Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): BRIGGS V TWIN, sectional index, 6 digits

Question
QUESTION: Hi my father in law has a vanguard v twin that is only yards old and noticed that it would let out a puff of smoke every now and again and it also fouled spark plugs on the one cylinder. Other than that it ran great. He took it in to have it looked and they pulled the heads off and told him the air cleaner must have came loose and it sucked dirt into the motor and the motor was shot, even though they put right in the paperwork none was found. So I told him just pick it up and I would rering it and it should be good. I pulled it apart and the cylinder that fouled the plug the piston is full of carbon. What do you think caused this. I feel I can bore it out and get it back together but I think it will still have the same problem with the one cylinder. Also there is a very little scoring on the same cylinders rod crank looks fine. Thanks for any help. Frank

ANSWER: Hello Frank:

Be Sure to Check the Valve Guides and Seats. Depending on the Model of the Engine, the Guides May be Worn or the Valve Seat May be Loose in the Block. Check the Valves for Burning on the Seat Area of the Valves. Reseat the Valves when you Re-Ring the Engine. If this is an OHV Engine, then a Bad Head Gasket will Cause this Problem Also. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Can you Send me Pictures of the Valve Area and the Block to Show me the Inside of the Cylinder? You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: XXXXXX-XXXX. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey John the model is 386777 0111-e1 it is a ohv motor. Sorry I can't send pics. So you think it maybe a head gasket or a valve problem? My first thought was a carb but not to sure. What do I look for on the valves and seats? How do you reseat a valve? Any more pointes would be great as this is my first rebuild on a small engine. Thanks Frank

Answer
Hello Frank:

>>This Web Page; http://www.affordablegokarts.com/va
lve-lapping.php has a Fairly Good Description and Instructions on Valve Seating/Lapping and a Good Explanation of what to Look for when Seating/Lapping the Valves. I Suggest you Check the Valve Clearances, Valve Seats, Valve Guides and Head Gasket Good.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 386777-0111. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.
>>This is a Page Addy that is a Powerpoint Presentation (Video) of a Small Engine Assembly During Overhaul; http://www.tarleton.edu/~mcgregor/A%20EN%202013/2013%20Labs/Reassembly/OHV.Reass .
>>Be Sure the Cylinder is De-Glazed and the New Ring End Gap is Less than .030in.. Depending on How much Wear is on the Engine the Cylinder May be a Little Larger than Normal Specs and you May have to Purchase Oversized Rings and then Grind the Ends of the Rings Until you have .005in - .020in of End Gap Clearance. I Do Not Think you will have an End Gap Problem with this Engine.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John