Briggs & Stratton 290000 Series Manual

Operating & Maintenance
Instructions
Model 290000 300000 350000 380000 Series covered in this manual
FORM NO. 276353-7/05
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
©Copyright 2005 by Briggs & Stratton Corporation
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.
Table of Contents
Safety References 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Features 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety 4−5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 11−14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications and Emission Information 15. . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage and Service 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS ENGINE:
Explosion
Toxic Fumes
Moving Parts
Shock
Hot Surface
Kickback
Fire
Fuel Shutoff
Read
Manual
Choke
Oil
Fuel
On Off
Stop
Wear Eye
Protection
Frostbite
Slow
Fast
WARNING
Briggs & Stratton does not approve or authorize the
use of these engines on 3-wheel All Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs), motor bikes, fun/recreational
go-karts, 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.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
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

3
Features
1. Air Cleaner
2. Carburetor or LPG / NG Fuel Mixer
3. Rewind Starter (if equipped)
4. Blower Housing
5. Oil Filter (if equipped)
6. Spark Plug Wire
7. Oil Drain Plug
8. Oil Fill/Dipstick
9. Rotating Screen
10. Emission Label
11. Engine Identification
Model XXXXXX Type XXXXXX Code
XXXXXXXX
12. Fuel Pump
13. Exhaust Manifold
14. 12V Electric Starter (if equipped)
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5
3
2
6
4
1
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8
7
9
14 13
11
10
12

4
Safety
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least
2 minutes before removing gas cap.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated
area.
•Do not overfill fuel tank.
•Keep gasoline 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.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE
•Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and
air cleaner are in place.
•Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.
•If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST and crank
until engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
•Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
•Transport with fuel tank EMPTY.
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR EQUIP-
MENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
•Store away from furnaces, stoves, water
heaters or other appliances that have pilot
light or other ignition source because they
can ignite gasoline vapors.
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable
gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
•If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area, do
not start engine.
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids because
vapors are flammable.
WARNING
Gaseous fuels, such as liquid
petroleum gas (LPG) and natural
gas (NG), are extremely flammable
and can readily form explosive
air-vapor mixtures at moderate
temperatures.
WARNING
IF YOU SMELL GAS:
•DO NOT start the engine.
•DO NOT actuate any electrical switches.
•DO NOT use the phone in the vicinity.
•Evacuate the area.
•Contact the gas supplier or fire department.
REMEMBER:
•LPG vapor is heavier than air and tends to
collect in low areas. NG vapor is lighter then
air and tends to collect in high areas. Both may
travel to remote locations.
•Keep all flames, sparks, pilot lights and other
ignition sources away from the area where the
engine is operated or repaired.
•DO NOT smoke when operating or repairing
the engine.
•DO NOT store gasoline or other flammable
vapors or liquids in the vicinity of the engine.
•BEFORE doing any service work to the
engine, shut off the gas supply.
•After initial installation or servicing, check for
gas leaks. DO NOT use an open flame. Apply
very soapy water or leak test solution with a
brush and look for bubbles.
•Keep the equipment and the area surrounding
the engine free of debris.
•Install the fuel system according to applicable
fuel/gas codes.

5
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.
•When starting engine, pull cord slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
•Direct coupled equipment components such as,
but not limited to, blades, impellers, pulleys,
sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING
WARNING
Rotating parts can contact or en-
tangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
•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
Engines give off carbon monoxide,
an odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.
•Start and run engine outdoors.
•Do not start or run engine in enclosed area,
even if doors or windows are open.
WARNING
•Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool
before touching.
•Remove accumulated debris 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.
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.
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.
•Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or
hard object because the flywheel may later
shatter during operation.
•Do not tamper with governor spring, links or
other parts to increase engine speed.
When testing for spark:
•Use approved spark plug tester.
•Do not check for spark with spark plug
removed.
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.
WARNING
Wear eye protection when doing
repair work.
Frostbite can result from skin/eye
contact with leaking LP liquid.
WARNING
•Installation, adjustment and repair work should
be done by a qualified technician.
•Flexible supply lines should be checked regularly
to make sure they are in good condition. Replace
damaged or leaking components.

