Service Spark Plug; Change Engine Oil; Service Air Filter - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 61E400 Manual Del Operario

• Never start the engine if the battery cables are loose.
• Turn the key to the off position before disconnecting, removing and or installing the
battery.
• Never use a battery charger to start the engine.
• Never disconnect the battery cables while the engine is running.
• When connecting the battery cables, first connect the positive (+) cable and then
connect the negative (-) cable to the battery.
• When charging the battery, turn the ignition switch to the off position and
disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
• Do not spray water directly on the Electronic Control Module.

Service Spark Plug

See Figure: 6
Check the gap (A, Figure 6) 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.
Service Exhaust 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.
• 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 and cylinder area. Inspect the muffler for
cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the deflector or the spark arrester, 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.

Change Engine Oil

See Figure: 7, 8, 9
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(s) (D, Figure 7) and
keep it away from the spark plug(s) (E).
2. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 8).
3. Remove the oil drain plug (F, Figure 9). Drain the oil into an approved container.
4. After the oil has drained, install and tighten the oil drain plug (F, Figure 9).
Change Oil Filter, if equipped
Some models are equipped with an oil filter. For replacement intervals, see the
Maintenance Schedule.
1. Drain the oil from the engine. See Remove Oil section.
2. Remove the oil filter (G, Figure 9) and dispose of properly.
3. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter gasket with fresh,
clean oil.
8
4. Install the oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the oil filter adapter, then
tighten the oil filter 1/2 to 3/4 turns.
5. Add oil. See Add Oil section.
6. Start and run the engine. As the engine warms up, check for oil leaks.
7. Stop the engine and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 8) on the dipstick.
Add Oil
• Make sure the engine is level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
• See the Specifications section for oil capacity.
1. Remove the dipstick (A, Figure 8) and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Slowly pour oil into the engine oil fill (C, Figure 8). Do not overfill. After adding oil,
wait one minute and then check the oil level.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 8).
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Correct oil level is at the top of the full
indicator (B, Figure 8) on the dipstick.
5. Reinstall and tighten the dipstick (A, Figure 8).
6. Connect the spark plug wire(s) (D, Figure 7) to the spark plug(s) (E).

Service Air Filter

See Figure: 10
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.
The air filter system uses a paper filter with an optional pre-cleaner. The pre-cleaner can
be washed and reused.
1. Remove the fastener(s) (A, Figure 10).
2. Remove the cover (B, Figure 10).
3. Remove the fastener(s) (C, Figure 10) and retainer (D).
4. Remove the air filter (E, Figure 10).
5. Remove the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 10), if equipped, from the air filter (E).
6. To loosen debris, gently tap the air filter (E, Figure 10) on a hard surface. If the air
filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new air filter.
7. Wash the pre-cleaner (F, Figure 10), if equipped, in liquid detergent and water.
Allow the pre-cleaner to thoroughly air dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
8. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner (F, Figure 10), if equipped, to the air filter (E).
9. Install the air filter (E, Figure 10) and secure with retainer (D) and fastener(s) (C).
10. Install the cover (B, Figure 10) and secure with the fastener(s) (A). Make sure the
fastener(s) is tight.
Service Fuel System
See Figure: 11
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.
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