Operator’s Manual Model 540000 Vanguard BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com ECopyright Briggs & Stratton Corporation Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A. Model 610000 Vanguard Form No. 277112-9/06 Printed in U.S.A.
Safety References The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition, a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of hazard. DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Features 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Air cleaner (standard) Air cleaner (optional) Front panel (standard) Front panel with controls (optional) Throttle control (optional) Choke control (optional) Key switch (optional) Carburetor / LPG or NG fuel mixer Fuel pump Breather Spark plug Engine Model no. label 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
Safety Information WARNING WARNING Gaseous fuels, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas (NG), are extremely flammable and can readily form explosive air-vapor mixtures at moderate temperatures. Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. WHEN ADDING FUEL • Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2 minutes before removing gas cap. • Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area. • Do not overfill fuel tank.
WARNING Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result. • When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly. • Direct coupled equipment components such as, but not limited to, blades, impellers, pulleys, sprockets, etc., must be securely attached. WARNING Rotating parts can contact or entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories.
Before Starting Oil Capacity Adding Oil 1. 2. The engine holds approximately 80 oz (2.3 liters). Oil Recommendation • Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For Service SG, SH, SJ, SL” or higher, such as Briggs & Stratton 30, Part Number 100005 (20 oz) or 100028 (48 oz). • Do not use special additives. • Do not mix gasoline with oil. • Choose a viscosity according to the table. 3. 4. First add 67 oz (2 liters). Start and run engine at idle for 30 seconds. See Starting Instructions.
Before Starting Fuel Gasoline Powered Engines • Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 85 octane. Fresh fuel prevents gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. Purchase fuel in quantity that can be used within 30 days. • For engine protection use Briggs & Stratton Gasoline Additive available from your Authorized Briggs & Stratton Dealer. • Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol. • Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Cold Weather Starting • Use correct type of oil for expected starting temperature. See Oil. • Use fresh gasoline, which has higher volatility to improve starting. • Remove external equipment and engine loads. (See equipment operating instructions.) • Allow engine to warm up several seconds to several minutes depending on outside temperature. • Gradually open choke. • For maximum performance and life, operate engine with choke in OPEN and throttle in FAST.
Maintenance Regular maintenance will improve the performance and extend the life of the engine. See any Authorized Briggs & Stratton Dealer for service. Use only genuine Briggs & Stratton parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may damage the engine, and may result in injury. In addition, use of other parts may void your warranty. WARNING Unintentional sparking can result in fire or electric shock. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
Changing Oil and Oil Filter Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 100 hours. Change oil every 50 hours when operating the engine under heavy load or in high temperatures. Adding Oil 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. First add 67 oz (2 liters). Start and run engine at idle for 30 seconds. See Starting Instructions. Shut engine off and wait 30 seconds. Then add more oil slowly to bring level to FULL mark on dipstick. Replace oil fill cap and dipstick.
Air Cleaner Clean cartridge every 100 hours. To clean cartridge, gently tap on end with handle of screwdriver. Replace cartridge every 400 hours. Clean and replace more often under dusty conditions. CAUTION Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean foam. Pressurized air can damage foam; solvents will dissolve foam. Cyclonic air cleaner Air cleaner body Safety Filter Cartridge Air cleaner cartridge Cover Rubber Valve 1.
Spark Plug Check the spark plug every 100 hours. Replace the spark plug if upon inspection the electrode is burned or worn. Ensure the spark plug is clean. Check the gap with a wire gauge and reset to .76 mm or 0.030 in. if necessary. Use only Briggs & Stratton Spark Tester (part number 19368) to check for spark. Note: In some areas, local law requires using resistor spark plug to suppress ignition signals.
Cleaning Debris Daily or before every use, clean accumulated debris from engine. Remove front panel to reveal carburetor. Clean around intake manifold, fuel pump, and carburetor. Keep linkage, spring and controls clean. WARNING • Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of overheating and ignition of accumulated debris. Clean Clean Clean inside the cover Clean CAUTION Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel system. Low pressure compressed air may be used.
Storage If engine is stored over 30 days, prepare as follows: 1. To prevent gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts: If fuel tank contains oxygenated or reformulated gasoline (gasoline blended with an alcohol or an ether) run engine until it stops from lack of fuel. If fuel tank contains gasoline either run engine until it stops from lack of fuel or add a gasoline additive.
Service See an Authorized Briggs & Stratton Service Dealer. Each one carries a stock of Genuine Briggs & Stratton Parts and is equipped with special service tools. Trained mechanics assure expert repair service on all Briggs & Stratton engines. Only dealers advertising as “Authorized Briggs & Stratton” are required to meet Briggs & Stratton standards.
Specifications We recommend that you use an authorized Briggs & Stratton Service Dealer for all maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts. Use only genuine Briggs & Straton parts. In the state of California, Model 540000 and 610000 engines are certified by the California Air Resources Board to meet emissions standards for 1000 hours.
Warranty Information Briggs & Stratton Corporation (B&S), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Emissions Control System Warranty Statement (Owner's Defect Warranty Rights and Obligations) The California Air Resources Board (CARB), U.S. EPA and B&S are pleased to explain the Emissions Control System Warranty on your small off-road engine (SORE).
ABOUT YOUR ENGINE WARRANTY Briggs & Stratton welcomes warranty repair and apologizes to you for being inconvenienced. Any Authorized Service Dealer may perform warranty repairs. Most warranty repairs are handled routinely, but sometimes requests for warranty service may not be appropriate. For example, warranty would not apply if engine damage occurred because of misuse, lack of routine maintenance, shipping, handling, warehousing or improper installation.
BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE OWNER WARRANTY POLICY Effective September 1, 2006 LIMITED WARRANTY Briggs & Stratton Corporation will repair or replace, free of charge, any part(s) of the engine that is defective in material or workmanship or both. Transportation charges on parts submitted for repair or replacement under this warranty must be borne by purchaser. This warranty is effective for and is subject to the time periods and conditions stated below.
