Fuel recommendations


All 4 stroke cycle spark ignited engines

Fuel must meet these requirements:

  • Clean, fresh, unleaded petrol.

  • A minimum of 87 octane/ 87 AKI (91 RON). High altitude use, see below.

  • Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), is acceptable.


CAUTION:
 Do not mix oil in petrol, or modify engine to run on alternate fuels. This will damage the engine components and void the engine warranty.

To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix in a fuel stabilizer when adding fuel. See Storage section below.

All fuel is not the same. If starting or performance problems occur, change fuel providers or change brands.

This engine is certified to operate on petrol. The emissions control system for this engine is EM (Engine Modifications).

High Altitude 
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85 octane / 85 AKI (89 RON) petrol is acceptable. To remain emissions compliant, high altitude adjustment is required. Operation without this adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions. See an Authorized Briggs & Stratton Dealer for high altitude adjustment information.

Operation of the engine at altitudes below 2,500 feet (762 meters) with the high altitude kit is not recommended.

All 2 stroke cycle spark ignited engines

Mixing fuel and oil
Always mix a high-quality, 2-cycle oil, such as Briggs & Stratton 2-cycle oil, at 50:1 gasoline to oil ratio.

Fuel must meet these requirements:

  • Clean, fresh, unleaded petrol.

  • A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). If operating at high altitude, see below.

  • Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), is acceptable.


CAUTION:
 Do not use unapproved petrol such as E85*. Do not modify engine to run on alternate fuels. This will damage the engine components and void the engine warranty.

To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix in a fuel stabilizer when adding fuel. See Storage section below.

All fuel is not the same. If starting or performance problems occur, change fuel providers or change brands.

This engine is certified to operate on petrol. The emissions control system for this engine is EM (Engine Modifications).

High Altitude 
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85 octane / 85 AKI (89 RON) petrol is acceptable. To remain emissions compliant, high altitude adjustment is required. Operation without this adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions. See an Authorized Briggs & Stratton Dealer for high altitude adjustment information.

Operation of the engine at altitudes below 2,500 feet (762 meters) with the high altitude kit is not recommended.


Storage

Fuel will become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits to form in fuel system or on essential carburettor parts. To keep fuel fresh.

Fuel stabilizer
There is no need to drain petrol from the engine if a fuel stabilizer is added according to instructions. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel system. Fuel Fit® not only keeps the carburettor clean for easy starting but also protects against the corrosive effects of ethanol and maintains fuel stability for up to 3 years.

If petrol in the engine has not been treated with a fuel stabilizer, it must be drained into an approved container. Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel. The use of a fuel stabilizer in the storage container is recommended to maintain freshness. It is also recommended that fuel is purchased in quantities that can be used within 30 days. This will assure fuel freshness and volatility tailored to the season.


*NOTE: Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% petrol, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular petrol. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburettors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

Manuals

Download the operator's manual for your Vanguard engine or equipment by following our step-by-step process.

Dealer

Take advantage of the expertise your local dealer can provide for service and support on your Vanguard engine.

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 dealerTerms 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.