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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 5) 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.
How To Service The Air Filter - Figure
6
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Never start or 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.
Low-Profile Air Filter System (Figure 6)
1. Remove the knob (F) and the cover (G).SeeFigure6.
2. Remove the nut (H) and the retainer (J).
3. Remove the air filter (K).
4. Remove the pre-cleaner (L), if equipped, from the air filter.
5. To loosen debris, gently tap the air filter on a hard surface. If the air filter is
excessively dirty, replace with a new air f ilter.
6. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
7. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner to the air filter.
8. Install the air filter and secure with retainer and nut.
9. Install the cover and secure with knob.
How To Clean The Air Cooling System - Figure
7
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.
WARNING
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.
Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the finger guard/rotating screen (A,
Figure 7). Keep linkage, springs and controls clean. Keep the area around and behind
the muffler (C) free of any combustible debris. Make sure that the oil cooler fins (D)are
free of dirt and debris.
Storage
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When Storing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have
pilot lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
Engine Oil
While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil.
Troubleshooting
Need Assistance? Go to VanguardEngines.com or call (800) 999-9333 (in USA).
Specifications
Engine Specifications
Model 540000
Displacement 54.68 ci (896 cc)
Bore 3.366 in (85.5 mm)
Stroke 3.071 in (78.0 mm)
Oil Capacity 78 -- 80 oz (2.3 -- 2.4 L)
Engine Specifications
Model 610000
Displacement 60.60 ci (993 cc)
Bore 3.366 in (85.5 mm)
Stroke 3.406 in (86.5 mm)
Oil Capacity 78 -- 80 oz (2.3 -- 2.4 L)
Tune-up Specifications *
Model 540000
Spark Plug Gap 0.020 in (0.51 mm)
Spark Plug Torque 180 lb-in (20 Nm)
Armature Air Gap 0.005 - 0.008 in (0.13 - 0.20 mm)
Intake Valve Clearance 0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
Exhaust Valve Clearance 0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
Tune-up Specifications *
Model 610000
Spark Plug Gap 0.020 in (0.51 mm)
Spark Plug Torque 180 lb-in (20 Nm)
Armature Air Gap 0.005 - 0.008 in (0.13 - 0.20 mm)
Intake Valve Clearance 0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
Exhaust Valve Clearance 0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
* Engine power will decrease 3.5% for each 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level and 1% for each 10 F(5.6 C) above 77 F(25 C). The engine will operate satisfactorily at an
angle up to 15. Refer to the equipment operator’s manual for safe allowable operating limits on slopes.
Common Service Parts n
Service Part Part Number
Air Filter, Low-Profile - Generator UL
®
841856
Pre-Cleaner, Low-Profile 692520
Oil -- SAE 30 100028
Oil Filter 842921
Service Part Part Number
Resistor Spark Plug 491055
Long Life Platinum Spark Plug 5066
Spark Plug Wrench 19374
Spark Tester 19368
n We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
Not for
Reproduction