FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


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Hurricane Safety/Generator Tips

How can I prepare my generator for emergency use?

To ensure that your generator is up and running in the event of a hurricane or other emergency, knowledge of the operation and proper storage of your equipment is essential. Briggs & Stratton, the country's leading manufacturer of generators, recommends following these generator maintenance/safety tips and encourages the use of the hurricane/disaster resource links located near the bottom of this FAQ.


Engine Basics

First, and most importantly, READ both your engine AND generator Operator's Manuals.

WARNING: Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea, fainting or death. Start and run the engine outdoors only, and never in an enclosed area (even if doors and windows are open). Please be aware that, even if the genset is operated outdoors, but in close proximity to your home, there is a danger carbon monoxide can enter through nearby open windows/doors and can pose a hazard.

Also remember the engine's muffler becomes extremely hot during operation. Clear any leaves, grass, brush, or other combustible debris that may catch fire. When using your equipment on forest-covered, grass-covered, or brush-covered land, install and maintain a spark arrester before starting the engine.



Before Starting the Engine

Generators typically are stored until an emergency. If fuel sits either in the tank or the carburetor for more than a few weeks, chances are the fuel is probably stale. Stale fuel is the number one cause of engine concerns (i.e. starting problems, rough running, etc.).

  • To clean out any stale fuel, drain any old fuel in the tank and the carburetor bowl and spray the carburetor with some Briggs & Stratton Carburetor and Choke Cleaner.

  • To prevent the new fuel from going stale in the future, and to clean out the engine fuel system during engine run time, use our Briggs & Stratton Fresh Start Fuel Stabilizer.

  • Check for a fuel shut off valve and open if applicable. Typically a fuel valve in the horizontal position in line with the fuel hose is "On", while a fuel valve in the vertical position is "Off". If applicable, manually open the fuel vent cap on the tank.

  • Because you may have an oil guard safety switch, check engine oil level before starting, and in between fill ups of gasoline after the engine has been running. Keep in mind air-cooled engines can consume 1 oz. of oil per cylinder per hour. Use SAE 5W-30 oil, synthetic is preferred.

  • For complete information on storing your engine, please visit our End-of-Season Maintenance page.

  • For engine operation safety information, please visit our Engine Operation/Maintenance Safety FAQ.


Generator Operation

Place generator on level ground to operate. Never plug your generator directly into your house circuit and DO NOT EXCEED generator wattage rating!

For equipment and personal safety information, please visit our Portable Generator Safety & Use page.

Still need help? View our Frequently Asked Questions for answer to our most common concerns, try our Troubleshooting Section, or if all else fails, visit with your local Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer. Your Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer has all the information relating to Briggs & Stratton warranty information, replacement engines, short blocks, parts, pricing, service/repair, specifications, etc.

For your convenience, we offer three easy ways to locate your nearest Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealers:

  • Use our website's Service Center Locator.

  • Visit www.yellowpages.com and enter "Lawn Mowers" or "Engines-Gasoline" in the Category search field and your Postal Code in the Location search field.

  • Call the Briggs & Stratton Automated Hotline at (800) 444-7774. This hotline is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and features voice recognition technology to assist you in finding the Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealers in your area. Automated maintenance tips, product information, and FAQs are also offered through voice activated menus.

If you are considering purchasing a new generator, please download our Generator Buying Guide (PDF).





Please read and abide by any applicable Safety Information contained in your engine Operator's Manual. The material provided above is not intended to replace work performed by a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer. Terms and Conditions apply to all of the information presented on this website. Always be sure to completely read and understand your engine Operator's Manual.

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