Briggs & Stratton 12K300 INTEK series Installation and operation manual

Operating & Maintenance
Instructions
Model 12K300 Intek Series
covered in this manual
FORM NO. 276057--6/04
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
©Copyright 2004 by Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Briggs & Stratton does not approve or authorize the use
of these engines on 3-wheel All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs),
motor bikes, aircraft products or vehicles intended for
use in competitive events. Use of these engines in such
applications could result in property damage, serious
injury (including paralysis), or even death.
Table of Contents
Safety Reference 2................................
Engine Features 3.................................
Starting Engine 4..................................
Adjusting Choke after Engine has Started 6............
Stopping Engine 6.................................
Oil 7.............................................
Fuel 8...........................................
Engine Maintenance 9..............................
Engine Storage 11.................................
Troubleshooting 12................................
Engine Specifications 13...........................
Service and Parts Contact Info. 14...................
Warranty Information 15............................
WARNING
www.briggsandstratton.com
The Power That Works For You.™

2
Safety References
The safety alert symbol ( ) is used to identify safety
information about hazards that can result in personal
injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or
CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the
likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition,
a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of
hazard.
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, might result in minor or moderate
injury.
CAUTION,when used without the alert
symbol, indicates a situation that could result
in damage to the engine.
This manual contains safety
information to make you aware of
the hazards and risks associated with engines, and
how to avoid them. Because Briggs & Stratton does
not necessarily know what equipment this engine will
power, it is important that you read and understand
these instructions and the instructions for the
equipment this engine powers.
SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS ENGINE:
Explosion
Toxic Fumes
Moving Parts
Shock
Hot Surface
Kickback
Fire
On Off
Fuel Shutoff
Read
Manual
Petrol
Choke
Oil
Run
Kerosene
Engine Emissions
This engine is not certified to be in compliance with the engine emission standards of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) the California Air Resources Board (CARB), nor the European Union (EU). This engine
cannot be sold in the United States or the European Union.

3
Engine Features
X
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12
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
1. Engine Identification Model Type Code.........
xxxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxxx
2. Spark Plug
3. Oil Fill
4. Oil Drain
5. Throttle
6. Stop Switch
7. Starter Handle
8. Air Cleaner
9. Choke Control

4
Starting Engine
This engine is shipped WITHOUT oil. See page 7 for oil
recommendations, capacity, and filling details.
1. Check oil level. Remove oil filler plug. Oil should
be full (almost overflowing). Replace plug before
starting engine.
FULL
OIL
LEVEL
OIL FILLER PLUG
2. Fill Petrol tank with petrol and kerosene tank with
kerosene. See page 8 for recommendations and
details.
KEROSENE
GREEN CAP
PETROL
RED CAP
KEROSENE
PETROL
3. Push rocker switch to ON position.
4. Move CHOKE to choke position.
•DO NOT crank engine with spark plug
removed.
•DO NOT start engine if there is a
natural or LP gas leak in area.
•Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel
cap and housings are in place and
firmly secured by equipped fasteners.
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids
because vapors are flammable.
WARNING
•Start and run engine outdoors.
•Do not start or run engine in
enclosed area, even if doors or
windows are open.
WARNING
Safety -- When Starting Engine
This engine is shipped from Briggs & Stratton
without oil. If you start the engine without oil,
the engine will be damaged beyond repair and
will not be covered under warranty.
CAUTION

5
5. Move throttle control to fast position.
6. Kerosene primed with Petrol is used for starting
this engine. After it starts, this engine runs on
kerosene only. Locate petrol primer bulb. Push
primer five times.
CARBURETOR
PRIMER
BULB
PETROL
FUEL LINE
KEROSENE
FUEL LINE
7. Grasp rope handle. Pull slowly until resistance is
felt, then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid
kickback
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Petrol and Kerosene vapors are
extremely flammable and
explosive. Fire or explosion can
cause severe burns or death.
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates
before starting engine.
DO NOT use pressurized starting
fluids.
•Fuel equipment outdoors, away from open
flames, sparks and other ignition sources, such
as appliances with pilot lights.
•Store petrol and kerosene away from ignition
sources.
Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm
toward engine faster than you can let
go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises
or sprains could result.
Rotating parts can contact or
entangle hands, feet, hair,
clothing, or accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
WARNING
Need
A
ssistance?
Go to www.briggsandstratton.com
or call
1-800-233-3723

