Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton 300e Series Operator's Manual

WARNING
POISONOUS GAS HAZARD. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a poisonous gas that could kill you in minutes. You
CANNOT see it, smell it, or taste it. Even if you do not smell exhaust
fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide gas. If you start
to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product, shut it off and get
to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and vents to

reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being
drawn towards occupied spaces.
Install battery--operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug--in carbon monoxide

alarms with battery back-up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Smoke alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces,

sheds, or other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors
and windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these
spaces and can linger for hours, even after this product has shut off.
ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away from

occupied spaces.
NOTICE: This engine was shipped from Briggs & Stratton without oil. Before you start
the engine, make sure you add oil according to the instructions in this manual. If you
start the engine without oil, it will be damaged beyond repair and will not be covered
under warranty.
Determine The Starting System
Before starting the engine, you must determine the type of starting system that is on your
engine. Your engine will have one of the following types.
ReadyStart System: This features a temperature controlled automatic choke. It
®

does not have a manual choke or a primer.
Primer System: This features a red primer to be used for starting in cool

temperatures. It does not have a manual choke.
To start your engine, follow the instructions for your type of starting system.
Note: Equipment may have remote controls. See the equipment manual for location and
operation of remote controls.
System - Figure 4
ReadyStart
®
1. Check the oil level. See the How To Check/Add Oil section.
2. Make sure equipment drive controls, if equipped, are disengaged.
3. Push the stop switch (A, Figure 4), if equipped, to the on position.
4. Move the throttle control (C, Figure 4), if equipped, to the fast
Operate the engine in the fast
5. If the product is equipped with an engine stop lever (D), hold the engine stop lever
against the handle (Figure 5).

Maintenance

NOTICE: If the engine is tipped during maintenance, the fuel tank must be empty and
the spark plug side must be up. If the fuel tank is not empty and if the engine is tipped in
any other direction, it may be difficult to start due to oil or gasoline contaminating the air
filter and/or the spark plug.
WARNING:
When performing maintenance that requires the unit to be
tipped, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or
explosion.
We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all
maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
NOTICE: All the components used to build this engine must remain in place for proper
operation.
Emissions Control
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emissions control devices and systems
may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual.
However, to obtain "no charge" emissions control service, the work must be performed
by a factory authorized dealer. See the Emissions Warranty.
en
5
position.
position.
6. Firmly hold the starter cord handle (E). Pull the starter cord handle slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly (Figure 4).
Note: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, go to
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM or call 1-800-233-3723 (in USA).
WARNING:
Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kickback) will pull your
hand and arm toward the engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures,
bruises or sprains could result. When starting engine, pull the starter cord slowly until
resistance is felt and then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.
Primer System - Figure 5
1. Check the oil level. See the How To Check/Add Oil section.
2. Make sure equipment drive controls, if equipped, are disengaged.
3. Push the stop switch (A, Figure 6), if equipped, to the on position.
4. Move the throttle control (C, Figure 6), if equipped, to the fast
Operate the engine in the fast
5. Push the red primer (F) three times.
Note: Priming is usually unnecessary when restarting a warm engine.
Note: If you push the primer too many times, excessive fuel will flood the carburetor
and the engine will be difficult to start.
6. If the product is equipped with an engine stop lever (D), hold the engine stop lever
against the handle (Figure 5).
7. Firmly hold the starter cord handle (E). Pull the starter cord handle slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly (Figure 6).
Note: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, repeat Steps 5, 6, and 7. If
it still does not start, go to BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM or call 1-800-233-3723 (in
USA).
WARNING:
Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kickback) will pull your
hand and arm toward the engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures,
bruises or sprains could result. When starting engine, pull the starter cord slowly until
resistance is felt and then pull rapidly to avoid kickback.
How To Stop The Engine - Figure 5
Release the engine stop lever (A, Figure 5)
or
Engine with Stop Switch: Push the stop switch (B, Figure 7) to the off position
or
Engine with Throttle Control: Move the throttle control (C, Figure 7) to the stop
position.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
Fire hazard
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug.

Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only engines with electric start.)

Use only correct tools.

Do not tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine

speed.
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed in the same

position as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may damage
the unit, and may result in injury.
Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel

may later shatter during operation.
When testing for spark:
Use approved spark plug tester.

Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.

6
position.
position.
7
7