Servicing The Spark Plug; Servicing The Exhaust System; Servicing The Air Filter - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 10V000 Operator's Manual

• Replace the air filter.
Annually
• Replace the spark plug.
• Service the fuel system.
•
1
Service the cooling system .
•
2
Check the valve clearance .
1
Clean more frequently in dusty conditions or when many particles are in the air..
2
Not necessaryunless engine problems occur.
Carburetor and Engine Speed
Do not make adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was
set at the factory to operate satisfactorily in most conditions. Do not change the
governor spring, linkages, or other parts to adjust the engine speed. If adjustments
are necessary, contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for servicing.
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 correct operation
of the equipment, the engine speed should only be adjusted by a qualified service
technician.

Servicing the Spark Plug

Check the spark plug gap (A, Figure 20) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, set the
spark plug gap. Install and tighten the spark plug to the correct torque. For gap and
torque specifications, refer to the Specifications section.
NOTE: In some areas, it is mandatory by local law that you use a resistor spark plug
to decrease ignition signals. If a resistor spark plug was installed by the equipment
manufacturer, use the same type for replacement.
Servicing the Exhaust System
WARNING
During operation, the engine and muffler become hot. If you touch a hot engine,
thermal burns can occur.
Combustible materials, such as leaves, grass and brush, can catch fire.
• Before you touch the engine or muffler, stop the engine and wait two (2)
minutes. Make sure that the engine and muffler are safe to touch.
• Remove debris from the muffler and engine.
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;
reference Federal Regulation 36 CFR Part 261.52. Contact the original equipment
manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the exhaust
system installed on this engine.
Remove debris from the 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 the replacement parts
before you operate the equipment.
WARNING
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed in the same position as the
original parts. Other parts could result in damage or an injury.
Change Engine Oil
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion could result in
burns or death.
During operation, the engine and muffler become hot. If you touch a hot engine,
thermal burns can occur.
• If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty. If it is not
empty, fuel leakage can occur and cause a fire or an explosion.
• Before you touch the engine or muffler, stop the engine and wait two (2)
minutes. Make sure that the engine and muffler are safe to touch.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be discarded of correctly. Do not
discard with household waste. Contact your local authorities, service center, or dealer
for safe disposal or recycling facilities.
™
For Just Check & Add models, an oil change is not necessary. If an oil change is
necessary, refer to the procedure that follows.
Remove Oil
1. With engine off but warm, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 21) and keep
it away from the spark plug(s) (E).
2. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 22).
3. The engine has two oil drain plugs (H, F, Figure 23). Remove the oil drain plugs (H,
F). Drain the oil into an approved container.
4. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug (F, Figure 23).
Add Oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of all debris.
• Refer to the Specifications section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick. See Remove Oil section. Remove oil from the dipstick with a
clean cloth
2. The engine has two oil fills (C, G, Figure 24). Slowly add oil into one the engine oil
fills (C, G). Do not add too much oil. Wait one minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. The correct oil level is at the top of the
full indicator on the dipstick. See Check the Oil Level section.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick again.
6. Connect the spark plug wire(s) to the spark plug(s). See Remove Oil section.
Change Gear Reduction Oil
Some engines are equipped with a Gear Reduction Unit. If equipped, refer to the steps
for one of the Gear Reduction Units that follow.
2:1 Chain Reduction Unit
If the engine is installed with a 2:1 chain reduction unit (G, Figure 25), an oil change is
not necessary. The oil in the engine also lubricates the chain reduction unit.
2:1 Wet Clutch Reduction Unit
If the engine is equipped with a 2:1 wet clutch reduction unit, do the steps that follow:
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 26).
2. Remove the drain plug (B, Figure 26), and drain the oil into an approved container.
3. Install and tighten the oil drain plug (B, Figure 26).
4. Slowly add oil into the oil fill (C, Figure 26). See Specifications section.
5. Install the dipstick (A, Figure 26).
6. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 26) and check the oil level. The correct oil level is at
the top of the full indicator (D) on the dipstick.
7. Install the dipstick (A, Figure 26).
6:1 Gear Reduction Unit
If your engine is equipped with a 6:1 gear reduction unit, do the steps that follow:
1. Remove the oil fill plug (A, Figure 27) and the oil level plug (B).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (C, Figure 27) and drain the oil into an approved
container.
3. Install and tighten the oil drain plug (C, Figure 27).
4. Slowly add gear reduction oil (80W-90) into the oil fill hole (D, Figure 27). Continue
to add the gear reduction oil (80W-90) until the oil comes out of the oil level hole
(E).
5. Install and tighten the oil level plug (B, Figure 27).
6. Install and tighten the oil fill plug (A, Figure 27).
NOTE: The oil fill plug (A, Figure 27) has a vent hole (F) and must be installed on the
top of the gear case cover as shown.

Servicing the Air Filter

WARNING
Fuel vapors are flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion could result in burns
or death.
• Do not start and operate the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped)
or the air filter (if equipped) removed.
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