Service Air Filter - Briggs & Stratton VANGUARD 540000 Operator's Manual

Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be disposed of properly. Do not discard
with household waste. Check with your local authorities, service center, or dealer for
safe disposal/recycling facilities.
Remove Oil
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 9) and
keep it away from the spark plug(s) (E).
2. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 10).
3. Remove the oil drain plug (F, Figure 9). Drain the oil into an approved container.
4. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug (F, Figure 9).
Change Oil Filter, if equipped
Some models are equipped with an oil filter. For replacement intervals, see the
Maintenance Schedule.
1. Drain the oil from the engine. See Remove Oil section.
2. Remove the oil filter (G, Figure 9) and dispose of properly.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter gasket with fresh,
clean oil.
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter adapter, then
tighten the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil. See Add Oil section.
6. Start and run the engine. As the engine warms up, check for oil leaks.
7. Stop the engine and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 10) on the dipstick.
Add Oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
• See the Specifications section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 10) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Slowly pour oil into the engine oil fill (C, Figure 10). Do not overfill. After adding
oil, wait one minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 10).
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 10) on the dipstick.
5. Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 10).
6. Connect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 9) to the spark plug(s) (E).

Service Air Filter

See Figure: 11, 12
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
• Never start and run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the
air filter (if equipped) removed.
NOTICE Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air
can damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
See the Maintenance Schedule for service requirements.
Various models use either a foam or a paper filter. Some models may also have an
optional pre-cleaner that can be washed and reused. Compare the illustrations in this
manual with the type installed on your engine and service as follows.
Paper Air Filter
1. Open the fastener(s) (A, Figure 11) and remove the cover (B).
2. Remove the air filter (C, Figure 11).
3. To loosen debris, gently tap the air filter on a hard surface. If the air filter is
excessively dirty, replace with a new air filter.
4. To remove the safety filter (D, Figure 11), if equipped, carefully pull it away from
the air cleaner body (E). Make sure that dirt or debris does not enter the engine.
5. Install the new safety filter (D, Figure 11) in the air cleaner body (E).
6. Install the air filter (C, Figure 11) over the safety filter (D).
7. Install the cover (B, Figure 11) and close the fastener(s) (A).
Paper Air Filter
1. Remove the fastener(s) (A, Figure 12).
2. Remove the cover (B, Figure 12).
3. Remove the fastener(s) (C, Figure 12) and retainer (D).
4. Remove the air filter (E, Figure 12).
5. Remove the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 12), if equipped, from the air filter (E).
6. To loosen debris, gently tap the air filter (E, Figure 12) on a hard surface. If the air
filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new air filter.
7. Wash the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 12), if equipped, in liquid detergent and water.
Allow the pre-cleaner to thoroughly air dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
8. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner (F, Figure 12), if equipped, to the air filter (E).
9. Install the air filter (E, Figure 12) and secure with retainer (D) and fastener(s) (C).
10. Install the cover (B, Figure 12) and secure with the fastener(s) (A). Make sure the
fastener(s) is tight.
Service Fuel System
See Figure: 13
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition
sources.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
• Before cleaning or replacing the fuel filter, drain the fuel tank or close the fuel shut-
off valve.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
• Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the
original parts.
Fuel Filter, if equipped
1. Before replacing the fuel filter (A, Figure 13), if equipped, drain the fuel tank or
close the fuel shut-off valve. Otherwise, fuel can leak out and cause a fire or
explosion.
2. Use pliers to squeeze tabs (B, Figure 13) on the clamps (C), then slide the clamps
away from the fuel filter (A). Twist and pull the fuel lines (D) off of the fuel filter.
3. Check the fuel lines (D, Figure 13) for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
4. Replace the fuel filter (A, Figure 13) with an original equipment replacement filter.
5. Secure the fuel lines (D, Figure 13) with clamps (C) as shown.
Service Cooling System
See Figure: 14, 15
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.
NOTICE Do not use water to clean the engine. Water could contaminate the fuel
system. Use a brush or dry cloth to clean the engine.
This is an air cooled engine. Dirt or debris can restrict air flow and cause the engine to
overheat, resulting in poor performance and reduced engine life.
1. Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the air intake area (A, Figure 14).
2. Keep linkage, springs and controls (B, Figure 15) clean.
3. Keep the area around and behind the muffler (C, Figure 15) free of any
combustible debris.
4. Make sure the oil cooler fins (D, Figure 15) are free of dirt and debris.
5. Loosen fastener(s) (E, Figure 14) until you hear a click. Remove panel (F). and
clean the area of dirt and debris. Make sure the underside of the panel is also
clean.
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