find Briggs & Stratton engine specifications?Briggs & Stratton · Answer body · retrieved
- Identifying the correct spark plug and gapBriggs & Stratton · Flathead table (Quantum rows) and caution paragraph · retrieved
Primary publishers: Briggs & Stratton. Spotted an error? Email the address in the footer with the model and the document you are using.