Thanks, I'm not really following you. When I Google "Briggs engine number code breaker" all I find is sites hat help you find the Model Number/Type/Code. I have all that:
MODEL TYPE CODE
31H777 0210 E1 020130ZA
No where can I locate that Model: 31H777, ie specifically with that 'H'.
and nowhere can I find where it says that 31H777 is yje same as 31(000).
I can find plenty of Parts sites that list my 31H777 but none when it comes to Specs, oe valve specs.
So what am I missing when you say "you will see that the first 3 numbers are the capacity of the engine." and my 1st 3 "s include an 'H'?
Opps, should have been 2 numbers sorry about that
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/briggs-stratton-model-locator.aspx
Down the bottom of this page is the breakdown of the model number codes .
What exactly the H designation stands for is something that will only be found on the Briggs power portal and that is closed to all but authorised Briggs dealers.
OTOH it is not needed to be known in order to run maintain or repair the engine.
If you had gone to
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/home.html
Then hit the "download manual" button
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/support/manuals.html?icid=homepageredesign_manuals_icon you would have come to this page.
Typing in your numbers and hitting search brings up this page
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/au/en_au/support/manuals/results.multiStepManualSearch.html?searchrequested=31h777-0210-e1
Funny enough the very top line reads
operator's manual covering model series 210000, 280000, 310000, and more English.
Downloading that operators manual reveals a book labled Model 3100 -Intek -IC - Extended Life Series ( + 21000 & 28000 series as well )
Page 5 lists the valve clearances as well as the Bore and Stroke for Models 21000 , model 28000 &
model 31000
Now considering you search the Briggs Support site with 31H777 and come up with this owners hand book
your engine is an Intek and the manual states it covers 310000 - INTEK
Is there any reason to believe that the owners manual the Briggs search brought up does not cover your engine ?
If you expected the cover of the owners handbook to list each & every specific model & code number variation on the book covers, then the front cover would be 40 pages long of 6pt type.