General Information; Systematic Engine Checks - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 05000 Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

Most complaints concerning engine operation
can be classified as one or more of the following:
1. Will not start
2. Hard starting
3. Lack of power
4. Runs rough
5. Vibration
6. Overheating
7. High oil consumption
An important consideration to remember is that
what appears to be a problem with the engine
may actually be the fault of the equipment. Since
many types of equipment are powered by Briggs
& Stratton engines, it is impossible to list all the
conditions that may exist. Following, is a list of
some common engine problems and their
relationship to equipment applications.
No Start - Hard Start
1. Loose belt or blade
• Can cause a kickback effect.
2. Cranking under load
• Parasitic loads may prevent starting.
3. Mis-adjusted controls
• Improper linkage and cable adjustments
may prevent starting.
4. Interlock system failure
• Non-functioning safety switches,
pressure sensing modules, float
switches or interconnecting wires can
prevent engine cranking or ignition
spark.
Engine will not stop
1. Equipment stop switch not functioning.
2. Engine ground wire damaged or
disconnected.
Vibration
1. Bent cutter blades
2. Loose spindles and couplings
3. Bent/broken deck or weldments
4. Bent crankshaft
5. Loose equipment mounting bolts
6. Damaged or worn belts and pulleys
7. Out of balance impeller
Power Loss
1. Bind or drag in equipment
2. Grass build-up under deck
3. No lubrication in equipment gear box
4. Excessive belt tension

SYSTEMATIC ENGINE CHECKS

A systematic check of the engine can be
performed in minutes, and is an accurate method
of determining the source of the problem. The
basic procedure is the same for all engines.
Variations, by model, will be shown under the
subject heading. If the engine will not start, and
the cause is not apparent, perform a systematic
check in the following order:
1. Ignition System
2. Carburetion
3. Compressi on
WAR NING
Flywheel kickback can occur if the flywheel
key is sheared. Bodily injury may occur.
Briggs & Stratton OHV engines use
®
MAGNETRON ignition and flywheel magnets.
NOTE:
Some engines are wired with ignition
components supplied by the original equipment
manufacturer (OEM). Contact the OEM for
service information and adjustment procedu res.
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