Operation
Oil Recommendations
Oil Capacity: See the Specifications section.
We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton Warranty
Certified oils for best performance. Other high-quality
detergent oils are acceptable if classified for service SF, SG,
SH, SJ or higher. Do not use special additives.
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for
the engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the
outdoor temperature range expected.
A
SAE 30 - Below 40 °F (4 °C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard
starting.
B
10W-30 - Above 80 °F (27 °C) the use of 10W-30 may cause
increased oil consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
C
Synthetic 5W-30
D
5W-30
Check Oil Level
See Figure: 4
Before adding or checking the oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 4) and wipe with a clean
cloth.
2. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 4).
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil
level is at the top of the full indicator (B, Figure 4) on the
dipstick.
4. If oil level is low, slowly add oil into the engine oil fill
(C, Figure 4). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait one
minute and then recheck the oil level.
Note: Do not add oil at the quick oil drain , if equipped. For
location, see Features and Controls.
5. Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 4).
Oil Pressure
If the oil pressure is too low, a pressure switch (if equipped)
will either stop the engine or activate a warning device on the
12
equipment. If this occurs, stop the engine and check the oil
level with the dipstick.
If the oil level is below the ADD mark, add oil until it touches
the FULL mark. Start the engine and check for the correct oil
pressure before you continue to operate the machine.
If the oil level is between the ADD and FULL marks, DO NOT
start the engine. Contact an authorized service dealer to
correct the oil pressure problem.
Fuel Recommendations
Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane / 87 AKI (91 RON). For high
altitude use, see below.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.
NOTICE Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E15
and E85. Do not mix oil in gasoline or modify the engine to
run on alternate fuels. Use of unapproved fuels will cause
damage to engine components, which will not be covered
under warranty.
To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix a fuel
stabilizer into the fuel. See Storage. All fuel is not the
same. If starting or performance problems occur, change
fuel providers or change brands. This engine is certified to
operate on gasoline. The emissions control system for this
engine is EM (Engine Modifications).
High Altitude
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85
octane/85 AKI (89 RON) gasoline is acceptable.
For carbureted engines, high altitude adjustment is
required to maintain performance. Operation without this
adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased
fuel consumption, and increased emissions. Contact
a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for high
altitude adjustment information. Operation of the engine at
altitudes below 2,500 feet (762 meters) with the high altitude
adjustment is not recommended.
For Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engines, no high altitude
adjustment is necessary.