Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 290000 Installation and operation manual

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Model Series
Covered in
This Manual
290000
300000
350000
380000
Operating & Maintenance
Instructions
Model Type Code
Month Day Year
Note: General Model Series numbers noted above are inclusive of the specific model
number found on your engine. To get replacement parts or technical assistance in
the future, write your engine Model, Type, Code and date of purchase here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety 3-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Information 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and Starting Information 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and Stopping 9-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 11-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments 14-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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? Go to www.briggsandstratton.com
for detailed information regarding
Briggs & Stratton engines.
Or call, 1-800-233-3723, (U.S.A. and Canada)
to hear a menu of pre-recorded messages
offering engine maintenance information.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. Copyright 2003 by Briggs & Stratton Corporation FORM NO. 275071-5/03

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The Power That Works For You.
Thank you for selecting a Briggs & Stratton engine to power your equipment.
Briggs & Stratton is committed to producing a line of engines which will make your life’s chores easier to perform. We have,
at the same time, improved the design of our engines so they are environmentally friendly. Since 1995, we have succeeded
in reducing smog-forming exhaust emissions from our engines by 70%. Briggs & Stratton’s efforts have not stopped there.
We are also committed to designing and introducing even cleaner engines in the future, while maintaining our reputation for
excellent utility and value.
Briggs & Stratton’s environmental awareness has resulted in the engineering of the “Smart-Fill” gas can, featuring a spill
resistant nozzle which opens only when fully inserted into the gas tank, and which shuts off automatically when the tank is
full. Because refueling spills can harm the environment, the Smart-Fillcontainer helps preserve a stronger ecosystem by
reducing this source of pollution.
We hope you will enjoy your new engine and equipment. We welcome you to our worldwide family of Briggs & Stratton
engine users.
Best Wishes Always,
The Employees of Briggs & Stratton Corporation
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.
The Emissions 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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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.
275071
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 prod-
uct 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
ShockHot Surface
Kickback
Fire
THE INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS USED
ON THE ENGINE OR
IN THIS MANUAL INCLUDE:
On Off
Fuel Shutoff
Read Owner’s
Manual
Stop Fuel
Choke
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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SAFETY
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns
or death.
WARNING
WHEN ADDING FUEL
•Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least 2
minutes before removing gas cap.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
•Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to approximately
1-1/2 inches below top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion.
•Keep gasoline 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.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE
•Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air
cleaner are in place.
•Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
•If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting
engine.
•If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN position,
place throttle in FAST and crank until engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
•Do not tip engine or equipment at angle which
causes gasoline to spill.
•Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
•Transport with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shut-off
valve OFF.
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR EQUIPMENT
WITH FUEL IN TANK
•Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or
other appliances that have pilot light or other
ignition source because they can ignite gasoline
vapors.
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable
gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
WARNING
•If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area, do not
start engine.
•Do not use pressurized starting fluids because
vapors are flammable.
WARNING
Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.
•When starting engine, pull cord slowly until
resistance is felt, then pull rapidly.
•Remove all external equipment/engine loads
before starting engine.
•Direct coupled equipment components such as,
but not limited to, blades, impellors, pulleys,
sprockets, etc., must be securely attached.
WARNING
Rotating parts can contact or entangle
hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe laceration
can result.
•Operate equipment with guards in place.
•Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
•Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
•Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling
drawstrings or items that could become caught.

