Briggs & Stratton: How a Single Cylinder Engines Work
How important is engine lubrication and how does it work? The lubrication system plays a key role in maintaining engine performance. Briggs and Stratton engines are designed to provide proper lubrication under any operating conditions. While exhaust helps reduce heat in a small engine, proper lubrication is what ensures engine reliability and longevity. Oil reduces engine operating temperature and friction between components for better performance and longer life. New lower oil pickup points in Briggs and Stratton engines have become an industry standard design. The lower pickup point protects Briggs and Stratton engines against wear when operating at angles or when running low on oil. Briggs and Stratton single cylinder engines use one of three types of lubrication systems. Splash lubrication, pressure lubrication, or full pressure lubrication. In splash lubrication, a gear driven dipper or slinger in the crank case distributes oil to components, preventing clogging of small passages. On horizontal crankshaft engines, the dipper is attached to the connecting rod. It picks up oil from the reservoir and spreads it across bearing surfaces as the piston travels through the cylinder. On vertical crankshaft engines, a spinning gear with paddles is immersed in oil and slings lubricant throughout the crank case. Pressure lubrication provides a controlled flow of clean oil to bearings for less wear and longer engine life. A high efficiency pump in the oil pan supplies lubricant to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearing surfaces. The pressure lubrication system incorporates a premium spin-on oil filter. Pressure lubrication is used in select Briggs and Stratton single cylinder engines. Full pressure lubrication is similar to an automobile engine that continuously delivers oil under pressure to critical engine components for maximum lubrication and long engine life. A high efficiency pump in the oil pan supplies lubricant to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearing surfaces. The full pressure lubrication system uses a premium spin-on oil filter. This automotive style filter provides unsurpassed durability and removes up to 95% of contaminants.
Engine Lubrication: How Briggs & Stratton Engines Work
With this video, you’ll find out how lubrication systems ensure Briggs & Stratton engines perform at their peak and last longer via 3 oil distribution methods.
While the exhaust keeps small engines in your lawn mower or outdoor power equipment from overheating, the engine lubrication system reduces friction to keep it cooler and prevent damage to components.
The innovative Briggs & Stratton design has a lower “pick-up point” for the oil. This strategic design ensures proper lubrication even if the engine is at an angle or you’re running low on oil.
3 Types of Briggs & Stratton Engine Lubrication Systems
Splash System: Oil is distributed via a gear-driven dipper or slinger in the crankcase. Depending on the engine type, it uses a rod connected to the piston (horizontal shaft engines) or spinning gear with paddles (vertical shaft engines) to pick up oil from the reservoir and sling it to components. This prevents clogging in small passages.
Pressure System: Oil distribution occurs as a controlled flow of clean lubricant to prevent deterioration and extend the life of the engine. Pressure lubrication systems use a pump in the oil pan to dispense the oil. It also includes a spin-on oil filter.
Full Pressure System: These work like engines in cars to deliver a continuous flow of oil. Full pressure systems maximize lubrication and protection against engine damage. With high-efficiency pumps and a premium spin-on oil filter, these lubrication systems provide automotive-style oil distribution for unsurpassed durability that removes up to 95% of contaminants.