Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 290000 Operator's Manual page 7

Service Spark Plug
See Figure: 6
Check the gap (A, Figure 6) 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: 7, 8, 9
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 7) and
keep it away from the spark plug(s) (E).
2. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 8).
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 8) 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 8) and wipe with a clean cloth.
Slowly pour oil into the engine oil fill (C, Figure 8). Do not overfill. After adding oil,
2.
wait one minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 8).
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 8) on the dipstick.
5. Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 8).
6. Connect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 7) to the spark plug(s) (E).
Service Air Filter
See Figure: 10
WARNING
Gaseous 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.
1. Open the fastener(s) (A, Figure 10) and remove the cover (B).
2. Remove the nut (C, Figure 10) and the retainer (D).
3. To prevent debris from falling into the carburetor, carefully remove the air filter (E,
Figure 10) .
4. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively
dirty, replace with a new filter.
5. Remove the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 10), if equipped, from the air filter (E).
6. Wash the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 10), if equipped, in liquid detergent and water.
Allow the pre-cleaner to thoroughly air dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
7. Install the dry pre-cleaner (F, Figure 10), if equipped, to the air filter (E).
8. Install the air filter (E, Figure 10) and secure with retainer (D) and nut (C).
9. Install the cover (B, Figure 10) and secure with the fastener(s) (A).
Service Cooling 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.
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 grille.
2. Keep linkage, springs and controls clean.
3. Keep the area around and behind the muffler, if equipped, free of any combustible
debris.
4. Make sure the oil cooler fins, if equipped, are free of dirt and debris.
After a period of time, debris can accumulate in the cylinder cooling fins and cause the
engine to overheat. This debris cannot be removed without partial disassembly of the
engine. Have a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer inspect and clean the air
cooling system as recommended in the Maintenance Schedule.
Storage
7