Briggs Vanguard 18hp carb question

I have a vanguard 18 that had been sitting for quite a while.

It would start and run but ran very rough even when spraying starting fluid in it. plus, it was spewing gas out from the pipe in the front and out the top of the carb.

So
I did a basic carb cleaning pulling out and cleaning the two jets.


After putting it back together and new plugs it now wont run on its own, but runs smooth as silk while spraying in starter fluid. no more gas leaks either.


What did I mess up?

And the fuel pump is pumping fine

You might have missed a thoroughfare..
Bag gas leaves very gummy deposits.

Also.. considering the fuel spraying out top of the carb.. you might have a sticky valve..
Run double-dose fuel injector cleaner,
once you get it running.

By the way guys..
NEVER use "Starting Fluid".. it is for diesels only !
Carb cleaner has propane propellant, and is much less harsh on the piston-rings.

Most aerosols use propane as the propellant..
I was helping someone start their car after they run it completely out of gas,
and the fuel pump was having a tough time priming..
As the battery was cranking slower.. I saw a can of bug-spray nearby,
and quickly sprayted it in the air-cleaner..
car started right up, and primed itself to run on it's own.
Stunk-up the place a bit, but I didn't have to pull my jumper cables.

Did you pull the plug(955A) or the anti-backfire solenoid(947A) on the side of the carb to access the main jet(117B)?
If you've got the solenoid, it may be gummed up and stuck. If it's there, put your ear close to the carb and turn the key switch to the "ON" position. You should hear a definite "click" as the solenoid opens.

Jerry, I was using carb cleaner, I was generically calling it starter fluid out of habit.

Russ, I cleaned 947A, but I don't remember seeing a washer (276B) I also took out the jet that is deep in there behind 947a because it was really gummed up and hardly nothing was making it through. I did put it back though lol - man, that thing sucked to get back in there! I'll try to listen for that "click" when I get back out to look at it.

The gasket (102) was broken up in a couple of places and it was too late to go get a new one so I tried to patch it up with the black motorycle form a gasket stuff. I don't know if that would make any difference The only bad spot was at the outside of the float bowl.

Also, the 142A looks more like 105 and it very easily slips out of the little clip in area on 133A. If that thing slipped out could that be stopping the gas from getting in?

142A is a nozzle that screws down into the carb, 105 is your needle valve. It needs to hang off the float by the little clip.

Russ,
you're the Man for posting the diagrams..
that helps these guys a LOT !
..It's fun "working with you."
Next time you have an event, I'd like to do a cooperative troubleshooting class with you..
or maybe Tampa ??

if 105 slips out nothing will STOP the gas from coming in. The needle valve is the only thing that ever needed replacing for me.

tomtucson said:

if 105 slips out nothing will STOP the gas from coming in. The needle valve is the only thing that ever needed replacing for me.

Click to expand...

Or if it slips out and falls in the hole, then the float tang sits on top of it, it could shut it permanently.

It was 947a, the anti backfire solenoid. Snipped the nose off that sucker and we are back in business!

Thanks Russ. And thanks to every body else too!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Tony Shelton said:

It was 947a, the anti backfire solenoid. Snipped the nose off that sucker and we are back in business!

Click to expand...

.. LOL ..
..
It's a tool Tony.
If you happen across a good-used one, put it in.

.. LOL ..

Sirocco Jerry said:

.. LOL ..
..
It's a tool Tony.
If you happen across a good-used one, put it in.

.. LOL ..

Click to expand...

Why would I change my MOO now? Did you know that a sheet of aluminum foil can replace a whole bunch of fuses? LOLOL!