6.
Install the panel (F, Figure 14) and secure with fastener(s) (E). Tighten fastener(s)
until you hear a click.
7.
Cyclonic Air Filter System (G, Figure 14): Loosen fastener (H, Figure 14) and
pivot Cyclonic Air Filter, if equipped, away from the engine. It is not necessary to
remove the flexible air cleaner hose (J). After cleaning, make sure to reposition the
air filter and tighten the fastener.
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 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: 16
Store the engine level (normal operating position). Fill fuel tank (A, Figure 16) with fuel.
To allow for expansion of fuel, do not overfill above the fuel tank neck (B).
Fuel can become stale when kept in a storage container for more than 30 days. Each
time you fill the container with fuel, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel as specified by the
manufacturer's instructions. This keeps fuel fresh and decreases fuel-related problems
or contamination in the fuel system.
It is not necessary to drain fuel from the engine when fuel stabilizer is added as
instructed. Before storage, turn the engine ON for 2 minutes to move the fuel and
stabilizer through the fuel system.
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: 540000
Displacement
Bore
Stroke
Oil Capacity
Spark Plug Gap
Spark Plug Torque
Armature Air Gap - Carburetor Models
Intake Valve Clearance
Exhaust Valve Clearance
Model: 610000, 61E100
Displacement
Bore
Stroke
Oil Capacity
Spark Plug Gap
10
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)
.030 in (,76 mm)
180 lb-in (20 Nm)
.005 - .008 in (,13 - ,20 mm)
.004 - .006 in (,10 - ,15 mm)
.007 - .009 in (,18 - ,23 mm)
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)
.030 in (,76 mm)
Model: 610000, 61E100
Spark Plug Torque
Armature Air Gap - Carburetor Models
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 Parts - Model: 540000, 610000, 61E100
Service Part
Cyclonic Air Filter (Figure 11)
Cyclonic Safety Filter (Figure 11)
Air Filter, Low Profile (Figure 12)
Pre-cleaner, Low Profile (Figure 12)
Oil - SAE 30
Oil Filter
Fuel Filter
Resistor Spark Plug
Long Life Platinum Spark Plug
Spark Plug Wrench
Spark Tester
We recommend that you see any Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer for all
maintenance and service of the engine and engine parts.
Power Ratings: The gross power rating for individual gasoline engine models is
labeled in accordance with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code J1940 Small
Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure, and is rated in accordance with SAE J1995.
Torque values are derived at 2600 RPM for those engines with "rpm" called out on the
label and 3060 RPM for all others; horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM. The
gross power curves can be viewed at www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM. Net power
values are taken with exhaust and air cleaner installed whereas gross power values
are collected without these attachments. Actual gross engine power will be higher than
net engine power and is affected by, among other things, ambient operating conditions
and engine-to-engine variability. Given the wide array of products on which engines
are placed, the gasoline engine may not develop the rated gross power when used in a
given piece of power equipment. This difference is due to a variety of factors including,
but not limited to, the variety of engine components (air cleaner, exhaust, charging,
cooling, carburetor, fuel pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions
(temperature, humidity, altitude), and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing
and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton may substitute an engine of higher rated
power for this engine.
Warranty
Briggs & Stratton Engine Warranty
Effective January 2019
Limited Warranty
Briggs & Stratton warrants that, during the warranty period specified below, it will repair
or replace, free of charge, any part that is defective in material or workmanship or
both. Transportation charges on product 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. For warranty service, find the nearest
Authorized Service Dealer in our dealer locator map at BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM.
The purchaser must contact the Authorized Service Dealer, and then make the product
available to the Authorized Service Dealer for inspection and testing.
There is no other express warranty. Implied warranties, including those of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the warranty
period listed below, or to the extent permitted by law. Liability for incidental or
consequential damages are excluded to the extent exclusion is permitted by law. Some
states or countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
and some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state and country to country
180 lb-in (20 Nm)
.005 - .008 in (,13 - ,20 mm)
.004 - .006 in (,10 - ,15 mm)
.007 - .009 in (,18 - ,23 mm)
Part Number
841497
821136
692519
692520
100028
842921
695666
491055
5066
19374
19368
4
.
VanguardEngines.com