Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 290000 Installation and operation manual

Document: - page 1 (Black)
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Operating & Maintenance
Instructions
Model Type Code
Month Day Year
Note: General Model Series numbers noted above include many specific numbers
like the ones on your engine. To get replacement parts or technical assistance in
the future, write your engine Model, Type, Code and date of purchase here.
Model Series
Covered in
This Manual,
including
Natural Gas
and Liquid
Propane Gas
Engines
290000
300000
350000
380000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Information 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and Stopping 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and Service & Storage 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING
Briggs & Stratton does not approve or authorize the use of
these engines on 3-wheel All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), motor
bikes, aircraft products or vehicles intended for use in
competitive events. Use of these engines in such applications
could result in property damage, serious injury (including
paralysis), or even death.
Need assistance? Visit our website for detailed information
regarding Briggs & Stratton engines,
www.briggsandstratton.com
In the USA and Canada, a 24 hour hot line,
1-800-233-3723,
has a menu of pre-recorded messages offering engine
maintenance information.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. Copyright 2002 by Briggs & Stratton Corporation FORM NO. 275368-9/02

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2
The Power That Works For You.
Look For Relevant Emissions Durability Period and
Air Index Information On Your Engine Emissions Label
Engines that are certified to meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Tier 2 Emission Standards must display
information regarding the Emissions Durability Period and the Air Index. Briggs & Stratton makes this information available
to the consumer on our emission labels.
TheEmissions Durability Period describes the number of hours of actual running time for which the engine is certified to
be emissions compliant, assuming proper maintenance in accordance with the Operating & Maintenance Instructions. The
following categories are used:
Moderate: Engine is certified to be emission compliant for 125 hours of actual engine running time.
Intermediate: Engine is certified to be emission compliant for 250 hours of actual engine running time.
Extended: Engine is certified to be emission compliant for 500 hours of actual engine running time.
For example, a typical walk-behind lawn mower is used 20 to 25 hours per year. Therefore, the Emissions Durability
Period of an engine with an intermediate rating would equate to 10 to 12 years.
The Air Index is a calculated number describing the relative level of emissions for a specific engine family. The lower the
Air Index,the cleaner the engine. This information is displayed in graphical form on the emissions label.
After July 1, 2000, Look For Emissions Compliance Period
On Engine Emissions Compliance Label
After July 1, 2000 certain Briggs & Stratton engines will be certified to meet the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) Phase 2 emission standards. For Phase 2 certified engines, the Emissions Compliance Period referred
to on the Emissions Compliance label indicates the number of operating hours for which the engine has been shown to
meet Federal emission requirements. For engines less than 225 cc displacement, Category C = 125 hours, B = 250 hours
and A = 500 hours. For engines of 225 cc or more, Category C = 250 hours, B = 500 hours and A = 1000 hours.
The displacement of Model Series 290000 and
300000 engines is 480 cc, 350000 engines is
570 cc, and 380000 engines is 627 cc.
       
      

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3
BEFORE OPERATING ENGINE
•Read entire Operating & Maintenance Instructions
AND the instructions for the equipment this engine
powers.*
•Failure to follow instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
THE OPERATING & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS CONTAIN SAFETY
INFORMATION TO
•Make you aware of hazards associated with engines
•Inform you of the risk of injury associated with those
hazards, and
•Tell you how to avoid or reduce the risk of injury.
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.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not
avoided,could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not
avoided, might result in minor or moderate
injury.
CAUTION,when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the engine.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
Explosion
Toxic Fumes
Moving Parts
Shock Hot Surface Kickback
Fire
FrostbiteWear Eye Protection
THE INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS USED
ON THE ENGINE OR
IN THIS MANUAL INCLUDE:
On Off
Fuel Shutoff
Read Operating &
Maintenance Instructions
Stop
FuelChoke
Safety Alert
Oil
* Briggs & Stratton does not necessarily know what equipment this engine will power. For that reason, you should carefully
read and understand the operating instructions for the equipment on which your engine is placed.

