Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman lawnmower, briggs and stratton, briggs and stratton engines

Question
QUESTION: I have an old craftsman gas powered lawnmower. Is there anyway to tell what year it was built from the model or serial numbers?

ANSWER: Joe
You can use the model # and the type and serial number  that will tell you the date it was built.

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QUESTION: HOW do you use the model and serial numbers to find the year? Is there a website to do this?

Answer
Joe

Model, Type and Code numbers
Briggs and Stratton engines are identified with a MODEL, TYPE and CODE number system and take the form of the example below.

Model  Type  Code
12F802 0637  01 99070759

The MODEL number is either 5 or 6 digits which may contain letters
The TYPE number is 4 digits followed by an extension of 2 digits. Letters may be used in the extension
The CODE number is the machine's serial number. The first 2 digits are the year of manufacture
(the example above was made in 1999)
The numbers can be in a variety of locations depending upon the engine but are generally to be found either:-

Stamped into the front, top or side of the main cowling
Stamped into the plate over the exhaust
Etched into the plastic cover
Stamped into the rocker cover on an OHV engine
On a transfer, sticker or riveted plate on the main cowling
Sometimes, plastic covers or excess paint may obscure the details but they will be there.
The only exception is if the main cowling or part holding the details has been previously replaced. In which case the details should have been retained from the old part.