Briggs & Stratton Engine 276344 Operators Manual

							Operator’s Manual
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.comCopyright Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A.Form No. 276344-9/06
Printed in U.S.A.
Models Covered in This
Manual Include Gasoline,
Natural Gas and Liquid
Propane Gas Engines
Model 210000
Power Built
Intek
I/C
Model 280000
Intek
I/C
Extended Life Series
Model 310000
Intek
I/C
Extended Life Series 
						

							2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine Information 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Oil 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel and Starting Information 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting and Stopping 8-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Maintenance 10-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Parts and Service & Storage 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warranty Information 16-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
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 “Engine Information” page).
Date of purchase:                                                                                                                                     
Engine model:
MM / DD / YYYY
Model: Code:Type:
BEFORE OPERATING ENGINE
•Read entire Operating & Maintenance Instructions
AND the instructions for the equipment this engine
powers.*
•Failure to follow instructions could result in serious
injury or death.THE OPERATING & MAINTENANCE INSTRUC-
TIONS CONTAIN SAFETY INFORMATION TO
•Make you aware of hazards associated with engines
•Inform you of the risk of injury associated with those
hazards, and
•Tell you how to avoid or reduce the risk of injury.
*Briggs & Stratton does not necessarily know what equipment this engine will power. For that reason, you should carefully
read and understand the operating instructions for the equipment on which your engine is placed.
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.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known
to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive  harm.
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
Explosion
Toxic FumesMoving Parts
Shock Hot Surface
Kickback Fire
THE INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS USED
ON THE ENGINE OR
IN THIS MANUAL INCLUDE:
On Off
Fuel ShutoffRead Owner’s
Manual
Stop FuelChoke Safety Alert
Oil
Frostbite
Wear Eye Protection 
						

							3
SAFETY
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable
and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.
WARNING
WHEN FUELING
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2 minutes
before removing cap or refueling engine.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
•On GASOLINE operated engines, do not overfill fuel
tank. Fill tank to approximately 1-1/2 inches below top of
neck to allow for fuel expansion.
•Keep fuel 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, and firmly secured by equipped fasteners.
•Do not crank engine with spark plug, air cleaner cartridge
or air cleaner cover removed.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
•If GASOLINE engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST and crank until engine
starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
•Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which causes
gasoline to spill.
•Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
•On GASOLINE engine, transport with fuel tank EMPTY or
with fuel shut-off valve OFF.
•On NATURAL / LIQUID PETROLEUM (LP) GAS
engines transport with fuel cylinder empty or valve
closed, or tank disconnected.
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
Gaseous fuels are extremely flammable
and readily form explosive air-vapor mix-
tures at ambient temperatures.
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 trends to collect in low
areas. NG vapor is lighter than 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.
WARNING
Wear eye protection when doing repair work.
Frostbite can result from skin/eye contact with
leaking LP liquid.
•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. 
						

							4
SAFETY
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
WARNING
•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
•When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is
felt, then pull rapidly.
•Remove all external equipment/engine loads before
starting engine.
•Direct coupled equipment components such as, but not
limited to, blades, impellors, pulleys, sprockets, etc.,
must be securely attached.
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.
WARNING
Rotating parts can contact or entangle 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.
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless,
colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea,
fainting or death.
WARNING
•Start and run engine outdoors.
•Do not start or run engine in enclosed area, even if doors
or windows are open.
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.
•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-cov-
ered, 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.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entangle-
ment, traumatic amputation, or laceration.
BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENTS OR REPAIRS
•Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark
plug.
•Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only engines
with electric start).
WHEN TESTING FOR SPARK
•Use approved spark plug tester.
•Do not check for spark with spark plug removed. 
						

