Start a Briggs and Stratton Mower

As a single mother that just recently moved into a house where I had to mow the lawn, I had to watch several videos to figure out how to start this lawnmower that I bought used. After learning how to start the mower from research and trial and error, I decided to make simple instructions for anyone else that is new to mowing and needs assistance starting their mower.

Regular Grade Gasoline, at least one gallon

4 ounces of either 5-30 or 10-30 motor oil

Flathead screwdriver

Locate the gas tank that will have a screw off gas cap that looks like one from a car. Open it and pour in the gasoline you have until it is full. Then locate the air filter cover which normally snaps on but could have one screw in it. If so use the flat head screwdriver to take the screw out and then take the cover off. Look at the filter and see if it needs to be clean or replaced. This one is actually pretty new and clean.

Locate the yellow oil dipstick on the opposite side of the mower from the gas tank. Some people can twist this with their fingers to take it off because it does screw on, however I find I need to used a flat head screwdriver to press down in the slot in it and then twist it off. Make sure there is oil in the engine, total my mower uses 4 ounces of oil, but just use the dipstick to measure because your mower maybe may use less or more oil than mine.

Look for a red push nob on the mower, mine is on the air filter but some are located other places. Push the knob all the way in and let it come back all the way out in between pushes. Do this 3 to 5 times.

Move behind the mower, grab the main handle and the power handle. The power handle is the smaller one and you must have it pulled down for the mower to start. With this held down, pull the string handle hard back towards you. If the mower does not start after three or four pulls, try pumping the gas another 2 to 3 times and then pull the string again.