6
Adjusting Choke after Engine has Started
After engine has started, let it warm up several seconds
to several minutes, depending on outside temperature.
Slowly adjust CHOKE to RUN position. Wait until the
engine runs smoothly before each choke adjustment.
•Do not tip engine or
equipment at angle
which causes gasoline
to spill.
•Do not choke
carburetor to stop
engine.
Stopping Engine
1. Push stop switch to OFF position.
STOP
SWITCH
WARNING
•Do not stop engine by moving
choke control to CHOKE. Backfire,
fire or engine damage could occur.
•Operate equipment with guards in
place.
•Keep hands and feet away from
rotating parts.
•Tie up long hair and remove
jewelry.
•Do not wear loose-fitting clothing,
dangling drawstrings or items that
could become caught.
WARNING
Running engines produce heat.
Engine parts, especially muffler,
become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur
on contact.
Combustible debris, such as
leaves, grass, brush, etc. can
catch fire.
WARNING
•Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool
before touching.
•Remove accumulated combustibles from
muffler area and cylinder area.
•Install and maintain in working order a spark
arrester before using equipment on
forest-covered, grass-covered, brush-covered
unimproved land. The state of California
requires this (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal land.
Engines give off carbon monoxide,
an odorless, colorless, poison
gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
WARNING

7
Oil
Capacity
The engine holds approximately 5/8 qt. (20 oz.;
0.6 liter).
Oil Recommendation
•Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For
Service SG, SH, SJ, SL” or higher, such as Briggs &
Stratton SAE 5W-30 oil specially formulated for
winter use of air cooled engines P/N 100030C.
•Do not use special additives.
•Choose a viscosity according to the table opposite.
°F-20 0 20 40 60 80 100
°C-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
**
*
32
SAE Viscosity Grades
Note: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC
GF-2, API certification mark and API
service symbol (shown at left) with
“SJ/CF ENERGY CONSERVING” or
higher, is an acceptable oil at all
temperatures. Use of synthetic oil
does not alter required oil change
intervals.
* Use of SAE 30 oil below 40°F(4°C) will result in hard
starting and possible engine damage due to inadequate
lubrication.
CAUTION
* * Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive engines.
The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W-30,
10W-30, etc.) in temperatures above 40°F(4°C) will
result in higher than normal oil consumption. When using
a multi-viscosity oil, check oil level more frequently.
CAUTION
Checking Oil Level
•Check oil level before starting the engine.
•Keep oil level at FULL.
•Check level daily, or after every eight (8) hours.
1. Place engine level and clean around oil filler plug.
2. Remove oil filler plug. Oil should be full (almost
overflowing). Replace plug before starting engine.
FULL
OIL
LEVEL
OIL FILLER PLUG
Changing Oil
Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 50
hours. Change oil every 25 hours when operating the
engine under heavy load or in high temperatures.
•Disconnect spark plug
wire and keep it away
from spark plug.
WARNING
1. Change oil while the engine is warm.
2. Clean around oil drain plug.
3. Remove plug and drain oil into appropriate
receptacle.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose
of used oil properly. Do not discard with
household waste. Check with your local
authorities, service center, or dealer for safe
disposal/recycling facilities.
CAUTION
4. Clean oil drain plug before reinstalling.
FULL
OIL
LEVEL
OIL FILLER PLUG
OIL DRAIN PLUG
5. Clean around oil filler plug and remove.
6. Place engine level. Add about 5/8 quart
(20 ounces: 0.6 liter) new oil. Oil should be full
(almost overflowing). Replace plug before starting
engine
7. Clean oil filler plug before reinstalling.

