Briggs & Stratton filters have part numbers, and you can match them to aftermarket brands using cross-reference charts
Briggs & Stratton prints a part number on every oil filter it makes. That number — usually starting with 49 or 5 — is the direct way to order a replacement. But many people use aftermarket filters from Fram, Kohler, Motorcraft, or Wix instead, because they cost less or are easier to find locally. To use an aftermarket filter safely, you need a cross-reference chart that shows which Briggs & Stratton part number matches which competitor's part number.
The cross-reference exists because filters are engineered to fit specific engine sizes and thread patterns. A filter that works on a 5-horsepower vertical-shaft engine will not fit a 16-horsepower horizontal-shaft model, even if both are Briggs & Stratton. Using the wrong filter can cause oil to bypass the filter media, leaving your engine unprotected, or it can fail to thread on properly and leak.
Key Takeaways
- Briggs & Stratton part numbers always appear on the filter itself and in the engine's manual, usually in a section labeled "Maintenance" or "Specifications."
- Cross-reference charts match Briggs & Stratton part numbers to Fram, Kohler, Wix, and other brands, and are published by filter manufacturers and equipment retailers.
- The filter thread size and bypass valve setting must match your engine model; using a filter designed for a different horsepower range can damage the engine.
- If you cannot find your engine's part number, the engine's model and serial number can be used to look it up in Briggs & Stratton's online parts catalog.
Where to find your Briggs & Stratton filter part number
The part number is printed directly on the filter canister itself, usually on a label near the top. It is a five- or six-digit code that begins with 49 or 5 — for example, 491056 or 5043D. If the filter is old or the label has worn away, you can find the part number in your engine's owner's manual under the "Maintenance" or "Specifications" section. The manual will list the correct filter for each engine model.
If you do not have the manual, you can look up the part number using your engine's model and serial number. These are stamped on a metal plate bolted to the engine block, usually on the side or back. Write down both numbers exactly as they appear, then visit the Briggs & Stratton parts website or call a local Briggs & Stratton dealer with that information. They can tell you the correct filter part number in a few minutes.
How to read a cross-reference chart
Cross-reference charts are organized in columns: one column lists Briggs & Stratton part numbers, and the other columns list equivalent part numbers from Fram, Kohler, Wix, Motorcraft, and other brands. Find your Briggs & Stratton part number in the left column, then read across to find the matching part number for the brand you want to buy.
Fram publishes its own cross-reference on its website and on filter packaging. Wix does the same. Kohler cross-references are available through Kohler dealers and on Kohler's parts site. Many equipment retailers — including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Tractor Supply — also print cross-reference guides at the register or post them online. If you are buying in person, ask the cashier or a sales associate whether they have a printed chart; if you are shopping online, search the retailer's site for "Briggs & Stratton oil filter cross-reference."
Understanding filter specifications and why they matter
Every oil filter has two critical specifications: the thread size (the connection that screws onto the engine) and the bypass valve setting (the pressure at which the filter lets oil flow around the filter media if it becomes clogged). Briggs & Stratton engines use either 3/4-inch-16 or 13/16-inch-16 threads, depending on the model. A filter with the wrong thread size will not fit, or will fit loosely and leak.
The bypass valve is equally important. Small engines (under 10 horsepower) typically use a 3.5 to 4 PSI bypass setting, while larger engines use 5 to 6 PSI. If you install a filter with a bypass setting that is too high, the filter will clog before the bypass opens, starving the engine of oil. If the setting is too low, the bypass will open too easily and unfiltered oil will circulate. A cross-reference chart that is specific to your engine model will account for both of these specifications.
Common Briggs & Stratton filter part numbers and their matches
Some of the most common Briggs & Stratton filters and their aftermarket equivalents are listed below. This table covers filters for small to mid-size engines (5 to 16 horsepower). If your engine is larger or smaller, or if your part number does not appear here, use the lookup method described in the "Where to find your Briggs & Stratton filter part number" section above.
| Briggs & Stratton Part Number | Fram Equivalent | Wix Equivalent | Kohler Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 491056 | PH3593 | 51056 | 12 050 01 |
| 492932 | PH3674 | 51204 | 12 050 01-S |
| 5043D | PH2863 | 51056 | 12 050 01 |
| 5043K | PH3593 | 51056 | 12 050 01 |
| 5076K | PH3674 | 51204 | 12 050 01-S |
This table is a reference only and covers common models. Always verify the part number on your filter or in your manual before purchasing a replacement. Briggs & Stratton updates its part numbers and specifications regularly, and engine models vary widely. A filter that matches your part number in a cross-reference chart is safe to use; a filter that does not match should not be installed.
Where to buy cross-reference charts and filters
Briggs & Stratton publishes official cross-reference documents on its website under the "Parts & Accessories" section. These are free to read and cover all current and many discontinued models. Fram, Wix, and Kohler publish their own cross-references as well, and these are also free.
If you prefer a printed chart, most equipment retailers stock them at the checkout counter or can print one for you. Briggs & Stratton dealers always have cross-references on hand. Online, you can search for "[your part number] cross-reference" to find matches from multiple brands at once. Many parts retailers, including RockAuto and Amazon, also list cross-reference information in the product details for each filter.
What to do if you cannot find a cross-reference match
If your Briggs & Stratton part number does not appear in any cross-reference chart, the filter may be discontinued or specific to an older or specialty engine model. In this case, contact Briggs & Stratton customer service directly with your engine's model and serial number. They can confirm whether the part is still available and suggest current alternatives.
You can also reach out to a local Briggs & Stratton dealer or a small-engine repair shop. These shops work with Briggs & Stratton engines every day and often have access to cross-reference databases that are more complete than what is published online. They may also be able to recommend a filter that works with your engine even if the exact part number does not match, though this should only be done with professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any oil filter on my Briggs & Stratton engine as long as the thread size matches?
No. Thread size is necessary but not sufficient. The bypass valve setting must also match your engine's specifications. A filter with the correct thread but wrong bypass setting can damage the engine. Always use a cross-reference chart to confirm both the thread size and bypass valve rating before installing a filter.
What happens if I install a filter that does not match my engine model?
If the thread size is wrong, the filter will not fit or will leak oil. If the bypass valve setting is wrong, the engine will either starve for oil or run unfiltered. Either way, you risk engine damage. Remove the filter when ready and install the correct one.
Do I need to buy a Briggs & Stratton filter, or can I always use an aftermarket brand?
Aftermarket filters are safe as long as they match your engine's part number in a cross-reference chart. Fram, Wix, Kohler, and Motorcraft filters are engineered to the same specifications as Briggs & Stratton filters and are widely used. The choice is yours based on price, availability, and preference.
Where is the model and serial number on my Briggs & Stratton engine?
The model and serial number are stamped on a metal plate bolted to the engine block, usually on the side or back near the base. The plate is small and rectangular. Write down both numbers exactly as they appear, including any letters or dashes.
Can I look up my filter part number online without the manual?
Yes. Visit the Briggs & Stratton parts website, enter your engine's model and serial number, and the site will display the correct filter part number. You can also call a Briggs & Stratton dealer with this information and they will provide the part number over the phone.