Maintenance; Emissions Control - Briggs & Stratton 540000 Operator's Manual

WARNING
POISONOUS GAS HAZARD. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a poisonous gas that could kill you in minutes. You
CANNOT see it, smell it, or taste it. Even if you do not smell exhaust
fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide gas. If you start
to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product, shut it off and get
to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and vents to

reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being
drawn towards occupied spaces.
Install battery--operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug--in carbon monoxide

alarms with battery back-up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Smoke alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces,

sheds, or other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors
and windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these
spaces and can linger for hours, even after this product has shut off.
ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away from

occupied spaces.
NOTICE: This engine was shipped from Briggs & Stratton without oil. Before you start
the engine, make sure you add oil according to the instructions in this manual. If you
start the engine without oil, it will be damaged beyond repair and will not be covered
under warranty.
Determine The Starting System
Before starting the engine, you must determine the type of starting system that is on your
engine. Your engine will have one of the following types.
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System: This features Electronic Fuel Injection. It

does not have a manual choke.
Choke System: This features a choke to be used for starting in cool temperatures.

Some models will have a separate choke control while others will have a
combination choke/throttle control. This type does not have a primer.
To start your engine, follow the instructions for your type of starting system.
Note: Some engines and equipment have remote controls and safety devices. Before
starting the engine, see the equipment manual for location and operation of these
controls and devices.
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System - Figure 4
1. Check the oil level. See the How To Check/Add Oil section.
2. Make sure equipment drive controls, if equipped, are disengaged.
3. Move the throttle control to the slow position.
4. Turn the electric start switch (D, Figure 4) to the on/start position.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, go to
VanguardEngines.com or call 1-800-999-9333 (in USA).

Maintenance

We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all
maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
NOTICE: All the components used to build this engine must remain in place for proper
operation.
WARNING:
When performing maintenance that requires the unit to be
tipped, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or
explosion.

Emissions Control

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emissions control devices and systems
may be performed by any off-road engine repair establishment or individual.
However, to obtain "no charge" emissions control service, the work must be performed
by a factory authorized dealer. See the Emissions Warranty.
8
NOTICE: To extend the life of the starter, use short starting cycles (five seconds
maximum). Wait one minute between starting cycles.
Choke System - Figure 4
1. Check the oil level. See the How To Check/Add Oil section.
2. Make sure equipment drive controls, if equipped, are disengaged.
3. Turn the fuel shut-off valve (A), if equipped, to the on position (Figure 4).
4. Move the throttle control (B) to the fast
position.
5. Pull out the choke control (C), if equipped, to the choke
Note: To start the engine with a dry fuel system (first time starting or after running out
of fuel), additional cranking time in the choke
give the fuel pump time to prime the fuel system.
6. Push the stop switch (D), if equipped, to the on position.
7. Turn the electric start switch (E) to the on/start position (Figure 4).
8. If the engine fires but will not continue to run, move the choke control (C) to the run
position to start the engine.
NOTICE: To extend the life of the starter, use short starting cycles (five seconds
maximum). Wait one minute between starting cycles.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, contact your local dealer
or go to VanguardEngines.com or call 1-800-999-9333 (in USA).
9. As the engine warms up, move the choke control (C) to the run
How To Stop The Engine - Figure 4
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Do not choke the carburetor, if equipped, to stop engine.

1. Move the throttle control to the slow position, turn the key switch (E) to the off
position (Figure 4). Remove the key and keep in a safe place out of the reach of
children.
2. Push the stop switch (D), if equipped, to the off position.
3. After the engine stops, turn the fuel shut-off valve (A), if equipped, to the closed
position.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
Fire hazard
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug.

Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only engines with electric start.)

Use only correct tools.

Do not tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine

speed.
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed in the same

position as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may damage
the unit, and may result in injury.
Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel

may later shatter during operation.
When testing for spark:
Use approved spark plug tester.

Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.

position. Operate the engine in the fast
position.
position will be required. This will
position.
VanguardEngines.com