Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 540000 Series Operator'S Manual Download Page 7

Page: 7 / 32

Start and Stop the Engine

WARNING

Fast retraction of the starter cord (kickback) will pull your hand and arm to the

engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains

could result.

•

To prevent kickback when you start the engine, pull the starter cord slowly until

resistance is felt and then pull quickly.

•

Before you start the engine, disconnect or remove all external equipment and

engine loads.

•

Make sure that direct-coupled equipment components, such as, but not limited

to, blades, impellers, pulleys, and sprockets, are correctly attached.

WARNING

Fuel and its vapors are flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion could result

in burns or death.

When you start the engine

•

Make sure that the spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner (if equipped)

are correctly installed.

•

Do not crank the engine with the spark plug removed.

•

If the engine is flooded, set the choke (if equipped) to the OPEN or RUN

position. Move the throttle (if equipped) to the FAST position and crank until the

engine starts.

•

If there is natural or LP gas leakage in the area, do not start the engine.

•

Because vapors are flammable, do not use pressurized starter fluids.

WARNING

POISONOUS GAS HAZARD. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a

poisonous gas that could kill you in minutes. Although you do not smell exhaust

fumes, you could still be exposed to dangerous carbon monoxide gas. If you feel

sick, dizzy, or weak while you use this product, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY.

See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

•

Carbon monoxide gas can collect in occupied spaces. To reduce the risk of

carbon monoxide gas, ONLY operate this product outdoors and far away from

windows, doors and vents.

•

Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide

alarms with battery back-up as specified by the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarms cannot sense carbon monoxide gas.

•

DO NOT operate this product in homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces,

sheds, or other closed spaces, even if you use fans or open doors and

windows for ventilation. After the operation of this product, carbon monoxide

can quickly collect in these spaces and stay for hours.

•

ALWAYS put this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away from

occupied spaces.

NOTICE

This engine was shipped from Briggs & Stratton without oil. Equipment manufacturers

or dealers could have added oil to the engine. Before you start the engine for the

first time, make sure that the oil is at the correct level. Add oil as specified by the

instructions in this manual. If you start the engine without oil, damage will occur and the

engine will not be repaired under warranty.

Types of Start Systems

Before you start the engine, you must know the type of start system on your engine.

Your engine has one of these types.

•

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System:

This system does not have a choke

or a primer.

•

Choke System:

This type of system has a choke to use in cool temperatures.

Some models have a choke control, but other models have a combination

choke and throttle choke. It does not have a primer.

NOTE:

Your equipment can have remote controls. Refer to the equipment manual for

location and operation of remote controls.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System

1. Check the engine oil. See the

Check Oil Level

section.

2. Make sure that the equipment drive controls, if installed, are disengaged.
3. Move the fuel shut-off (A, Figure 7), if installed, to the OPEN position.
4. Move the throttle control (B, Figure 7), if installed, to the FAST position. Operate the

engine in the FAST position.

5. Push the stop switch (D, Figure 7), if installed, to the ON position.
6. Turn the electric start switch (E, Figure 7) to the ON or START position.

NOTICE

To extend the life of the starter, use short start cycles (five seconds maximum).

Wait one minute between start cycles.

If the engine does not start after 3 or 4 times, contact your local dealer or go to

vanguardpower.com or call 1-800-999-9333.

Choke System

1. Check the engine oil. See

Check Oil Level

section.

2. Make sure that the equipment drive controls, if installed, are disengaged.
3. Move the fuel shut-off (A, Figure 8), if installed, to the OPEN position.
4. Move the throttle control (B, Figure 8), if installed, to the FAST position. Operate the

engine in the FAST position.

5. Move the choke control (C, Figure 8), or the combination choke and throttle (B,C) to

the CLOSED position.

NOTE:

To start the engine with a dry fuel system, additional cranking time in the choke

position will be required. This will give the fuel pump time to prime the fuel system.

6. Push the stop switch (D, Figure 8), if installed, to the ON position.
7. Turn the key switch (E, Figure 8) to the ON or START position.
8. If the engine starts but will not continue to operate, move the choke control (C,

Figure 8) to the OPEN position to start the engine.

NOTICE

To extend the life of the starter, use short start cycles (five seconds maximum).

Wait one minute between start cycles.

9. As the engine warms, move the choke control (C, Figure 8) to the OPEN position.

If the engine does not start after 3 or 4 times, contact your local dealer or go to

BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM or call 1-800-444-7774.

Stop the Engine

WARNING

Fuel and its vapors are flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion could result in

burns or death.

•

Do not choke the carburetor (if equipped) to stop the engine.

1. Push the stop switch, (D, Figure 9), if installed, to the OFF position.
2. With the throttle control in the SLOW position, turn the key switch (E, Figure 9), if

installed, to the OFF position.

3. Remove the key and keep it in a safe location out of reach of children.
4. After the engine stops, move the fuel shut-off (A, Figure 9), if installed, to the

CLOSED position.

Maintenance

Maintenance Information

WARNING

During maintenance if it is necessary to tilt the unit, make sure that the fuel tank, if

mounted on the engine, is empty and that the spark plug side is up. If the fuel tank is not

empty, leakage can occur and could result in a fire or an explosion. If the engine is tilted

in a different direction, it will not easily start because of oil or fuel contamination of the air

filter or the spark plug.
We recommend that you see a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer for all

maintenance and servicing of the engine and engine parts.

NOTICE

All the components used to build this engine must remain in place for correct operation.