How to find serial number location for Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower Engines

If you’re struggling to locate the engine model and serial number on your Briggs & Stratton riding mower, this step-by-step guide and video walkthrough explain exactly where to look and why it matters.

Why It’s Important

Identifying the correct engine model and serial number on your Briggs & Stratton riding mower is essential for:

  • Ordering replacement parts or service manuals

  • Verifying compatibility with parts and accessories

  • Getting the right support from dealers and service centers

Because the model and serial numbers are used to look up parts, knowing exactly where these numbers are located will save time and prevent ordering errors.

Step-by-Step: Finding Your Riding Mower Engine Model Number

  1. Turn off the Engine and Let It Cool
     Before inspecting your mower, ensure the engine is off and cool to the touch.

  2. Locate the Engine Shroud / Cover
     Many Briggs & Stratton riding mower engines have a protective cover or shroud. This doesn’t change the number locations — it just may hide them until you look closely.

  3. Check the Valve Cover
     The engine model number is often stamped directly into the valve cover metal plate. This is usually on the top of the engine over the overhead valve (OHV).

  4. Look for the Aluminum Tag
     Alternatively, the model number may appear on an aluminum tag affixed to the top of the blower housing, near the rotating screen or fan area.

  5. Use a Flashlight if Needed
     Depending on lighting and engine design, you may need a small flashlight to clearly see the stamped numbers.

  6. Read the Number Sequence Carefully
     The engine model number is typically a series of 10–12 characters. This is the number you’ll use to find parts, manuals, and other engine information.

Tips for Accurate Identification

  • Clean any dirt or debris off the engine surface before looking for the numbers — grime can easily hide stamped or tagged numbers.

  • If your engine has a colored cover, lift it gently — in many cases the tag or stamped metal is just beneath it.

  • The serial number is often paired with the model number but may be on a different part of the engine label or tag, so be sure to examine the engine thoroughly.

What to Do Once You Find Your Numbers

Once you’ve located your model and serial number:

  • Visit the Briggs & Stratton parts lookup page or enter your engine numbers into the Briggs & Stratton support tool.

Use the numbers to download the correct operator’s manual or illustrated parts list.