Briggs & Stratton Stamp Decoder
Paste the model, type, and code stamped on the engine. The tool reads the model number against the manufacturer's published key and the code as a build date. Nothing is sent anywhere - the decode runs on this page.
Where the stamp is
Briggs & Stratton stamps the model, type, and code into metal - the blower housing, the valve cover, or a plate on the muffler guard, depending on the family. Each family guide below gives the exact spot for that family. The stamp is three groups: a 6-character model, a type (4 digits plus a suffix), and an 8-character code.
Family decode guides
- EXi / 550EX-725EX Series decode guide - Briggs & Stratton's ReadyStart walk-behind mower engines - 140, 150 and 163cc, one shared platform, decoded by model stamp.
- Intek (single-cylinder OHV) decode guide - The lawn-tractor standard: Briggs & Stratton's single-cylinder OHV rider engines, decoded.
- PowerBuilt decode guide - Briggs & Stratton's big-box rider line: 344cc and 500cc OHV singles under a generation of lawn tractors.
- Professional Series (single-cylinder) decode guide - The prosumer rider singles: Briggs & Stratton's pressure-lubricated 500 and 540 cc tractor engines, decoded.
The rules the decoder uses
Reading the model number
- Digits 1-2Displacement (cu in)
- Next digit/letterBasic design series
- Next digit/letterCrankshaft orientation: 0-4 or A-G horizontal, 5-9 or H-Z vertical
From the Briggs & Stratton model number key.
PTO bearing / drive digit
| 0 | Plain bearing |
| 3 | Ball bearing |
| 4 | Ball bearing, pressure lubrication |
| 5 | Plain bearing, gear reduction (6 to 1), CCW rotation |
| 6 | Ball bearing, gear reduction (2 to 1), CCW rotation |
| 7 | Plain bearing, pressure lubrication |
| 9 | Plain bearing, auxiliary drive |
Starter digit (last)
| 0 | Without starter |
| 2 | Rewind (recoil) starter |
| 5 | Electric starter |
| 6 | Alternator only |
| 7 | Electric starter with alternator |
The code: build date
The code's first six digits are the build date, read YYMMDD - two-digit year, month, day. The trailing characters are the assembly plant and line. A code gives a build date, not a sale date or the year of the equipment it powers.
Model number key: Briggs & Stratton, "Your Key to the World's Finest Engines" (Engine Model Key). If a digit falls outside the published chart, the decoder says so instead of guessing.