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4
SAFETY
WARNING
        
        
 
•           
 
•       
•          
           
  
•          
  
•          
   
   
•           

•       
•         
•         
        
    
  
•          
 
•      
   
•          
  
•          
         

       
     
•        
         
    
WARNING
       
     
    
•    
•     
•       
•  
•      

•           
            
      
•         
          
•        
•          
    
•          
 
•         
           
       
•         
 
•        
WARNING
      
        

•         
 
•         
        


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WARNING
        
      
  
     
•          
•       
 
    
•    
•        
WARNING
   
     
    
•             
•        

•         
        
 
WARNING
        
  
      
•     
•       
•      
•       
    
WARNING
       
 
       

•    
•            
  
WARNING
      
   
      
        
 
•         
•      
 
•          
    
        
         
        
WARNING
          
       
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Document: - page 6 (Black)
Screen angle and frequency: 45.0000, 150.0000
6
ENGINE INFORMATION
1. Oil fill cap
2. Dipstick
3. Fuel pump (if equipped)
4. Spark plug
5. Emission label and Engine
Model Type Code
xxxxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxxx
6. 12V electric starter (if equipped)
7. Oil drain plug
8. Blower housing
9. Rope handle
10. Carburetor or LPG/NG Fuel mixer
11. Stop switch (if equipped)
12. Air cleaner (without fuel tank)
13. Fuel shut-off valve (if equipped)
14. Air cleaner (with fuel tank)
15. Fuel fill/fuel tank (if equipped)
16. Exhaust manifold
17. Oil filter (if equipped)
6
12
10
9
11
13
14
15
Equippedwith optional fuel tank.
4
16
17
3
4
5
7
8
12
GENERAL INFORMATION
ENGINE MODEL
This is a twin cylinder, overhead valve (OHV), air-cooled
engine. It is a low emissions engine.
In the state of California, Model Series 290000, 300000,
350000 and 380000 engines are certified by the California
Air Resources Board to meet emissions standards for 250
hours. Such certification does not grant the purchaser,
owner or operator of this engine any additional warranties
with respect to the performance or operational life of this
engine. This engine is warranted solely according to the
product and emissions warranties stated elsewhere in this
manual.
TUNE-UP SPECIFICATIONS
Armature air gap 0.008 – 0.012 in. (0.20 – 0.30 mm). . .
Spark plug gap 0.030 in. (0.76 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valve clearance with valve springs installed and piston 1/4 in.
(6 mm) past top dead center (check when engine is cold).
See Repair Manual P/N 272144.
Intake 0.004 – 0.006 in. (0.10 – 0.15 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 0.004 – 0.006 in. (0.10 – 0.15 mm). . . . . . . . . . .
MODEL SERIES 290000 and 300000
Bore 2.68 in. (68 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stroke 2.60 in. (66 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 29.3 cu. in. (480 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MODEL SERIES 350000
Bore 2.83 in. (72 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stroke 2.76 in. (70 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 34.7 cu. in. (570 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MODEL SERIES 380000
Bore 2.97 in. (75.5 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stroke 2.76 in. (70 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement 38.2 cu. in. (627 cc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note:
For practical operation, the horsepower loading should not
exceed 85% of rated horsepower. Engine power will
decrease 3-1/2% for each 1,000 feet (300 meters) above
sea level and 1% for each 10°F (5.6°C) above 77°F (25°
C). It will operate satisfactorily at an angle up to 15°.

