Vanguard Engine Smoking

[Douglas Hicks]

Yesterday had a job cleaning 6 hoods. When I went to start my 16 HP Vanguard engine, it smoked a bit. Next time I went to start the engine, it smoked more and I had to fully choke the engine. Next time more smoke, more choking. The last hood we washed only because I cranked the engine with the key switch, my helper kept the trigger open and we washed w/cold water. The engine would start it I fully opended the choke. When I closed the choke even a little bit, the engine died. The smoke in the van was very thick. I ran the engine w/ and w/o the air filter, no change. The engine does have plenty of oil. If the engine is beyond econmical repair, where can I purchase a new engine at a reasonable price?

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc

 

[Larry L.]

Did you check your gasfilter?

 

[HarQuin]

I am no small engine mechanic but after checking the fuel filter, I think I would check the carb bowl. Should have a nut on the bottom. It will collect debris and restrict the pick up. Might add a little cleaner and let her run a bit to clear up.

Harlyn

 

[ASC]

Black smoke It's running too rich

Is the smoke black or gray? I'm not a mechinac either! I had the same problem with a 2 month old 16 horse Vangard. My problem was simple, the guy who changed my oil filled it up a little too much! the oil was then pushed up to my air cleaner, wich then clogged it! It ran rich for awhile smokeing, then just died after an hour or two. This is probably not the same situation you have but it might help try taking the air cleaner off or replacing it it might help! Tommy

 

[Douglas Hicks]

As is with most problems, the solution was easy, after figuriging out the problem.I took the PW to my mechanic yesterday. He fixed it. He replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plugs (they were extrtemly fouled), and the fuel. When I refueled on Friday, I checked the fuel in the first can. It was diesel, so I refilled the diesel tank.. As the first can was diesel the other had to be gas, right? Wrong. Both fuel cans were diesel. the pump jockey had not listened, but filled both with diesel. In Oregon, depending on where you buy fuel, you may not be allowed to put fuel in your own vehicle and cans. this is another law that is supposed to protect the consumer. After this, I will watch more closely when getting fuel. And remember, Vanguard engines don't run on diesel.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc

 

[tzahlman]

Had the same problem not to long ago and after I changed the oil, filter, and pluggs and for the hell of it fresh gas it ran like new again. Sounds simple but never experianced this before and it seemed major. Hope this helps ya.

Tom Zahlman @ CleanImage Powerwashing [red]