Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs & Stratton model #, overhead valve engines, spark plug gap

Question
QUESTION:  Hello, I hope you can help us with this, I've been searching on line for awhile now.

We have a MTD tiller w/ 5 hp, 206 cc, 12.5 Briggs and Stratton, Magnetron engine.
Do we need a specific spark plug ?
What is the spark plug gap?
Should we use a gas/oil mix, if so, what ratio ?
How should we grease/lubricate the tiller ?
And anything else you think may be helpful.

Any information you can give will be very much appreciated.

Respectfully,
Misty Ck

ANSWER: Hello Misty:

>>All Briggs and Stratton models except twin cyl., Vanguard Intek, and 19A400 - 19G400 series Use a Champion J19LM Spark Plug and is  Gapped to .030in.
>>The Twin Cylinder L-Head (Flat Head) Engines Use a Champion RJ12C Spark Plug and is Gapped to .030in.
>>The Briggs and Stratton Intek and Vanguard single cylinder OHV Engines Use a Chanpion RC12YC Spark Plug and is Gapped to .030in.
>>The Briggs and Stratton Vanguard V-twin OHV, 19A400-19G400 Series Engines Use a Champion RC14YC Spark Plug and is Gapped to .030in.
>>The Reason I Listed the Spark Plugs and Gaps this way is Due to the Misleading Information you gave me on the Engine HP.
>>You have 2 Engine HPs Listed; 1- 5Hp and the Other is 12.5HP.
>>Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug or the Muffler. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. If this is a Briggs and Stratton  Engine, then you can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of a Briggs and Stratton Engine.
>>Thanks.
>>Have a Happy Holiday Weekend and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Recieved Anytime. Comments and Ratings are
Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  

Helle John,
It looks like you did not recieve this info from my second correspondence to you, I hope I sent the neccesary info this time.
Thanks a Bunch


Hello John,

  Thankyou for getting back to us so soon.
We did finally find the numbers stamoed on the
engine, thanks to your info. They are as follows:

mod.  1302020
type    2153-01
code   86081510

The spark plug we bought is a : champion  cj 8.

Thankyou fo your assistance. looking forward to hearing back from you soon.

May the Lord bless you and yours and may His hand remain upon you as His
prophecies are fulfilled.

Respectfully,
Misty Ck  

Answer
Hello Again Misty:

>>Thanks for the Comments and Ratings.
>>That Spark Plug is a Listed Replacement.
>>This Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/routine_maintenance/changing_oil/ , should be of some Assistance to you also.
>>The Spark Plug Called for for this Engine and All the L-Head (Flat Head) Engines is a Champion CJ8, RCJ8, RJ19HX, J19LM, and RJ19LM.
>>The Spark Plug Gap is .030in.
>>The Engine uses Regular Gas (Not 2 Cycle)
>>I Use SAE 10W30 Synthetic Engine Oil in My Equpiment, both Landscaping and Automotive.
>>The Synthetic Oil Helps give the Best Protection to the Internal Engine Components and is Changed Less Often.
>>Most Regular Engine Oils Breakdown after about 5,000 Miles for Automotive and 50 Operational Hours for Lawn and Garden Engines.
>>Most Synthetic Oils Breakdown after 15,000 Miles for Automotive Engines and 100 Operational Hours in Lawn and Garden Equipment.
>>This Engine should Require 20 Fluid Ounces of Engine Oil in the Crankcase.
>>If you have Two Oil Fill Plugs (normally yellow or white in color) on each side of the engine, either one can be used to fill the engine with oil to the correct level.
>>As for Maintenance on the Tiller Itself, I Require the Tillers Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Correct Manual and Better Assist you.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. I Hope you Had a Happy Holiday and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John