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Figuring out year of manufacture is driving me nuts

Dec 8, 2022#1

smhardesty

OK, I just now registered because I think I'm losing my mind. I'm trying to determine the year of manufacture for a lawn mower I just picked up. It is a Remington, 20", side discharge mower with a Briggs engine model number 08P502-0167-F1 and a serial number of 2110238970214. I have searched the 'Net high and low and every site I find that says it will tell me the year doesn't do that. I've followed all the deciphering on all the different sites I found and every one of them has a number where I have a letter or vice versa.

Can anyone tell me for certain what year this thing is? If it helps, the MTD model number is 11A-02B7752 and a serial number of 1L08MK11755. And if anyone has a link to a website that truly does correctly decipher Briggs model numbers to determine year, I'd love to have that link.

Dec 8, 2022#2

R

Rivets

Double check the code number you posted for the engine. It should be after the F1. Briggs does not use serial numbers.

Dec 8, 2022#3

smhardesty

OK. I just double checked to be sure. The model number I provided is correct. The screenshot below is from the Parts Warehouse website. I'm sure I have the correct model number. As for the serial number, I'm not sure what you mean by "Briggs does not use serial numbers". Every Briggs motor I ever saw has a serial number. Are you meaning that the serial number doesn't indicate the year of manufacture? Otherwise I'm kind of confused by your statement.

Dec 8, 2022#4

R

Rivets

If you look at your Briggs engine number, you will find a MODEL, TYPE, AND CODE numbers. All listed together, which is how they identify their engines You posted 08P502 which is the MODEL, 0167-F1 which is the type, but no code. This code number will tell use the day, month, and year of manufacture, plus where it was manufactured.

Dec 8, 2022#5

smhardesty

Nope, I have triple checked everyplace on that engine there is to look. There are no numbers after the F1. I did, however, find the number stamped on the side of the engine with a second number stamped in also. It states, "DOM 10 23 2021". So, it was definitely manufactured in October of 2021. I got that part figured out. As for any additional numbers after the F1, there just isn't anything.

Dec 8, 2022#6

ILENGINE

Rivets said:
If you look at your Briggs engine number, you will find a MODEL, TYPE, AND CODE numbers. All listed together, which is how they identify their engines You posted 08P502 which is the MODEL, 0167-F1 which is the type, but no code. This code number will tell use the day, month, and year of manufacture, plus where it was manufactured.

Rivets. Briggs is using serial numbers and are required when filing warranty claims. It is normally just a sticker on the engine some place and not part of the normal model type code. The first part of the serial number is also the code or 21102389 Or to the OP October 23, 2021. The engine serial number can also be used to look up engines on The Power Portal.

Dec 8, 2022#7

R

Rivets

Thank you IL. Due to the pandemic and health reasons I retired from the shop two and a half years ago and didn’t realize the change. To the OP, I apologize for the confusion.

Dec 8, 2022#8

smhardesty

ILENGINE said:
Rivets. Briggs is using serial numbers and are required when filing warranty claims. It is normally just a sticker on the engine some place and not part of the normal model type code. The first part of the serial number is also the code or 21102389 Or to the OP October 23, 2021. The engine serial number can also be used to look up engines on The Power Portal.

Ahhh. I get it now. The first 6 digits of the serial number on these new motors is the manufacturing date. Quite obviously none of the websites I visited have the latest, up to date info on Briggs model numbers, serial numbers, and DOM. Maybe that's why none of them made sense when I was trying to figure it out. They all were providing info on how to determine DOM from the old model number system and not the newest numerical system.

Many thanks there, ILENGINE. I do appreciate that bit of knowledge. Are you aware of any website that has ALL the different ways of determining DOM? It would sure be nice if that info was all available on a single website.

A side note. I have also been completely unable to find any website that has correct DOM data for MTD products. I was unable to determine DOM from any website using the model number and serial number. I'm guessing that updated info hasn't made it onto any of the websites claiming to tell a person what year a product was manufactured through the model or serial numbers.

