Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 540000 Operator's Manual

Note: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, go to
VanguardEngines.com or call 1-800-999-9333 (in USA).
NOTICE: To extend the life of the starter, use short starting cycles (five seconds
maximum). Wait one minute between starting cycles.
How To Stop The Engine - Figure 3
1. Move the throttle control to the slow position, turn the key switch (C) to the off
position (Figure 3). Remove the key and keep in a safe place out of the reach of
children.
2. After the engine stops, turn the fuel shut-off valve (A), if equipped, to the closed
position.

Maintenance

We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all
maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
NOTICE: All the components used to build this engine must remain in place for proper
operation.
Emissions Control
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emissions control devices and systems
may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual.
However, to obtain "no charge" emissions control service, the work must be performed
by a factory authorized dealer. See the Emissions Warranty.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in entanglement, traumatic
amputation, or laceration.
Fire hazard
Before performing adjustments or repairs:
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug.

Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only engines with electric start.)

Use only correct tools.

Do not tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine

speed.
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.
Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel

may later shatter during operation.
When testing for spark:
Use approved spark plug tester.

Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.

Maintenance Chart
First 5 Hours
Change oil

Every 8 Hours or Daily
Check engine oil level

Clean area around muffler and controls

Every 100 Hours or Annually
Clean or change air filter *

Y
Change engine oil and filter

Replace spark plug

Check muffler and spark arrester

Every 250 Hours or Annually
Check valve clearance. Adjust if necessary.

Every 400 Hours or Annually
Change air filter

Y
Clean air cooling system *

Clean oil cooler fins *

Every 600 Hours or Annually
Change safety filter (if equipped)

* In dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often.
Every third air filter change, replace the inner safety filter (if equipped).
Y
en
NOTICE: The manufacturer of the equipment on which this engine is installed specifies
the top speed at which the engine will be operated. Do not exceed this speed.
How To Replace The Spark Plug - Figure 4
Check the gap (A, Figure 4) 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.
Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester - Figure 5
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 area and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler (A,
Figure 5) for cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the spark arrester (B), 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.
How To Change The Oil - Figure 6
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 (A) and keep it away
from the spark plug (Figure 6).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (B). Drain the oil into an approved container.
3. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
Change The Oil Filter
All models are equipped with an oil filter. For replacement intervals, see the
Maintenance chart.
1. Drain the oil from the engine. See Remove Oil section.
2. Remove the oil filter (C, Figure 6) and dispose of properly.
3. Before installing 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. It should be at the top of the full indicator (F)
on the dipstick.
Add Oil
Place engine level.

Clean the oil fill area of any debris.

See the Specifications section for oil capacity.

1. Remove the dipstick (D, Figure 6) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait
one minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator
(F) on the dipstick.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick.
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