Operators Manual
Not for
Reproduction
• 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.
• Before cleaning or replacing the fuel filter, drain the fuel tank or close the fuel shut-
off valve.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
• Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the original
parts.
Fuel Filter, if equipped
1. Before cleaning or replacing the fuel filter (A, Figure 15), drain the fuel tank or close
the fuel shut-off valve. Otherwise, fuel can leak out and cause a fire or explosion.
2. Use pliers to squeeze tabs (B, Figure 15) on the clamps (C), then slide the clamps
away from the fuel filter (A). Twist and pull the fuel lines (D) off of the fuel filter.
3. Check the fuel lines (D, Figure 15) for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
4. Replace the fuel filter (A, Figure 15) with an original equipment replacement filter.
5. Secure the fuel lines (D, Figure 15) with clamps (C) as shown.
Fuel Strainer, if equipped
1. Remove the fuel cap (A, Figure 16).
2. Remove the fuel strainer (B, Figure 16).
3. If the fuel strainer is dirty, clean or replace it. If you replace the fuel strainer, make
sure to use an original equipment replacement fuel strainer.
Service Cooling System
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 debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
NOTICE
Do not use water to clean the engine. Water could contaminate the fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth to clean the engine.
This is an air cooled engine. Dirt or debris can restrict air flow and cause the engine to
overheat, resulting in poor performance and reduced engine life.
1. Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the air intake grille.
2. Keep linkage, springs and controls clean.
3. Keep the area around and behind the muffler, if equipped, free of any combustible
debris.
4. Make sure the oil cooler fins, if equipped, are free of dirt and debris.
After a period of time, debris can accumulate in the cylinder cooling fins and cause the
engine to overheat. This debris cannot be removed without partial disassembly of the
engine. Have a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer inspect and clean the air
cooling system as recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Storage
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When Storing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have pilot
lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
NOTICE
Store the engine level (normal operating position). If the engine is tipped for
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.
Fuel System
Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits
to form in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. To keep fuel fresh, use Briggs
& Stratton Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer, available wherever Briggs
& Stratton genuine service parts are sold.
There is no need to drain gasoline from the engine if a fuel stabilizer is added according
to instructions. Run the engine for two (2) minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the
fuel system before storage.
If gasoline in the engine has not been treated with a fuel stabilizer, it must be drained into
an approved container. Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel. The use of a fuel
stabilizer in the storage container is recommended to maintain freshness.
Engine Oil
While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil. See the
Change Engine Oil
section.
Troubleshooting
For assistance, contact your local dealer or go to BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com or call
1-800-233-3723 (in USA).
Specifications
Model: 120000
11.57 ci (190 cc)Displacement
2.687 in (68,25 mm)Bore
2.047 in (52 mm)Stroke
18 - 20 oz (,54 - ,59 L)Oil Capacity
.020 in (,51 mm)Spark Plug Gap
180 lb-in (20 Nm)Spark Plug Torque
.006 - .010 in (,15 - ,26 mm)Armature Air Gap
.005 - .007 in (,13 - ,18 mm)Intake Valve Clearance
.007 - .009 in (,18 - ,23 mm)Exhaust Valve Clearance
Engine power will decrease 3.5% for each 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level and
1% for each 10° F (5.6° C) above 77° F (25° C). The engine will operate satisfactorily at
an angle up to 15°. Refer to the equipment Operator's Manual for safe allowable operating
limits on slopes.
Service Parts - Model: 120000
Part NumberService Part
797301Foam Air Filter
491588, 5043Paper Air Filter
493537, 5067Pre-cleaner, Air Filter
100005Oil - SAE 30
100117, 100120Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment and
Stabilizer
298090, 5018Fuel Filter
799876Resistor Spark Plug
89838, 5023Spark Plug Wrench
19368Spark Tester
We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for all
maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
Power Ratings: The gross power rating for individual gasoline engine models is labeled
in accordance with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code J1940 Small Engine
Power & Torque Rating Procedure, and is rated in accordance with SAE J1995. Torque
values are derived at 2600 RPM for those engines with “rpm” called out on the label and
3060 RPM for all others; horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM. The gross power
curves can be viewed at www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM. Net power values are taken
with exhaust and air cleaner installed whereas gross power values are collected without
these attachments. Actual gross engine power will be higher than net engine power and
is affected by, among other things, ambient operating conditions and engine-to-engine
variability. Given the wide array of products on which engines are placed, the gasoline
engine may not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of power
equipment. This difference is due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the
variety of engine components (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel
10 BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com