General Information; Operator Safety - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 290000 Operator's Manual

General Information

This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks
associated with engines and how to avoid them. It also contains instructions for the
proper use and care of the engine. Because Briggs & Stratton Corporation does not
necessarily know what equipment this engine will power, it is important that you read and
understand these instructions and the instructions for the equipment. Save these
original instructions for future reference.
For replacement parts or technical assistance, record below the engine model, type, and
code numbers along with the date of purchase. These numbers are located on your
engine (see the Features and Controls page).
Date of purchase:
Engine model:
Model:
Look for the 2D barcode located on some
engines. When viewed with a 2D--capable
device, the code will bring up our website
where you can access support information
for this product. Data rates apply. Some
countries may not have online support
information available.

Operator Safety

SAFETY AND CONTROL SYMBOLS
Fire Moving Parts
Fast Stop
Choke On Off
Hazardous
Read Manual
Chemical
The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards that can
result in personal injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the
alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition, a hazard
symbol may be used to represent the type of hazard.
DANGER
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE
indicates a situation that could result in damage to the product.
4
MM/DD/YYYY
Type:
Toxic Fumes
Oil
Explosion Shock
Fuel Shutoff Kickback
Hot Surface Frostbite
Code:
WARNING
Certain components in this product and its related accessories contain chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
Slow
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Fuel
WARNING
Briggs & Stratton Engines are not designed for and are not to be used to power:
fun-karts; go-karts; children's, recreational, or sport all-terrain vehicles (ATVs);
motorbikes; hovercraft; aircraft products; or vehicles used in competitive events not
sanctioned by Briggs & Stratton. For information about competitive racing products,
Wear Eye
see www.briggsracing.com. For use with utility and side-by-side ATVs, please
Protection
contact Briggs & Stratton Engine Application Center, 1-866-927-3349. Improper
engine application may result in serious injury or death.
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.
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When Adding Fuel
Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.

Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks.

Replace if necessary.
When Starting Engine
Ensure that spark plug, muffler, and air cleaner (if equipped) are in place and

secured.
Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

When Operating Equipment
Never start or run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the

air filter (if equipped) removed.
When Transporting Equipment
On Natural/Liquid Petroleum (LP) Gas engines, transport with fuel cylinder

empty or valve closed, or fuel tank disconnected.
When Storing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have

pilot lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
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