3.
Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 13).
4.
Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 13) on the dipstick.
5.
Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 13).
6.
Connect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 12) to the spark plug(s) (E).
Service Air Filter
See Figure: 15, 16
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
•
Never start and 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.
See the Maintenance Schedule for service requirements.
1.
Models without Fuel Tank: Open the fastener(s) (A, Figure 15) and remove the
cover (B).
2.
Models with Fuel Tank: Remove the fastener(s) (C, Figure 16) and the cover (B).
3.
Remove the nut (D, Figure 15, 16) and retainer (E).
4.
Remove the air filter (F, Figure 15, 16).
5.
Remove the pre-cleaner (G, Figure 15, 16), if equipped, from the air filter (F).
6.
To loosen debris, gently tap the air filter (F, Figure 15, 16) on a hard surface. If the
air filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new air filter.
7.
Wash the pre-cleaner (G, Figure 15, 16) in liquid detergent and water. Allow the pre-
cleaner to air dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
8.
Assemble the dry pre-cleaner (G, Figure 15, 16), if equipped, to the air filter (F).
9.
Install the air filter (F, Figure 15, 16) and secure with retainer (E) and nut (D).
10.
Install and secure the cover (B, Figure 15, 16).
Service Fuel System
See Figure: 17
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
•
Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
•
Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
•
Before cleaning or replacing the fuel filter, drain the fuel tank or close the fuel shut-
off valve.
•
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
•
Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the original
parts.
Fuel Filter, if equipped
1.
Before replacing the fuel filter (A, Figure 17), if equipped, drain the fuel tank or close
the fuel shut-off valve. Otherwise, fuel can leak out and cause a fire or explosion.
2.
Use pliers to squeeze tabs (B, Figure 17) on the clamps (C), then slide the clamps
away from the fuel filter (A). Twist and pull the fuel lines (D) off of the fuel filter.
3.
Check 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.
Secure the fuel lines (D, Figure 17) with clamps (C) as shown.
10
Service Cooling System
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.
1.
Use a brush or dry cloth to remove debris from the air intake grille.
2.
Keep linkage, springs and controls clean.
3.
Keep the area around and behind the muffler, if equipped, free of any combustible
debris.
4.
Make sure the oil cooler fins, if equipped, are free of dirt and debris.
After a period of time, debris can accumulate in the cylinder cooling fins and cause the
engine to overheat. This debris cannot be removed without partial disassembly of the
engine. Have a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Dealer inspect and clean the air
cooling system as recommended in the Maintenance Schedule.
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.
Fuel System
See Figure: 18
Store the engine level (normal operating position). Fill fuel tank (A, Figure 18) with fuel.
To allow for expansion of fuel, do not overfill above the fuel tank neck (B).
Fuel can become stale when stored over 30 days. Stale fuel causes acid and gum deposits
to form in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. To keep fuel fresh, use Briggs
& Stratton Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer, available wherever Briggs
& Stratton genuine service parts are sold.
There is no need to drain gasoline from the engine if a fuel stabilizer is added according
to instructions. Run the engine for two (2) minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the
fuel system before storage.
If gasoline in the engine has not been treated with a fuel stabilizer, it must be drained into
an approved container. Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel. The use of a fuel
stabilizer in the storage container is recommended to maintain freshness.
Engine Oil
While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil. See the Change Engine Oil section.
Troubleshooting
For assistance, contact your local dealer or go to VanguardEngines.com or call 1-800-
999-9333 (in USA).
Specifications
Model: 290000, 300000
Displacement
29.23 ci (479 cc)
VanguardEngines.com