							5
ENGINE INFORMATION
1.Oil drain
2.Oil fill/Dipstick
3.Rotating screen
4.Air cleaner handle
5.Muffler/(Muffler guard (if equipped)/
(Spark arrester, if equipped)
6.12 V electric starter (if equipped)
7.Rewind starter handle (if equipped)8.Fuel pump (if equipped)
9.In-line fuel filter (if equipped)
10.Carburetor or LPG / NG Mixer
11.Oil filter (if equipped)
12.Air cleaner cover
13.Spark plug wire
14.Engine
Model Type Code
xxxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxxx
7
1112
9 8
10
234
6
1
513
14
GENERAL INFORMATION
ENGINE MODEL: This is a single cylinder, overhead valve
(OHV), air-cooled engine. It is a low emissions engine.
In the state of California, OHV Models 210000, 280000 and
310000  engines are certified by the California Air Resources
Board to meet emissions standards for 250 hours. Suchcertification does not grant the purchaser, owner or operator of this
engine any additional warranties with respect to the performance
or operational life of this engine. This engine is warranted solely
according to the product and emissions warranties stated
elsewhere in this manual.
TUNE-UP SPECIFICATIONS
Armature air gap 0.010 − 0.014 in. (0.25 − 0.36 mm) . . . . . . . . . 
Spark plug gap 0.030 in. (0.76 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Valve clearance with valve springs installed and piston 1/4 in.
(6 mm) past top dead center (check when engine is cold). See
Repair Manual P/N 272147.
Intake 0.003 − 0.005 in. (0.08 − 0.13 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust 0.005 − 0.007 in. (0.13 − 0.18 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
MODEL 210000
Bore 3.44 in. (87.31 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stroke 2.27 in. (57.66 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Displacement 21 cu. in. (344 cc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
MODEL 280000
Bore 3.44 in. (87.31 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stroke 3.06 in. (77.78 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Displacement 28.42 cu. in. (466 cc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
MODEL 310000
Bore 3.56 in. (90.60 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stroke 3.06 in. (77.78 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Displacement 30.59 cu. in. (501 cc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Note: For practical operation, the horsepower loading should not
exceed 85% of rated horsepower. Engine power will decrease
3-1/2% for each 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level and 1%
for each 10° F (5.6° C) above 77° F (25° C). Engine will operate
satisfactorily at an angle up to 15°.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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).
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 ofenvironmental 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 horsepower). 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. 
						

							6
OIL
CAUTION: This engine is shipped from Briggs &
Stratton without oil
. Check oil level before starting
engine. If you start the engine without oil, the engine
will be damaged beyond repair and will not be
covered under warranty.
OIL CAPACITY
Engine without oil filter: 
Approximately 44 ounces (1.30 liters)
Engine with oil filter: 
Approximately 48 ounces (1.42 liters)
TYPE OF OIL TO USE
•Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For Service
SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher, such as Briggs & Stratton
30W, Part Number 100005 (20 oz) or 100028 (48 oz).
•Do not use special additives.
•Choose a viscosity according to the table opposite.
Note:Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API
certification mark and API service symbol
(shown at left) with “SJ/CF ENERGY CON-
SERVING” 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 40STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
* **
32
*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: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40° F (4° C), will
result in hard starting and possible engine bore
damage due to inadequate lubrication.
SAE Viscosity  Grades
CHECKING AND ADDING OIL
•Check oil level before starting the engine.
•Check level daily, or after every eight (8) hours.•Keep oil level at FULL.
•Do not overfill.
[1] Place engine level and clean around oil fill area.
[2] Remove dipstick and wipe clean with cloth.
[3] Replace and tighten dipstick. Remove and check oil level.
[4] Oil level should be at FULL line on dipstick.
[5] If needed, add oil slowly - recheck. Do not over fill.
[6] Replace and tighten dipstick. 
						

							7 [1] Remove cap. 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.
FUEL
TYPE OF FUEL TO USE
•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.
•Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol.
•Do not mix oil with gasoline.
•For engine protection use Briggs & Stratton Gasoline
Additive available from your Authorized Briggs &
Stratton Dealer (P/N 5041 or single use pouch).
•The gasoline engine is certified to operate on gasoline.
Exhaust Emission Control System: EM (Engine
Modifications).
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least
2 minutes before removing gas cap.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated
area.
•Keep gasoline away from sparks, open
flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition
sources.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.
CAUTION: Some fuels, called oxygenated or
reformulated gasoline, are gasoline blended with
alcohols or ethers. Excessive amounts of these
blends can damage the fuel system or cause
performance problems. If any undesirable operat-
ing symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower
percentage of alcohol or ether.
GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES
NATURAL / LIQUID PROPANE GAS 
POWERED ENGINES
•Use clean, dry fuel, free of moisture or any particulate
material. Using fuels outside the following recom-
mended values may cause performance problems.
•In engines set up 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
3 with maximum propylene content of
5% and butane and heavier gas content of 2.5% and
minimum propane content of 90%.
•NG or LPG engines are certified to operate on natural
or liquid propane gas.
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
ADDING FUEL
GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES
•Read the operating instructions supplied by the
equipment manufacturer for information on refueling
natural or LP gas engine.
NATURAL / LIQUID PROPANE GAS 
POWERED ENGINES
WARNING 
						

