Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 540000 Series Operator'S Manual Download Page 9

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4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. The correct oil level is at the top of the

full indicator (B, Figure 12) on the dipstick.

5. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 12).
6. Connect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 11) to the spark plug(s) (E).

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.

NOTICE

Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter. Pressurized air could result in

damage to the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter.
See the

Maintenance Schedule

for service requirements.

Different models will use a foam or a paper filter. Some models could also have an

optional pre-cleaner that can be washed and used again. Compare the illustrations in

this manual with the type installed on your engine and service as follows.

Cyclonic Air Filter with Safety Filter

1. Open the fastener(s) (A, Figure 15) and remove the cover (B).
2. Remove the air filter (C, Figure 15).
3. To loosen debris, lightly tap the air filter on a hard surface. If the air filter is dirty,

replace it with a new air filter.

4. To remove the safety filter (D, Figure 15), if installed, carefully pull it away from the

air cleaner body (E). Make sure that dirt or debris does not go into the engine.

5. Install the new safety filter (D, Figure 15) in the air cleaner body (E).
6. Install the air filter (C, Figure 15) above the safety filter (D).
7. Install the cover (B, Figure 15) and close the fastener(s) (A).

Low Profile Air Filter

1. Remove the fastener(s) (A, Figure 16).
2. Remove the cover (B, Figure 16).
3. Remove the fastener(s) (C, Figure 16) and retainer (D).
4. Remove the air filter (E, Figure 16).
5. Remove the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 16), if installed, from the air filter (E).
6. To loosen unwanted material, lightly tap the air filter (E, Figure 16) on a hard

surface. If the air filter is dirty, replace with a new air filter.

7. Clean the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 16), if installed, in liquid detergent and water. Make

sure the pre-cleaner is fully dry.

Do not

lubricate the pre-cleaner.

8. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner (F, Figure 16), if installed, to the air filter (E).
9. Install the air filter (E, Figure 16) with the retainer (D) and fastener(s) (C).
10. Install the cover (B, Figure 16) with the fastener(s) (A). Make sure that the

fastener(s) is tight.

Servicing the Fuel System

WARNING

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

burns or death.

•

Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition

sources.

•

Frequently examine the fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel cap, and connections for cracks

or leaks. Replace damaged parts.

•

Before you clean or replace the fuel filter, drain the fuel tank or close the fuel

shut-off valve.

•

If fuel spills, wait until it dries before you start the engine.

•

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.

Fuel Filter, if installed

1. Before you clean or replace the fuel filter (A, Figure 17), drain the fuel tank or close

the fuel shut-off valve. If the fuel tank is not drained, fuel leakage could occur and

cause a fire or explosion.

2. Use pliers to squeeze tabs (B, Figure 17) on the clamps (C), then move the clamps

away from the fuel filter (A). Twist and pull the fuel lines (D) off of the fuel filter.

3. Examine the fuel lines (D, Figure 17) for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
4. Replace the fuel filter (A, Figure 17) with an original equipment replacement filter.

5. Attach the fuel lines (D, Figure 17) with clamps (C).

Servicing the Cooling System

WARNING

During operation, the engine and muffler become hot. If you touch a hot engine,

thermal burns can occur.

Combustible debris, 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.

NOTICE

Do not use water to clean the engine. Water could cause contamination of the fuel

system. Use a brush or dry cloth to clean the engine.
This is an air cooled engine. Dirt or debris can stop the air flow and cause the engine to

become too hot and result in unsatisfactory performance and decreased engine life.
1. Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the air intake area (A, Figure 18).
2. Keep linkage, springs, and controls (B, Figures 18, 19) clean.
3. Keep the area around and behind the muffler (C, Figures 18, 19) free of

combustible debris.

4. Make sure the oil cooler fins (D, Figure 18) are free of dirt and debris.
5. Loosen the fastener(s) (E, Figures 18, 19) and remove the debris access panels

(F). Remove grass and debris that has collected on the cylinders.

6. Install the debris access panels (F, Figures 18, 19) and attach with fastener(s) (E).
After a period of time, debris can collect in the cylinder cooling fins and cause the engine

to overheat. This debris cannot be removed without partial disassembly of the engine.

As recommended in the

Maintenance Schedule

, have a Briggs & Stratton Authorized

Service Dealer inspect and clean the air cooling system.

Storage

Fuel System

Refer to Figure: 20.

WARNING

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

burns or death.

Fuel Storage

•

Because pilot lights or other ignition sources can cause explosions, keep fuel or

equipment away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that

have pilot lights.

Keep the engine level at the correct operating position. Fill the fuel tank (A, Figure 20)

with fuel. For fuel expansion, do not fill above the fuel tank neck (B).
Fuel can become stale when kept in a storage container for more than 30 days. The

use of an alcohol-free fuel stabilizer and ethanol treatment in the fuel storage container

is recommended. This keeps fuel fresh and decreases fuel-related problems or

contamination in the fuel system.
When you fill the container with fuel, add an alcohol-free fuel stabilizer as specified by

the manufacturer’s instructions. If gasoline in the engine has not been treated with a fuel

stabilizer, it must be drained into an approved container. Operate the engine until it is

out of fuel.

NOTE:

DO NOT run the Electronic Fuel Injection engine out of fuel. Fuel pump damage

can occur. Make sure to add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank, and

run the engine for 30 minutes.

Engine Oil

While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil. Refer to