And to Rivets. No need for an apology. No harm done. Things change awfully fast these days. I spent 30 plus years in the computing industry. Taking even 6 months off in that field will put a fella WAY behind the ole 8 ball.

Now, the good news. I bought this Remington mower off a young couple in Southwestern Indiana. When I saw the photos online and saw the asking price, I immediately thought that there was something I wasn't seeing. He told me via online messaging that he bought the mower this last spring and now they had no need for it, for whatever reason. The asking price was $25. No kidding. I had to drive a short distance to where he was located. I really thought I was going to get there and find a mower with a bent shaft or maybe blowing smoke. When I got there all I did was push the primer bulb three times and gave it a good pull on the rope. She fired right up and purred like a kitten. I kept thinking there was something I was missing. I've started it here in the garage a couple of times already and each time it fired right up and settled into a nice, even roar. I've checked online and this mower is selling for around $250 on several sites. I found one site that had it listed for $199 and that was the lowest I found. That site also said they were currently out of stock, too. I have to wonder why a young couple would lay out $250 for a mower, use it a single season, then sell it for $25. I sure couldn't have done that when I was under age 20. LOL!

Dec 8, 2022#9

ILENGINE

smhardesty said:
Ahhh. I get it now. The first 6 digits of the serial number on these new motors is the manufacturing date. Quite obviously none of the websites I visited have the latest, up to date info on Briggs model numbers, serial numbers, and DOM. Maybe that's why none of them made sense when I was trying to figure it out. They all were providing info on how to determine DOM from the old model number system and not the newest numerical system.

Many thanks there, ILENGINE. I do appreciate that bit of knowledge. Are you aware of any website that has ALL the different ways of determining DOM? It would sure be nice if that info was all available on a single website.

A side note. I have also been completely unable to find any website that has correct DOM data for MTD products. I was unable to determine DOM from any website using the model number and serial number. I'm guessing that updated info hasn't made it onto any of the websites claiming to tell a person what year a product was manufactured through the model or serial numbers.

And to Rivets. No need for an apology. No harm done. Things change awfully fast these days. I spent 30 plus years in the computing industry. Taking even 6 months off in that field will put a fella WAY behind the ole 8 ball.

Now, the good news. I bought this Remington mower off a young couple in Southwestern Indiana. When I saw the photos online and saw the asking price, I immediately thought that there was something I wasn't seeing. He told me via online messaging that he bought the mower this last spring and now they had no need for it, for whatever reason. The asking price was $25. No kidding. I had to drive a short distance to where he was located. I really thought I was going to get there and find a mower with a bent shaft or maybe blowing smoke. When I got there all I did was push the primer bulb three times and gave it a good pull on the rope. She fired right up and purred like a kitten. I kept thinking there was something I was missing. I've started it here in the garage a couple of times already and each time it fired right up and settled into a nice, even roar. I've checked online and this mower is selling for around $250 on several sites. I found one site that had it listed for $199 and that was the lowest I found. That site also said they were currently out of stock, too. I have to wonder why a young couple would lay out $250 for a mower, use it a single season, then sell it for $25. I sure couldn't have done that when I was under age 20. LOL!

I haven't figured out the new MTD serial numbers system where that are using a letter for the 5 digit in the serial number but they could be using a VIN code system because M is 2021 but as far as the older serial numbers an the first part of your serial number the first digit doesn't really mean much. the second digit A through L is the month. A is January and L is December. the next two digits are the day of manufacture. And the older system for the 5th digit was the year 0-9 So it looks like December 8 for your mower. And I would assume the M is 2021. But the K and L always referred to the next model year. So a L would be a 2022. model.

Dec 9, 2022#10

smhardesty

I'll have to keep researching those codes from MTD. It's funny that not one person has put the way to decipher the new numbers on a website somewhere on the "Net. Maybe somebody will get that info posted in the near future.

Dec 9, 2022#11

T

Tinkerer200

Welcome from east central Illinois,
Walt Conner

Dec 9, 2022#12

smhardesty

I guess I'm pretty close to east central Illinois, but officially I'm still in southeastern Illinois. I'm in Olney. Originally from Palestine, then a few other places during military tours and then a few places before we bought this house in Olney 6 years ago. This is where I'll die. I'm done moving. LOL!

