Operation; Oil Recommendations; Fuel Recommendations - Briggs & Stratton VANGUARD 540000 Operator's Manual

K. Electric Starter
L. Starter Solenoid
M. Regulator/Rectifier
N. Carburetor - Carburetor Models
O. Carburetor Cover - Carburetor Models
P. Choke Control (if equipped) - Carburetor Models
Q. Breather/Breather Tube
R. Fuel Pump
S. Fuel Filter (if equipped)
T. Oil Cooler (if equipped)
U. Muffler (if equipped)
Engine Control Symbols and Meanings
Engine speed - FAST
Engine speed - STOP
Engine start - Choke
CLOSED
Fuel Cap
Fuel Shut-off - OPEN
Fuel level - Maximum
Do not overfill

Operation

Oil Recommendations

Oil Capacity: See the Specifications section.
NOTICE
Some engines are shipped from Briggs & Stratton with or without oil. Always make
sure that the engine has oil. If you start the engine without oil, it will be damaged
beyond repair and will not be included under the warranty.
We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton
performance. Other high-quality detergent oils are permitted if classified for service SF,
SG, SH, SJ or higher. Do not use special additives.
Outdoor temperatures determine the correct oil viscosity for the engine. Use the chart
to select the best viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected. Engines on
most outdoor power equipment operate well with 5W-30 Synthetic oil. For equipment
operated in hot temperatures, Vanguard
protection.
6
Engine speed - SLOW
ON - OFF
Engine start - Choke OPEN
Fuel Shut-off - CLOSED
®
Warranty Certified oils for best
®
15W-50 Synthetic oil gives the best
A SAE 30 - Below 40 °F (4 °C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
B 10W-30 - Above 80 °F (27 °C) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil
consumption. Check the oil level frequently.
C 5W-30
D Synthetic 5W-30
E
®
Vanguard Synthetic 15W-50
Check Oil Level
See Figure: 5
Before adding or checking the oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 5) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Fully install the dipstick (A, Figure 5).
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 5) on the dipstick.
4. If oil level is low, slowly add oil into the engine oil fill (C, Figure 5). Do not overfill.
After adding oil, wait one minute and then recheck the oil level.
5. Fully install the dipstick (A, Figure 5).
Low Oil Protection System (if equipped)
Some engines are equipped with a low oil sensor. If the oil is low, the sensor will either
activate a warning light or stop the engine. Stop the engine and follow these steps
before restarting the engine.
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Check the oil level. See the Check Oil Level section.
• If the oil level is low, add the proper amount of oil. Start the engine and make sure
the warning light (if equipped) is not activated.
• If the oil level is not low, do not start the engine. Contact a Briggs & Stratton
Authorized Service Dealer to have the oil problem corrected.

Fuel Recommendations

Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). High altitude use, see below.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.
NOTICE Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E15 and E85. Do not mix oil in
gasoline or modify the engine to run on alternate fuels. Use of unapproved fuels will
damage the engine components, which will not be covered under warranty.
To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix a fuel stabilizer into the fuel.
See Storage. All fuel is not the same. If start or performance problems occur, change
fuel providers or brands. This engine is certified to operate on gasoline. The emissions
control system for carbureted engines is EM (Engine Modifications). The emissions
control systems for engines with electronic fuel injection are ECM (Engine Control
Module), MPI (Multi Port Injection), and if equipped an O2S (Oxygen Sensor).
High Altitude
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85 octane/85 AKI (89 RON)
gasoline is acceptable.
For carbureted engines, high altitude adjustment is required to maintain performance.
Operation without this adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased fuel
consumption, and increased emissions. Contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service
Dealer for high altitude adjustment information. Operation of the engine at altitudes
below 2,500 feet (762 meters) with the high altitude adjustment is not recommended.
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