Operator Safety; General Information - Briggs & Stratton 300 series Operator's Manual

General Information

For replacement parts or technical assistance, record below the engine model, type, and
code numbers along with the date of purchase. These numbers are located on your
engine (see the Features and Controls page).
Date of purchase:
Engine model:
Model:
Engine Power Rating Information
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code J1940 (Small Engine Power & Torque
Rating Procedure), and rating performance has been obtained and corrected in
accordance with SAE J1995 (Revision 2002-05). Torque values are derived at 3060
RPM; horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM. Actual gross engine power will be
lower and is affected by, among other things, ambient operating conditions and
engine-to-engine variability. Given both the wide array of products on which engines are
placed and the variety of environmental issues applicable to operating the equipment,
the gas engine will not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of
power equipment (actual "on-site" or net power). This difference is due to a variety of
factors including, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling,
carburetor, fuel pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions
(temperature, humidity, altitude), and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing
and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton may substitute an engine of higher rated
power for this Series engine.

Operator Safety

SAFETY AND CONTROL SYMBOLS
Fire Moving Parts
Stop
Fast
Choke On Off
Hazardous
Chemical Read Manual
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, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE
indicates a situation that could result in damage to the product.
WARNING
Certain components in this product and its related accessories contain chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
4
MM/DD/YYYY
Type:
Oil Toxic Fumes
Explosion Shock
Fuel Shutoff Kickback
Hot Surface Frostbite
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
Briggs & Stratton does not approve or authorize the use of these engines on 3-wheel
Code:
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.
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.
WARNING
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 the fuel
•
cap.
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
•
Do not overfill fuel tank. To allow for expansion of the gasoline, do not fill above
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the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
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.
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Replace if necessary
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
•
When Starting Engine
Slow
Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner (if equipped) are in
•
place and secured.
Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
•
If engine floods, set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN position, move throttle
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Fuel (if equipped) to FAST position and crank until engine starts.
When Operating Equipment
Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which causes gasoline to spill.
•
Do not choke the carburetor to stop engine.
•
Wear Eye
Never start or run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the
•
Protection
air filter (if equipped) removed.
When Changing Oil
If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel
•
can leak out and result in a fire or explosion.
When Transporting Equipment
Transport with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shut-off valve OFF.
•
When Storing Gasoline Or Equipment 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
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.
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