8
Fuel
Kerosene primed with Petrol is used for starting this
engine. After it starts, this engine automatically runs on
kerosene only.
Petrol
•Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded petrol with a
minimum of 85 octane. Fresh petrol prevents gum
from forming in the fuel system or on essential
carburetor parts. Purchase petrol in quantity that can
be used within 30 days.
•For engine protection use Briggs & Stratton
Gasoline (petrol) Additive available from your
Authorized Briggs & Stratton Dealer.
•Do not use petrol which contains Methanol.
•Do not mix oil with petrol.
Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
petrol, are petrol blended with alcohols or ethers.
Excessive amounts of these blends can
damage the fuel system or cause performance
problems. If any undesirable operating
symptoms occur, use petrol with a lower
percentage of alcohol or ether.
CAUTION
Kerosene
•Use clean, fresh kerosene. Fresh kerosene prevents
gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential
carburetor parts. Purchase kerosene in quantity that
canbeusedwithin30days.
•To keep kerosene fresh and protect the engine use
a Kerosene Additive.
•Do not mix oil with kerosene.
Adding Fuel
•Do not fill petrol tank with kerosene. Kerosene
mixed in petrol tank will make the engine hard to
start.
1. Clean area around red petrol cap and remove. Fill
tank to approximately 1-1/2 inches below top of
neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be careful not to
overfill.
2. Replace cap before starting.
3. Clean area around green kerosene cap and
remove. Fill tank to approximately 1-1/2 inches
below top of neck to allow for fuel expansion. Be
careful not to overfill.
4. Replace cap before starting.
•Turn engine OFF and let engine
cool at least 2 minutes before
removing fuel cap.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in
well-ventilated area.
•Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to
approximately 1-1/2 inches below
top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates
before starting engine.
•Keep petrol and kerosene away
from sparks, open flames, pilot
lights, heat, and other ignition
sources.
•Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and
fittings frequently for cracks or
leaks. Replace if necessary.
WARNING
PRIMER
BULB
PETROL
FUEL LINE
KEROSENE
FUEL LINE
KEROSENE
GREEN CAP
PETROL
RED CAP
PETROL
KEROSENE
CARBURETOR

9
Engine Maintenance
Regular maintenance will improve the performance and
extend the life of the engine. See any Authorized Briggs
& Stratton Dealer for service. Use only genuine Briggs
& Stratton parts. Other parts may not perform as
well, may damage the engine, and may result in
injury.In addition, use of other parts may void your
warranty.
Follow the instructions and
schedules indicated below.
Unintentional sparking can result
in fire or electric shock.
Fire or explosion can cause
severe burns or death.
Unintentional start-up can result
in entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
Before performing maintenance or
repairs:
•Disconnect spark plug wire and
keep it away from spark plug.
•Disconnect battery at negative
terminal (only engines with
electric start).
•Use only correct tools.
When testing for spark:
•Use approved spark plug tester.
•Do not check for spark with spark
plug removed.
WARNING
Clean combustion
chamber
Task
Perform task at hourly
or calendar interval,
whichever comes first.
Check Oil Level
Clean debris
Clean air cooling
system
Replace spark plug
Change Oil **
Service Air Cleaner*
* Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present. Replace air cleaner, if very dirty.
** Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 50 hours. Change oil every 25 hours when operating the.
engine under heavy load or in high temperatures.

10
Air Cleaner
1. Loosen cover screw. Remove cover and air
cleaner assembly from base.
2. Remove air cleaner assembly from inside of cover
and disassemble.
3. To service foam air cleaner:
a. Wash in liquid detergent and water.
Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean
foam. Pressurized air can damage foam; solvents
will dissolve foam.
CAUTION
b. Squeeze dry in clean cloth.
c. Saturate in engine oil.
d. Squeeze in clean, absorbent cloth to remove
ALL EXCESS oil. If very dirty or damaged, replace it.
4. Reassemble retainer on foam air cleaner. Install
this assembly into cover.
5. Insert tabs on cover into slots in base. Tighten
cover screw securely.
RETAINER
AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY
FOAM AIR CLEANER
COVER
BASE
Ensue air cleaner, retainer, and cover are
properly installed before starting engine.
WARNING
Spark Plug
Check the spark plug every 100 hours. Replace the
spark plug if upon inspection the electrode is burned or
worn. Ensure the spark plug is clean. Check the gap
with a feeler gage and reset to .76 mm or 0.030 in. if
necessary. Use only Briggs & Stratton Spark Tester
(part number 19368) to check for spark.
.030” (0.76 mm) WIRE GAGE
Note: In some areas, local law requires using resistor
spark plug to suppress ignition signals. If this engine
was originally equipped with resistor spark plug, use
same type for replacement.
Air Cooling System
Debris may clog engine’s air cooling system, especially
after prolonged service.
1. Remove blower housing and clean area shown to
prevent overheating and engine damage.
2. Clean areas shown.
3. Reinstall housing ensuring all hoses and wires are
in place.
CLEAN
Cleaning Debris
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water
could contaminate fuel system. Use a brush or dry
cloth.
CAUTION
•Engine parts should be kept clean
to reduce the risk of overheating
and ignition of accumulated debris.
WARNING
Daily or before every use, clean accumulated debris
from engine. Keep linkage, spring and controls clean.
CLEAN
CLEAN