Thanks for the welcome!

Dec 9, 2022#13

ILENGINE

smhardesty said:
I guess I'm pretty close to east central Illinois, but officially I'm still in southeastern Illinois. I'm in Olney. Originally from Palestine, then a few other places during military tours and then a few places before we bought this house in Olney 6 years ago. This is where I'll die. I'm done moving. LOL!

Thanks for the welcome!

So what is the fine for running over a white squirrel. It use to be a hefty amount back when I lived at Bridgeport.

Dec 9, 2022#14

smhardesty

HAH! Yeah, the ordinance states that a person may be fined $750 for "accidentally" running over a squirrel. Seems a tad bit high for a true accident.

Dec 12, 2022#15

Z

Zue

From Jacks Small Engine site. I think your model number is slightly wrong.

Dec 12, 2022#16

ILENGINE

Zue said:
View attachment 62977
From Jacks Small Engine site. I think your model number is slightly wrong.

Wrong model by you and the OP correctly model number is 11A-02BT752 2022

Dec 12, 2022#17

B

bootface

smhardesty said:
OK, I just now registered because I think I'm losing my mind. I'm trying to determine the year of manufacture for a lawn mower I just picked up. It is a Remington, 20", side discharge mower with a Briggs engine model number 08P502-0167-F1 and a serial number of 2110238970214. I have searched the 'Net high and low and every site I find that says it will tell me the year doesn't do that. I've followed all the deciphering on all the different sites I found and every one of them has a number where I have a letter or vice versa.

Can anyone tell me for certain what year this thing is? If it helps, the MTD model number is 11A-02B7752 and a serial number of 1L08MK11755. And if anyone has a link to a website that truly does correctly decipher Briggs model numbers to determine year, I'd love to have that link.

Why do you need to know this? If you have the model number that's all you need for getting parts. What does the year have to do with anything? Another thing. You are looking at two organizations here. MTD (under the Remington brand) put's the machine together - that's their year. The engine from Briggs could have been built 5 years earlier for all you know. So, once again, what does the year have to do with anything?

Dec 12, 2022#18

R

Rivets

Many times the date of manufacture is need because changes or updates have been made to individual parts. Parts may have been updated, superseded due to supplier change, or design change.

Dec 12, 2022#19

G

Gord Baker

Have you tried contacting MTD? Do you have a warranty claim? Don't worry about it.

Dec 12, 2022#20

smhardesty

ILENGINE said:
Wrong model by you and the OP correctly model number is 11A-02BT752 2022

OK. Yes, I put an extra 7 in the model number. I have some nerve damage that affects my right arm/hand. I have twitches that happen occasionally when I'm trying to do certain things. I guess I had a twitch and doubled the number 7 in the model. The correct number is 11A-02B752. I just double checked it to be sure. Then, the engine is stamped with the date of manufacture. It is 10/23/2022. The mower could be a 2022 model since the engine wasn't produced until October of 2021.

Dec 12, 2022#21

smhardesty

Zue said:
View attachment 62977
From Jacks Small Engine site. I think your model number is slightly wrong.

Zue. That isn't the model number of this mower. I just posted a reply that lists the correct model number. It is 11A-02B752. I tried using Jack's to locate info and parts, but that model isn't in their database yet.

Dec 12, 2022#22

smhardesty

bootface said:
Why do you need to know this? If you have the model number that's all you need for getting parts. What does the year have to do with anything? Another thing. You are looking at two organizations here. MTD (under the Remington brand) put's the machine together - that's their year. The engine from Briggs could have been built 5 years earlier for all you know. So, once again, what does the year have to do with anything?