6
Before Starting
Oil
Oil Capacity
Engine holds approximately 1-1/2 quarts (48 ounces or
1.4 liters) when changing oil and filter.
Oil Recommendation
•Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For
Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher. Briggs & Stratton
strongly recommends the use of synthetic oil. If
synthetic oil is unavailable, Briggs & Stratton
non-synthetic 30 weight oil P/N 1000005 (20 oz.) or
P/N 1000028 (48 oz.) is an acceptable substitute.
•Do not use special additives.
•Choose a viscosity according to the table below.
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.
°F-20 0 20 40 60 80 100
°C-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
*
**
32
SAE Viscosity Grades
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.
** SAE 30 oil, if used below 40°F (4°C), will
result in hard starting and possible engine
bore damage due to inadequate lubrication.
Checking and Adding Oil
•Check oil level before starting the engine.
•Keep oil level at FULL. Do not overfill.
•Check level daily, or after every eight (8) hours.
Oil Fill
ÎÎ
1. Place engine level and clean around oil fill and
dipstick.
2. Remove dipstick and wipe with clean cloth.
3. Tighten dipstick down. Remove and check oil
level.
4. Remove oil fill cap. Pour oil slowly. First add 1 qt
(32 oz or 1 liter). Start and run engine at idle for
30 seconds. Shut off engine and wait 30 seconds.
Then add more oil slowly to bring level to FULL
mark on dipstick.
5. Fill to FULL mark on dipstick. Recheck.
FULL
Ï
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6. Tighten dipstick firmly.
Oil Pressure Switch
If engine is equipped with oil pressure switch, the
switch will either activate a warning device or stop the
engine when the engine runs low on oil. (Read the
operating instructions supplied by equipment
manufacturer to determine how your engine is
equipped.)

7
Before Starting
Fuel
Gasoline Powered Engines
•Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 85 octane. Fresh fuel prevents gum
from forming in the fuel system or on essential
carburetor parts. Purchase fuel in quantity that
can be used within 30 days.
•For engine protection use Briggs & Stratton
Gasoline Additive available from your Authorized
Briggs & Stratton Dealer.
•Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol.
•Do not mix oil with gasoline.
•This engine is certified to operate on gasoline.
Exhaust Emission Control System: EM (Engine
Modifications).
Adding Fuel
1. Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2
minutes before removing gas cap.
2. Remove cap. Fill tank to approximately 1-1/2
inches below top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion. Be careful not to overfill.
3. Replace cap before starting.
Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
fuels, are fuels 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
gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or
ether.
CAUTION
Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
Natural Gas (NG) Powered Engines
•Use clean, dry fuel, free of moisture or any
particulate material. Using fuels outside the
following recommended values may cause
performance problems.
•In engines set to run on LPG, commercial grade
HD5 LPG is recommended. Recommended fuel
composition is fuel with a minimum fuel energy of
2500 BTU’s/ft#with maximum propylene content
of 5% and butane and heavier gas content of
2.5% and minimum propane content of 90%.
•LPG or NG engines are certified to operate on
liquid propane gas or natural gas.
Adding Fuel
Read the operating instructions supplied by the
equipment manufacturer for information on refueling
natural or LP gas engine.
LPG/NG Engines: The equipment on
which this engine is mounted is
equipped with an automatic safety gas
“fuel lock-off” valve. DO NOT operate
the equipment if the “fuel lock-off” valve
is missing or inoperative.
WARNING