							8
STARTING
WARNING
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids.
•Vapors are flammable.
WARNING
•DO NOT start engine with air filter or
cover not properly installed. Serious injury
or death could result from backfire.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
If engine is equipped with an oil pressure switch, the switch
will either activate a warning light or stop the engine when
the engine runs low on oil. (Read the operating instructions
supplied by the equipment manufacturer to determine
which way your engine is equipped because the equipment
manufacturer supplies the oil pressure gauge.)
♦Store and fuel equipment in level position.
♦Use fresh fuel. (See Fuel.)
♦Use correct type of oil for expected starting
temperature. (See Oil.)
♦Remove external equipment/engine loads. (See
equipment operating instructions.)
♦Start lawn mower on hard surface or over
previously cut grass.
♦Periodically remove grass buildup under mower
deck. (See Maintenance.)
♦After engine has started, let it warm up several
seconds to several minutes, depending on outside
temperature.
♦For maximum performance and life, operate
engine with choke in RUN and throttle in FAST.
STARTING AND OPERATING TIPS
BEFORE STARTING
[1] Check oil level.
NATURAL / LIQUID PROPANE GAS 
POWERED ENGINES
[1] Check oil level.
[2] Open fuel
shut-off valve
(if equipped).
[3] If choke and
throttle controls
are separate,
move choke
control to
CHOKE. Move
throttle to FAST.
[4] If choke and
throttle are on the
same control,
move control to
CHOKE or
START.Choke
Throttle
Combined  Choke/Throttle
control
1/4 TURN
GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES 
						

							9
STARTING
[1] Insert key and turn to START.CAUTION: 
To prolong starter life, use short starting
cycles (5 seconds maximum, then wait one
minute). Follow equipment manufacturer’s
recommendations for charging battery. [2] Let engine warm up. 
If choke equipped: Slowly adjust
toward RUN position. Wait until
engine runs smoothly before each
choke adjustment.
ELECTRIC (KEY) STARTER
WARNING
[3] Let engine warm up. 
If choke equipped: Slowly adjust toward RUN position. Wait
until engine runs smoothly before each choke adjustment.
REWIND (MANUAL) STARTER (auxiliary)
[1] Insert key (if equipped) and turn to RUN.
[2] Grasp rope handle. Pull slowly until resistance is felt, then
pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback.
STOPPING
[1] With throttle in FAST, turn key to OFF.
[2] Remove key and store out of reach of children.
[3] Close fuel shut-off valve (if equipped).
1/4 TURN
CAUTION: 
Do not stop engine by moving choke control to CHOKE.
Backfire, fire or engine damage could occur. 
						

							10
MAINTENANCE
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.
EMISSION CONTROL
Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emission
control devices and systems may be performed by any
nonroad  engine repair establishment or individual.
However, to obtain no charge repairs under the terms and
provisions of the Briggs & Stratton warranty statement, any
service or emission control part repair or replacement must
be performed by a factory authorized dealer.
Task
Perform task at hourly
or calendar interval, 
whichever comes first.
Every 8 Hours
or Daily
25 Hours or
Every Season
50 Hours or
Every Season
100 Hours or
Every Season
Yearly 200 Hours or
Every Season
Check Oil Level
Change Oil*
Change oil filter 
(if equipped)*
Service air cleaner
pre-cleaner (if equipped)**
Replace air cleaner car-
tridge (if not equipped
with pre-cleaner)
**
Replace air cleaner car-
tridge (if equipped with
pre-cleaner)
**
Clean Extended Life
Series™ air cleaner car-
tridge
** 
Replace Extended Life
Series™ 
air cleaner cartridge
**
Inspect spark arrester 
(if equipped)
Replace spark plug
Replace in-line fuel filter
(if equipped)
Clean cooling system**
Check valve clearance
Check valve clearance
on NG / LPG Engines 
*Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every
50 hours or every season. Change oil every 25 hours
when operating the engine under heavy load or in high
temperatures.
** Clean more often under dusty conditions or when
airborne debris is present. Replace air cleaner parts, if
very dirty.
CHANGING OIL
[1] Place engine level.
[2] Disconnect spark plug
wire and keep away from
spark plug. Disconnect
battery (if equipped with
electric starter) at nega-
tive terminal.
[3] With engine OFF but still warm remove oil drain
plug and drain oil into appropriate receptacle.
[4] Reinstall drain plug. Remove dipstick.
[5] Fill to FULL mark on dipstick with new oil.
Do not overfill.
[6] Replace dipstick.
OIL DRAIN
PLUG TO REMOVETypical drain
plugs
7/16” PIPE
5/16” HEX3/8” SQUARE
WARNING
CAUTION: 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.