Well, I need the date of manufacture for a couple of reasons. First, there are some parts that are different based on the year of manufacture. That is really evident in the carburetors, for one. I needed to be sure I had the correct model year. So far, I haven't needed to order any parts that require knowing the year, but I didn't know that when I first started working on this thing. Secondly, I am refurbishing these mowers to resell to local people. A mower that is 8, 10, or more years old doesn't profit from knowing the year. However, a mower that is KNOWN to be a one or two year old model garners greater interest from potential buyers. The average Joe doesn't really know the difference between make and model of the mower OR the engine, but he DOES know that a 1 year old mower should be a good one. Never mind that the truth might be that a 1 year old mower could have been abused and beaten to death. All Joe sees is the fact that it is a 1 year old mower.

And I am fully and completely aware of the fact that MTD built the mower using a Briggs engine. I had a small engine repair shop for several years while I still operated my computer business. Working on small engines allowed me to decompress from sitting and string into a computer monitor all day. So, this ain't my first rodeo.

Finally, the engine was built on the 23rd day of October, 2021. That data is stamped on the engine case. I mentioned in an earlier post that the mower is probably a 2022 model since the engine wasn't produce until October of 2021. And, once again, I'm fully aware that finished products using engines manufactured by other companies might very well be a different model year than the engine. And again, this ain't my first rodeo.

Dec 12, 2022#23

smhardesty

Gord Baker said:
Have you tried contacting MTD? Do you have a warranty claim? Don't worry about it.

Nope. No sense in trying to contact MTD. I buy mowers I find around the area and refurb them for resell. I wouldn't attempt to make a warranty claim. Doing the repairs ans refurbishing is what I do. LOL! After finding the DOM on the engine case, I know that the mower is only one year old. It was originally purchased by a young couple that never serviced it. They never even cleaned the air filter. They also let it sit outside. The little gal told me that they occasionally pushed it kind of under the front porch, if they remembered to. It wasn't overly abused, just not maintained. I have it running like an old sewing machine now. I'm just waiting for my oil extractor pump to get here so I can change the oil. Then, I'll give it one hell of a good cleaning and will give the whole thing a good dose of Armor All. That makes them shine like a new one. Buyers are impressed with mowers that are really clean and shiny. LOL! It's worth an extra 10% to 20% on the asking price.

Dec 12, 2022#24

S

slugaservice

smhardesty said:
OK, I just now registered because I think I'm losing my mind. I'm trying to determine the year of manufacture for a lawn mower I just picked up. It is a Remington, 20", side discharge mower with a Briggs engine model number 08P502-0167-F1 and a serial number of 2110238970214. I have searched the 'Net high and low and every site I find that says it will tell me the year doesn't do that. I've followed all the deciphering on all the different sites I found and every one of them has a number where I have a letter or vice versa.

Can anyone tell me for certain what year this thing is? If it helps, the MTD model number is 11A-02B7752 and a serial number of 1L08MK11755. And if anyone has a link to a website that truly does correctly decipher Briggs model numbers to determine year, I'd love to have that link.

It's a 2021, first 2 digits of serial and the M in the MTD serial number confirms it.

Dec 12, 2022#25

ILENGINE

slugaservice said:
It's a 2021, first 2 digits of serial and the M in the MTD serial number confirms it.

It is a 2022 The 1L08M is December 8 2021 but with MTD serial numbers any product built in November or December aka K or L is designed for the next model year so In this case the December build date make it a 2022 model year.

Dec 13, 2022#26

smhardesty

ILENGINE said:
It is a 2022 The 1L08M is December 8 2021 but with MTD serial numbers any product built in November or December aka K or L is designed for the next model year so In this case the December build date make it a 2022 model year.

OK. That's pretty much what I figured. I just didn't see how it could be a 2021 model if the engine wasn't produced until October of 2021. I know the kid I got it from told me that they had purchased the mower new at the beginning of this year's mowing season, which probably means it was a 2022 model. It's possible that there was still a 2021 leftover from last year, but not many places carry inventory from year to year anymore. With the DOM of the Briggs engine being October of 2021 and the kid saying they bought it this year, it makes perfect sense that it is a 2022 model.

Dec 14, 2022#27

StarTech

Boy I smell smoke....

That clearing out the cobwebs like firing up a seldom used heater.

Please it is just a little joking around. Glad you finally made sense out of things.

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Figuring out year of manufacture is driving me nuts

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