Briggs & Stratton Vanguardt 540000 Manuel De L'opérateur page 8

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). See Figure 6.
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 filter.
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.
Engine Specifications
Model
Displacement
Bore
Stroke
Oil Capacity
Tune-up Specifications *
Model
Spark Plug Gap
Spark Plug Torque
Armature Air Gap
Intake Valve Clearance
Exhaust Valve Clearance
* 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.
Service Part
Air Filter, Low-Profile - Generator UL
Pre-Cleaner, Low-Profile
Oil -- SAE 30
Oil Filter
n We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
8
Specifications
540000
54.68 ci (896 cc)
3.366 in (85.5 mm)
3.071 in (78.0 mm)
78 -- 80 oz (2.3 -- 2.4 L)
540000
0.020 in (0.51 mm)
180 lb-in (20 Nm)
0.005 - 0.008 in (0.13 - 0.20 mm)
0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
Part Number
841856
®
692520
100028
842921
How To Clean The Air Cooling System - Figure 7
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.

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).
Engine Specifications
Model
Displacement
Bore
Stroke
Oil Capacity
Tune-up Specifications *
Model
Spark Plug Gap
Spark Plug Torque
Armature Air Gap
Intake Valve Clearance
Exhaust Valve Clearance
Common Service Parts n
Service Part
Resistor Spark Plug
Long Life Platinum Spark Plug
Spark Plug Wrench
Spark Tester
610000
60.60 ci (993 cc)
3.366 in (85.5 mm)
3.406 in (86.5 mm)
78 -- 80 oz (2.3 -- 2.4 L)
610000
0.020 in (0.51 mm)
180 lb-in (20 Nm)
0.005 - 0.008 in (0.13 - 0.20 mm)
0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
Part Number
491055
5066
19374
19368
VanguardEngines.com