Document: - page 7 (Black)
Screen angle and frequency: 45.0000, 150.0000
7
OIL
CAUTION: This engine is shipped from Briggs &
Stratton without oil. Check oil level before starting
engine. If you start the engine without oil, the engine
will be damaged beyond repair and will not be
covered under warranty.
OIL CAPACITY
Engine holds approximately 1-1/2 quarts (48 ounces or 1.4
liters) when changing oil and filter.
TYPE OF OIL TO USE
•Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For Service
SF, SG, SH, SJ”or higher, such as Briggs & Stratton
30W, Part Number 100005 (20 oz) or 100028 (48 oz).
•Do not use special additives.
•Choose a viscosity according to the table opposite.
Note: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API
certification mark and API service symbol
(shown at left) with “SJ/CF ENERGY CON-
SERVING”or higher, is an acceptable oil at all
temperatures. Use of synthetic oil does not
alter required oil change intervals.
°F-20 0 20 40 60 80 100
°C-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
STARTING TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
*
**
32
*CAUTION: Air cooled engines run hotter than
automotive engines. The use of non-synthetic
multi-viscosity oils (5W-30, 10W-30, etc.) in
temperatures above 40°F (4°C) will result in higher
than normal oil consumption. When using a
multi-viscosity oil, check oil level more frequently.
** CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40°F (4°C),
will result in hard starting and possible engine bore
damage due to inadequate lubrication.
SAE Viscosity Grades
CHECKING AND ADDING OIL
•Check oil level before starting the engine.
•Check level daily, or after every eight (8) hours. •Keep oil level at FULL. •Do not overfill.
[1] Place engine level.
Clean around oil fill and dipstick.
[2] Remove dipstick and
wipe clean with cloth.
[3] Then push dipstick back
in and remove to check
oil level.
Oil Fill
Dipstick
Oil checking procedure: before starting engine, check oil level.
Oil filling procedure: first add 1 quart (32 ounces or 1 liter). Start and run engine at idle for 30 seconds. Shut engine off and
wait 30 seconds. Then add more oil slowly to bring level to Full mark on dipstick.
Ï
Ï
Ï
Ï
FULL
ÏÏ
ÏÏ
ÏÏ
ÏÏ
[4] Remove oil fill cap (if
equipped). Pour oil slowly. [5] Fill to FULL line on dip-
stick –recheck. [6] Replace dipstick firmly.
FULL

Document: - page 8 (Black)
Screen angle and frequency: 45.0000, 150.0000
8
[1] Remove cap. Fill tank to approximately 1-1/2
inches below top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion. Be careful not to overfill.
Briggs & Stratton Smart-fill)Fuel Can fills to
the correct level and automatically shuts off,
reducing spills and emissions.
[2] Replace cap before starting.
FUEL
TYPE OF FUEL TO USE
•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.
•Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol.
•Do not mix oil with gasoline.
•For engine protection use Briggs & Stratton Gasoline
Additive available from your Authorized Briggs &
Stratton Dealer (P/N 5041 or single use pouch).
•The gasoline engine is certified to operate on gasoline.
Exhaust Emission Control System: EM (Engine
Modifications).
WARNING
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2
minutes before removing gas cap.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
•Keep gasoline away from sparks, open flames,
pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.
CAUTION: Some fuels, called oxygenated or
reformulated gasoline, are gasoline blended with
alcohols or ethers. Excessive amounts of these
blends can damage the fuel system or cause
performance problems. If any undesirable operat-
ing symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower
percentage of alcohol or ether.
GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES NATURAL (NG) / LIQUID PROPANE (LPG)
GAS POWERED ENGINES
•Use clean, dry fuel, free of moisture or any particulate
material. Using fuels outside the following recom-
mended values may cause performance problems.
•In engines set up to run on LPG, commercial grade
HD5 LPG is recommended. Recommended fuel
composition is fuel with a minimum fuel energy of
2500 BTU’s/ft3with maximum propylene content of
5% and butane and heavier gas content of 2.5% and
minimum propane content of 90%.
•NG or LPG engines are certified to operate on natural
or liquid propane gas.
The equipment on which this engine is mounted is
equipped with an automatic safety gas “fuel
lock-off”valve. DO NOT operate the equipment if
the “fuel lock-off”valve is missing or inoperative.
WARNING
ADDING FUEL
GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES NATURAL (NG) / LIQUID PROPANE (LPG)
GAS POWERED ENGINES
•Read the operating instructions supplied by the
equipment manufacturer for information on refueling
natural or LP gas engine.

