Operation; Check Oil Level; Oil Recommendations; Fuel Recommendations - Briggs & Stratton 120000 Operator's Manual

I. Stop Switch (if equipped)
J. Fuel Tank and Cap
K. Extended Dipstick (if equipped)
L. Short Dipstick (if equipped)
M. Oil Drain Plug
N. Oil Fill
O. Muffler, Muffler Guard (if equipped), Spark Arrester (if equipped)
P. Safety Key (electric start models)
Q. ON/OFF Switch (electric start models)
R. Gear Reduction Unit (if equipped)
S. Key Switch (electric start models)
Control Symbols and Meanings
Symbol Meaning
Engine speed - FAST
Engine speed - STOP
Engine start - Choke
CLOSED
Fuel

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
6
Symbol Meaning
Engine speed - SLOW
ON - OFF
Engine start - Choke OPEN
D 5W-30

Check Oil Level

See Figure: 4, 5
Before adding or checking the oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
Oil Fill Cap, if equipped
1. Remove the oil fill cap (A, Figure 4).
2. If oil level is low, slowly add oil into the engine oil fill (B, Figure 4). Fill to point of
overflowing.
3. Reinstall and tighten the oil fill cap (A, Figure 4).
Short Dipstick, if equipped
1. Remove the dipstick (C, Figure 4) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Install the dipstick (C, Figure 4). Do not turn or tighten.
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (D, Figure 4) on the dipstick.
4. If oil level is low, slowly add oil into the engine oil fill (B, Figure 4). Fill to point of
overflowing.
5. Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (C, Figure 4).
Extended Dipstick, if equipped
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 5) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 5).
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 5) on the dipstick.
4. If oil level is low, slowly add oil into the engine oil fill (C, Figure 5). Do not overfill.
After adding oil, wait one minute and then recheck the oil level.
5. Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 5).
Low Oil Protection System (if equipped)
Some engines are equipped with a low oil sensor. If the oil is low, the sensor will either
activate a warning light or stop the engine. Stop the engine and follow these steps before
restarting the engine.
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Check the oil level. See the Check Oil Level section.
• If the oil level is low, add the proper amount of oil. Start the engine and make sure
the warning light (if equipped) is not activated.
• If the oil level is not low, do not start the engine. Contact a Briggs & Stratton
Authorized Service Dealer to have the oil problem corrected.

Fuel Recommendations

Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). 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
damage the 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
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com