10
1
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
For detailed servicing information for the Briggs
& Stratton engine, please refer to the
VANGUARD™ V-Twin OHV Repair Manual
(#272144), available from your Briggs & Stratton
source of supply.
Checking the Oil Level
Before placing the standby generator in service,
and at each recommended maintenance interval,
check the engine oil level as follows:
1. Remove oil fill door. Clean area around oil
fill and dipstick locations.
2. Remove dipstick. Wipe with clean cloth.
3. Insert dipstick fully. Remove and check oil
level.
If oil level is low, remove oil fill cap and slowly
add recommended oil to bring level to the
Full
mark on the dipstick. A reusable oil spout is
supplied to make it easier to pour oil into the
engine.
Changing the Oil and Oil Filter
Oil capacity is approximately 2.3 liters (80
ounces or 2-1/2 quarts) when changing both the
oil and filter. Use only 5W-30 synthetic
detergent oil rated for service SJ or higher.
Change oil and oil filter after every 100 operating
hours. If the unit is run under dirty or dusty
conditions or in extremely hot weather, change
the oil more often.
Use the following instructions to change the oil
while the engine is still warm.
1. Set SYSTEM switch to OFF.
2. Remove the 15 Amp fuse.
3. Un-clip and wipe the oil drain hose clean
with a rag. Place the oil drain hose into a
suitable container. Push the oil drain fitting
in and rotate it counterclockwise to its
stop, and then pull the fitting outwards. Oil
will begin to flow out of the oil drain hose.
4. After the oil is drained, grasp the oil drain
fitting and rotate it clockwise until it locks
in place. Reposition the oil drain hose in
its storage clip.
5. Place a suitable container beneath the oil
filter and remove the filter.
6. Coat the gasket of the new filter with fresh
clean engine oil. Turn the new filter
clockwise by hand until the gasket
contacts the filter adapter, then tighten 1/2
to 3/4 turn more.
7. Fill engine with oil until level is at the
FULL
mark on the dipstick.
8. Install and tighten the oil fill cap.
9. Run the engine for one minute and check
for leaks. Recheck the oil level.
Replacing the Spark plugs
Replace the spark plugs every year. Use only the
recommended spark plugs and make sure they
are gapped to.76mm (.030 in).
1. Stop the engine and pull the wires from
the spark plugs.
2. Clean around the spark plugs and remove
them from the cylinder head.
3. Inspect the spark plugs for wear or
damage - replace as necessary. Clean off
carbon deposits on the electrodes using a
wire brush or commercial solvent. Do not
blast clean.
4. Set the gap as specified above and install
the cleaned or new spark plugs into the
cylinder heads.
Torque to 20Nm.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
The engine air cleaner is one of the most
important areas to maintain. Use only genuine
Briggs & Stratton parts which meet UL
requirements for a standby generator. Clean the
foam pre-filter (if equipped) every 25 hours and
the filter cartridge every 100 hours of operation.
Clean or replace more often in dusty or dirty
conditions.
To service the air cleaner:
1. Remove fastener from top of air cleaner
cover.
2. Remove fastener from air filter retainer.
3. If equipped, remove foam pre-cleaner from
filter cartridge and wash in soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
4. Clean filter cartridge by tapping gently on a
flat surface. Replace if very dirty or
damaged.
5. Place dry pre-cleaner on filter cartridge,
then re-install cartridge into air cleaner
housing.
6. Install the retainer and fastener, then the
cover and fastener.
NEVER use petroleum solvents or pressurized
air to clean the air filter cartridge. Solvents will
cause the cartridge to deteriorate; pressurized
air will perforate the media.