OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines How to decode the B&S "Type" designation

I'm familiar with how to decode the B&S "model" number and the "code" number but I've never seen a detailed explanation of how to decode the "type" number.

For example, what specifically does type 1154 mean vs type 1180?

Other "type" examples: 1113, 1119, 1121.

As far as I can tell, the type number is not really decipherable. It refers to the list of options the mower factory has specified, such as whether to have a cage over the muffler, paint colour, primer or choke, etc. My current guess is that if there is no existing Type that matches a mower factory's order, Briggs creates a new number - and it may simply be the next unused number in the Briggs book of Type numbers.

If you ever find a rational system attached to the numbers, please let us know.

You may be right about the random factor, however given that it's quoted in parts manuals and is required to ensure that you get the correct part, it must have meaning to someone, somewhere, within B&S.

I've asked the question on their support forum. Will be interesting to see if I get an answer.

I agree it means something, and for B&S people, it is probably easy to look up in a book. I also think B&S has gone to some trouble to sort the optional features into sets, so it works like car models: popular packages are turned into standard models. The less popular packages that still have to be offered because customers demand them, become option packs. Then the real trivia like what colour the decals are, become part of the "Trim" - the two digits that follow the Type, after the hyphen. The system seems quite rational, but so far it isn't transparent.

The reply I received from B&S is this: "We do not break down the engines type number as the model number is broken down." Probably the expected response.

I guess there's a list somewhere inside B&S but getting to it from outside is probably impossible.

I suppose a B&S spare parts supplier with long experience would probably have an idea what's what with this code.

The major customers for Briggs engines (mower manufacturers etc.) may know the content of a number of types, and perhaps trims, just from experience. However when it comes to a different model, the codes may be completely different anyway. If you contact some people with very long experience, in frequent contact with the factory, they could probably help to some extent. They could be wrong, too, of course.