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Add Oil

Placeengine level.
Cleanthe oil fill area of any debris.
Seet he Specifications section for oil capacity.
1. Removethe dipstick (D, Figure 5) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Pourthe oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Do not overfill. After adding oil, wait
oneminute and then check the oil level.
3. Installand tighten the dipstick.
4. Removethe dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator
(F)on the dipstick.
5. Installand tighten the dipstick.

How To Service The Air Filter - Figure 6

WARNING
Fuel andits vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fireor explosioncan cause severe burns or death.
Nevers tart or run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the
airf ilter (if equipped) removed.
NOTICE: Do not use pressurized air or solvents to clean the filter.Pressurized air can
damagethe filter andsolvents willdissolve the filter.
Low-ProfileAir FilterSystem (Figure 6)
1. Removethe knob (F) and the cover (G).SeeFigure6.
2. Removethe nut (H) and the retainer (J).
3. Removethe air filter (K).
4. Removethe pre-cleaner (L), if equipped, from the air filter.
5. Toloosen debris, gently tap the air filter on a hard surface. If the air filter is
excessively dirty,replace with a new air filter.
6. Washthe pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry.Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
7. Assemblethe dry pre-cleaner to the air filter.
8. Installthe air filter and secure with retainer and nut.
9. Installthe cover and secure with knob.

How ToClean The Air Cooling System - Figure 7

Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially muffler,
becomeextremely hot.
Severethermal burns can occur on contact.
Combustibledebris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. cancatch fire.
WARNING
Allowmuffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool before touching.
Removeaccumulated debris frommuffler area and cylinder area.
NOTICE: Do not use water to clean the engine. Watercould contaminate the fuel
system.Use a brush or dry cloth to clean the engine.
This is anair cooled engine. Dirt or debris can restrict air flow and cause the engine to
overheat, resulting in poor performance and reduced engine life.
Usea brush or dry clothto remove debris fromthe finger guard /rotating screen (A,
Figure7). Keeplinkage, springs and controls clean. Keep the area around and behind
themuffler (C) free of any combustible debris. Make sure that the oil cooler fins (D)are
freeof dirt and debris.

Storage

WARNING
Fuel andits vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fireor explosioncan cause severe burns or death.
WhenStor ing Fuel Or Equipment With Fuel In Tank
Storeaway from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have
pilot lights or other ignition sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
Engine Oil
Whilethe engine is stillwarm, change the engine oil.

Troubleshooting

NeedAssistance? Go to VanguardEngines.com or call (800) 999-9333 (in USA).
Specifications

Engine Specifications

Model 540000
Displacement 54.68ci (896 cc)
Bore 3.366in (85.5 mm)
Stroke 3.071in (78.0 mm)
OilCapacity 78 --80 oz (2.3 -- 2.4 L)

Engine Specifications

Model 610000
Displacement 60.60ci (993 cc)
Bore 3.366in (85.5 mm)
Stroke 3.406in (86.5 mm)
OilCapacity 78 --80 oz (2.3 --2.4 L)

Tune-upSpecifications *

Model 540000
Spark Plug Gap 0.020in (0.51 mm)
Spark Plug Torque 180lb -in (20 Nm)
ArmatureAir Gap 0.005 -0.008 in (0.13 -0.20 mm)
IntakeValve Clearance 0.004 -0.006 in (0.10 -0.15 mm)
Exhaust ValveClearance 0.004 -0.006 in (0.10 -0.15 mm)

Tune-upSpecifications *

Model 610000
Spark Plug Gap 0.020in (0.51 mm)
Spark Plug Torque 180lb -in (20 Nm)
ArmatureAir Gap 0.005 - 0.008 in (0.13 - 0.20 mm)
IntakeValve Clearance 0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
Exhaust ValveClearance 0.004 - 0.006 in (0.10 - 0.15 mm)
*Enginepower will decrease 3.5% f or each 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level and 1% for each 10F(5.6C) above 77F(25C).The engine will operate satisfactorily at an
angleup t o 15. Refer to the equipment operator’s manual for safe allowable operating limits on slopes.

Common Service Parts n

ServicePart PartNumber
AirFilter, Low-Profile - Generator UL®841856
Pre-Cleaner,Low-Profile 692520
Oil --SAE 30 100028
OilFilter 842921
ServicePart PartNumber
ResistorSpark Plug 491055
LongLife Platinum Spark Plug 5066
Spark Plug Wrench 19374
Spark Tester 19368
nWerecommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer forall maintenance and service of theengine and engine parts.
Not for
Reproduction