Maintenance Schedule - Briggs & Stratton VANGUARD 540000 Operator's Manual

WARNING
When performing maintenance that requires the unit to be tipped, the fuel tank, if
mounted on the engine, must be empty or fuel can leak out and result in a fire or
explosion.
We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service 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
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.
Emissions Control Service
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 Control Statements.

Maintenance Schedule

Every 8 Hours or Daily
• Check engine oil level
• Clean area around muffler and controls
Every 100 Hours or Annually
• Replace spark plugs
• Change engine oil
• Replace oil filter (if equipped)
• Clean or change air filter
1, 2
• Clean pre-cleaner (if equipped)
• Service exhaust system
Every 250 Hours
• Check valve clearance. Adjust if necessary.
Every 400 Hours or Annually
• Replace air filter
2
• Replace fuel filter
• Service cooling system
1
• Clean oil cooler fins 1
Every 600 Hours or Annually
• Replace safety filter (if equipped)
1
In dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often.
2
Every third air filter change, replace the inner safety filter (if equipped).
8
1
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System
The EFI System monitors engine temperature, engine speed, and battery voltage for
engine starting and warm up. There are no adjustments on the system. If starting or
operation problems occur, contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer.
NOTICE Make sure to follow the steps below or the EFI System could be damaged.
• Never start the engine if the battery cables are loose.
• Turn the key to the off position before disconnecting, removing and or installing the
battery.
• Never use a battery charger to start the engine.
• Never disconnect the battery cables while the engine is running.
• When connecting the battery cables, first connect the positive (+) cable and then
connect the negative (-) cable to the battery.
• When charging the battery, turn the ignition switch to the off position and
disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
• Do not spray water directly on the Electronic Control Module.
Carburetor and Engine Speed
Never make adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was set at
the factory to operate efficiently under most conditions. Do not tamper with the governor
spring, linkages, or other parts to change the engine speed. If any adjustments are
required contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for service.
NOTICE The equipment manufacturer specifies the maximum speed for the engine
as installed on the equipment. Do not exceed this speed. If you are not sure what the
equipment maximum speed is, or what the engine speed is set to from the factory,
contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for assistance. For safe and
proper operation of the equipment, the engine speed should be adjusted only by a
qualified service technician.
Service Spark Plug
See Figure: 8
Check the gap (A, Figure 8) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, reset the gap. Install
and tighten the spark plug to the recommended torque. For gap setting or torque, see
the Specifications section.
Note: In some areas, local law requires using a resistor spark plug to suppress ignition
signals. If this engine was originally equipped with a resistor spark plug, use the same
type for replacement.
Service Exhaust System
WARNING
Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler, become
extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
• Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
• Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area.
• It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or
operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section
4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or federal jurisdictions
may have similar laws. Contact the original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or
dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this
engine.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler for
cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the deflector or the spark arrester, if
equipped, and inspect for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install
replacement parts before operating.
WARNING
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.
Change Engine Oil
See Figure: 9, 10
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