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SAFETY
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause
nausea, fainting or death.
WARNING
•Start and run engine outdoors.
•Do not start or run engine in enclosed area, even if
doors or windows are open.
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 combustibles from muffler
area and cylinder area.
•Install and maintain in working order a spark
arrester before using equipment on forest-covered,
grass-covered, brush-covered unimproved land.
The state of California requires this (Section 4442
of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal land.
WARNING
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.
Unintentional start-up can result in en-
tanglement, traumatic amputation, or lac-
eration.
BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENTS OR
REPAIRS
•Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from
spark plug.
•Disconnect battery at negative terminal (only
engines with electric start).
WHEN TESTING FOR SPARK
•Use approved spark plug tester.
•Do not check for spark with spark plug removed.
ENGINE INFORMATION
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
POWER RATINGS: The power ratings for an individual engine
model are initially developed by starting with SAE (Society of Auto-
motive Engineers) code J1940 (Small Engine Power & Torque
Rating Procedure) (Revision 2002-05). Given both the wide array
of products on which our engines are placed, and the variety of en-
vironmental issues applicable to operating the equipment, it may
be that the engine you have purchased will not develop the rated
horsepower when used in a piece of power equipment (actual “on-
site” power). This difference is due to a variety of factors including,
but not limited to, the following: differences in altitude, tempera-
ture, barometric pressure, humidity, fuel, engine lubrication, maxi-
mum governed engine speed, individual engine to engine variabil-
ity, design of the particular piece of power equipment, the manner
in which the engine is operated, engine run-in to reduce friction
and clean out of combustion chambers, adjustments to the valves
and carburetor, and other factors. The power ratings may also be
adjusted based on comparisons to other similar engines utilized
in similar applications, and will therefore not necessarily match the
values derived using the foregoing codes.

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ENGINE INFORMATION
1. Air cleaner
2. Carburetor
3. Rewind starter (if equipped)
4. Blower housing
5. Oil filter (if equipped)
6. Spark plug wire
7. Oil drain plug
8. Oil fill/Dipstick
9. Rotating screen
10. Emission label
11. Engine Model Type Code
xxxxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxxx
12. Fuel pump
13. Exhaust manifold
14. 12V electric starter
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11
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 de-
crease 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).
Engine will operate satisfactorily at an angle up to 15°.

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OIL
275071
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.
Oil Fill
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[3] Tighten dipstick down.
Remove & check oil level.
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.
[4] Remove oil fill cap (if
equipped). Pour oil slowly.
[5] Fill to FULL line on
dipstick – recheck.
[6] Replace dipstick firmly.
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FULL
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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).
•This engine is certified to operate on gasoline. Exhaust
Emission Control System: EM (Engine Modifications).
CAUTION: Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformu-
lated 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 operating symptoms occur, use gasoline
with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
ADDING FUEL
WARNING
[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, reduc-
ing spills and emissions.
[2] Replace cap before starting.
•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.
STARTING
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 which way your engine is equipped because the
equipment manufacturer supplies the oil pressure gauge.)
See OIL PRESSURE on page 12 for oil filling instructions.
STARTING AND OPERATING TIPS
♦Store and fuel equipment in level position.
♦Use fresh fuel. (See Fuel.)
♦Use correct type of oil for expected starting
temperature. (See Oil.)
♦Remove external equipment/engine loads. (See
equipment operating instructions.)
♦Start lawn mower on hard surface or over previously
cut grass.
♦Periodically remove grass buildup under mower
deck. (See Maintenance.)
♦After engine has started, let it warm up several
seconds to several minutes, depending on outside
temperature.
♦For maximum performance and life, operate engine
with choke in RUN and throttle in FAST.

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9
STARTING AND STOPPING
REWIND (MANUAL) STARTER
TO START ENGINE
[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
FULL
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[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.
WARNING
STOP RUN
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[7] Let engine warm up.
If choke equipped:
Slowly adjust toward
RUN position. Wait
until engine runs
smoothly before each
choke adjustment.
TO STOP ENGINE
CAUTION: Do not stop engine by moving choke
control to CHOKE. Backfire, fire or engine damage
could occur.
[1] Move throttle to SLOW, then
to STOP (if equipped).
[2] Push rocker switch to OFF
or STOP (if equipped).
[3] Close fuel shut-off valve
(if equipped).
STOP RUN

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10
STARTING AND STOPPING
ELECTRIC (KEY) STARTER (if equipped)
TO START ENGINE
[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
FULL
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CAUTION: To prolong
starter life, use short
starting cycles (5 se-
conds maximum, then
wait one minute). Follow
equipment manufactur-
er’s recommendations
for charging battery.
[5] Push rocker switch
(if equipped) to ON
or RUN.
STOP RUN
[6] Insert key and
turn to START.
[7] Let engine warm up.
If choke equipped:
Slowly adjust toward
RUN position. Wait
until engine runs
smoothly before each
choke adjustment.
TO STOP ENGINE
[1] Move throttle to SLOW
(if equipped).
[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).
STOP RUN