Maintenance Chart
First 5 Hours
Change oil
Every 8 Hours or Daily
Check engine oil level
Clean area around muffler and controls
Clean finger guard
Every 25 Hours or Annually
Clean air filter *
Clean pre-cleaner *
Every 50 Hours or Annually
Change engine oil
Check muffler and spark arrester
Annually
Replace air filter
Replace pre-cleaner
Replace spark plug
Clean fuel filter
Clean air cooling system *
Check valve clearance. Adjust if necessary.
*
In dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present, clean more often.
Carburetor And Engine Speed Adjustment
Never make adjustments to the carburetor or engine speed. The carburetor was set at
the factory to operate efficiently under most conditions. Do not tamper with the governor
spring, linkages, or other parts to change the engine speed. If any adjustments are
required contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Center for service.
NOTICE: The equipment manufacturer specifies the maximum speed for the engine as
installed on the equipment. Do not exceed this speed. If you are unsure what the
equipment maximum speed is, or what the engine speed is set to from the factory,
contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Service Center for assistance. For safe and
proper operation of the equipment, the engine speed should be adjusted only by a
qualified service technician.
How To Replace The Spark Plug - Figure 5
Check the gap (A, Figure 5) with a wire gauge (B). If necessary, reset the gap. Install
and tighten the spark plug to the recommended torque. For gap setting or torque, see the
Specifications section.
Note: In some areas, local law requires using a resistor spark plug to suppress ignition
signals. If this engine was originally equipped with a resistor spark plug, use the same
type for replacement.
Inspect Muffler And Spark Arrester - Figure 6
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.
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or
operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in
Section 4442, maintained in effective working order. Other states or federal
jurisdictions may have similar laws. Contact the original equipment
manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester designed for the
exhaust system installed on this engine.
Remove accumulated debris from muffler area and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler (A,
Figure 6) for cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the spark arrester (B), if
equipped, and inspect for damage or carbon blockage. If damage is found, install
replacement parts before operating.
WARNING:
Replacement parts must be of the same design and installed
in the same position as the original parts. Other parts may not perform as well, may
damage the unit, and may result in injury.
8
How To Change The Oil - Figure 8
Used oil is a hazardous waste product and must be disposed of properly. Do not discard
with household waste. Check with your local authorities, service center, or dealer for safe
disposal/recycling facilities.
Remove Oil
1. With engine off but still warm, disconnect the spark plug wire (A) and keep it away
from the spark plug (Figure 8).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (B, Figure 9). Drain the oil into an approved receptacle.
Note: Any of the oil drain plugs shown below may be installed in the engine.
3. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug.
Add oil
Place engine level.
Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
See the Specifications section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick (F, Figure9) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Pour the oil slowly into the engine oil fill (E). Fill to point of overflowing.
3. Insert the dipstick. Do not turn or tighten.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the top of the full indicator
(G) on the dipstick.
5. Install and tighten the dipstick.
How To Service The Air Filter - Figure 11
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.
The air cleaner system uses a pleated filter with an optional pre-cleaner. The pre-cleaner
can be washed and reused.
1. Loosen the fasteners (D) that hold the cover (A).
2. Open the cover and remove the pre-cleaner (C), the filter retainer (H), if equipped,
and the filter (B). See Figure 11 and 12..
3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively
dirty, replace with a new filter.
4. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air
dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
5. Install the dry pre-cleaner, the filter retainer (if equipped), and the filter.
6. On models equipped with air filter shown in Figure 11, install the cover tabs (E) into
the slots (F).
7. Install cover and secure with the fasteners. Make sure the fasteners are tight.
How To Clean The Fuel Filter - Figure 10
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.
Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the
original parts.
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
1. Close the fuel shut-off valve (B, Figure 10) and let the engine run until it stops.
Otherwise, fuel can leak out and cause a fire.
2. Remove the bowl (C) with a wrench. Clean debris from the filter (A) and the bowl.
3. Check the filter and bowl for cracks or other damage. Replace if necessary.
4. Install the filter, the gasket (D), and bowl. Tighten with a wrench.
5. Open the fuel shut-off valve and check for leaks.
9
12
VanguardEngines.com