8
Starting
Oil Pressure Switch
If engine is equipped with oil pressure switch, the switch
will either activate a warning device or stop the engine
when the engine runs low on oil. (Read the operating
instructions supplied by equipment manufacturer to
determine how your engine is equipped.)
Before Starting - Liquid Petroleum
Gas (LPG) / Natural Gas (NG) Engines
The LPG/NG mixer is equipped with solenoid, fuel inlet,
12 volt connector, and equipped for a fuel lock-off valve.
(Read the operating instructions supplied by equipment
manufacturer to determine how your engine is
equipped).
The manufacturer of the equipment on which
this engine is installed specifies top speed at
which the engine will be operated. DO NOT
EXCEED this speed.
CAUTION
When operating on LPG fuel, 12 volts MUST be
supplied to the connector.
When operating on NG fuel, 12 volts MUST NOT
be supplied to connector. Failure to do so may
cause engine damage.
CAUTION
FUEL INLET
12 VOLT CONNECTOR
FUEL
LOCK-OFF
VALVE
SOLENOID
Starting −All Engines
1. Check oil level.
Note: LPG/NG Engines: Skip steps 2 and 3.
2. Open fuel shut-off valve (if equipped).
3. Pull choke control to CHOKE or START position.
4. Move throttle (if equipped) to FAST position.
Operate engine with throttle in FAST position and
choke in RUN or OFF position.
5. REWIND (MANUAL) STARTER: Grasp rope
handle. Pull slowly until resistance is felt. Then
pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback.
Repeat if necessary with choke in OFF or RUN.
6. ELECTRIC (KEY) STARTER: Push rocker switch
(if equipped) to ON or RUN.
STOP RUN
7. Insert key and turn to START.
8. Allow engine to warm up.
Use short starting cycles (5 seconds, wait one
minute between cycles). Follow equipment
manufacturer’s recommendations for charging
battery.
CAUTION
Note: Choke equipped: In warm weather
temperatures, move choke control lever toward RUN
slowly over several seconds, in cold weather allow
engine to run smoothly before each change. Operate
with choke in RUN.

9
Stopping
1. REWIND (MANUAL) STARTER: Move throttle
control (if equipped) to SLOW and then STOP
position.
2. ELECTRIC (KEY) STARTER: Move throttle lever
(if equipped) to SLOW.
3. ELECTRIC (KEY) STARTER: Turn key to OFF.
Remove key and store out of reach of children.
4. Push rocker switch (if equipped) to STOP.
STOP RUN
5. Close fuel shut-off valve (if equipped).
Note: When engine is transported, close fuel shut-off
valve (if equipped) to prevent leakage.
WARNING
•Do not stop engine by moving choke
control to CHOKE. Backfire, fire or
engine damage could occur.
Go to www.briggsandstratton.com or call 1-800-233-3723
Need Assistance?

10
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.
Troubleshooting
Starter Handle will Not Pull
•Place equipment on flat level surface.
•Remove all external equipment/engine loads before
starting engine.
•Direct coupled equipment components such as, but
not limited to, blades, impellers, pulleys, sprockets,
etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING
•When starting engine, pull cord slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
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.
Engine will Not Start
Out of Fuel
•Add fuel to tank.
Engine Flooded
•Gasoline engine: Set choke (if equipped) to
OPEN/RUN position, and continue to pull starter
handle.
Spark Plug Fouling
•Check and ensure the spark plug is clean. Check the
gap with a feeler gauge and reset to .76 mm or .030
in. if necessary.
•If the electrode is burned or worn, replace spark plug
with new spark plug.
CAUTION
If engine is tipped to transport equipment, to
remove debris, to drain oil, etc., keep the spark
plug side of engine up.
CAUTION
Engine is Smoking or Running
Rough
Engine may have been tipped during
transport.
•Check for fouled spark plug.
•Check air cleaner filter for oil saturation. Squeeze
pre-cleaner in clean, absorbant cloth to remove ALL
EXCESS oil. If air cleaner is saturated, replace with
new cartridge.
•Ensure fuel cap is in place before
starting engine
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool
at least 2 minutes before removing fuel
cap.
•Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings
frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace
if necessary.
•Do not crank engine with spark plug
removed.
WARNING