Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-twin, 16hp Carb problem

[Andy Collins]

On a Templar Tracer Quad Tractor. Engine was a non-starter with many issues, the seat switch did not work, hence no sparks, by-passed that switch and now have spark. Now the carb was gushing fuel out when the ignition was turned on, stripped down carb and cleaned out. Needle and main jets clogged up. Re-assembled, now I have no fuel gushing out, but still not firing unless its given a dose of Eze-start. This has led me to suspect the fuel shut-off solenoid. But not understanding how these function, I cannot determine whether or not it is the problem. Is there anyway of checking the solenoid to see if it works? Do they jam or stick or anything?

[ray s]

just a thought but is the gasket between the carb and engine ok as it might be sucking too much air in to the engine .

[Andy Collins]

yep gaskets fine, thanks

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

remove the rubber tip from the solenoid plunger... Will atleast prove if it is the offending part. Have to stall to stop then tho.

[pgkevet]

How old is the fuel? If it's been there months while its sat idle it might be that simple..

[miker]

I too am having problems with a vanguard, this is on a huge paddock vaccuum,

nice liver dally on your avatar there pgkevet, i have one of those aswell,he is absolutely crackers

[Andy Collins]

remove the rubber tip from the solenoid plunger... Will atleast prove if it is the offending part. Have to stall to stop then tho.

 

Rubber tip appears to be missing/rotted away, could be the problem then!

Fuel was drained and renewed before I started tinkering

[Simon R]

It could be as simple as the plug gap..................vaguards need to be set at 20 thou.

I seem to remember briggs put out a bulletin about incorrect plug gaps causing hard starting.

They did also have problems with sticking solenoids.

try cranking the engine for about 1.5 /2 seconds then stop and crank again for the same and so on..... if it starts after 3 or 4 attempts then its probably a solenoid fault.