Document: - page 9 (Black)
Screen angle and frequency: 45.0000, 150.0000
9
STARTING AND STOPPING
WARNING
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids.
•Vapors are flammable.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
If engine is equipped with an oil pressure switch, the switch
will either activate a warning device or stop the engine
when the engine runs low on oil. (Read the operating
instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer to
determine how your engine is equipped.)
BEFORE STARTING –LPG / NG ENGINES
CAUTION:
When operating on LPG fuel, 12 volts
MUST be supplied to the connector.
When operating on NG fuel, 12 volts
MUST NOT be supplied to connector.
Failure to do so, may cause engine
damage.
FUEL INLET
12 VOLT CONNECTOR
FUEL
LOCK-OFF
VALVE
The LPG / NG mixer is equipped with solenoid,
fuel inlet, 12 volt connector, and equipped for a fuel
lock-off valve.
SOLENOID
[
1] Check oil level (see p. 7).
[2] Open fuel shut-off valve
(if equipped).
[3] Move choke control to
CHOKE or START.
[4] Move throttle (if equipped)
to FAST. Operate engine
with throttle in FAST.
Choke
Ï
Ï
Ï
FULL
[5] Push rocker switch
(if equipped) to ON or
RUN. [6] Grasp rope handle. Pull slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to
start engine and avoid kickback.
[7] Allow engine to warm up.
Choke Equipped Engines: In warm
weather temperatures, move choke
control lever toward RUN slowly over
several seconds, in cold weather allow
engine to run smoothly before each
change. Operate with choke in RUN.
WARNING
STOP RUN
REWIND (MANUAL) STARTING –ALL ENGINES
Note:
NG / LPG
ENGINES
–skip steps
[2] and [3].
[1] Move
throttle (if
equipped)
to SLOW,
then to
STOP.
[2] Push rocker switch
(if equipped) to
OFF or STOP.
[3] Close fuel shut-off
valve (if equipped). STOP RUN
CAUTION: Do not stop
engine by moving choke
control to CHOKE.
Backfire, fire or engine
damage could occur.
STOPPING

Document: - page 10 (Black)
Screen angle and frequency: 45.0000, 150.0000
10
STARTING AND STOPPING
[1] Check oil level (see p. 7).
[2] Open fuel shut-off valve
(if equipped).
[3] Move choke control to
CHOKE or START.
[4] Move throttle (if equipped)
to FAST. Operate engine
with throttle in FAST.
Choke
ÏÏ
ÏÏ
ÏÏ
FULL
[5] Push rocker switch
(if equipped) to ON
or RUN.
STOP RUN
ELECTRIC (KEY) STARTING (if equipped) –ALL ENGINES
[6] Insert key and
turn to START.
[7] Allow engine to warm up.
Choke Equipped Engines:
In warm weather tempera-
tures, move choke control
lever toward RUN slowly over
several seconds, in cold
weather allow engine to run
smoothly before each
change. Operate with choke
in RUN.
CAUTION:
Use short starting
cycles (5 seconds, wait
one minute between
cycles).
Follow equipment
manufacturer’s recom-
mendations for charg-
ing battery.
Note:
NG / LPG
ENGINES
–skip steps
[2] and [3].
[1] Move
throttle (if
equipped)
to SLOW,
then to
STOP.
STOP RUN
CAUTION:
Do not stop engine
by moving choke
control to CHOKE.
Backfire, fire or
engine damage
could occur.
STOPPING
[2] Turn key to OFF. Remove key and store out of reach of children.
[3] Push rocker switch (if equipped) to OFF or STOP.
[4] Close fuel shut-off valve (if equipped).
♦Use correct type of oil for expected starting
temperature.
♦Remove external equipment/engine loads. (See
equipment operating instructions.)
♦Periodically remove any debris buildup from the
machine.
♦After engine has started, let it warm up several
seconds to several minutes, depending on outside
temperature.
♦For maximum performance and life, operate engine
throttle in FAST.
STARTING AND OPERATING TIPS –ALL ENGINES