Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs Vangaurd 23 hp motor locked up, overhead valve engines, horizontal shaft

Question
I have a Briggs Vanguard 23 hp motor that has locked up after 1yr and 120 hrs.  My local shop says the only way this could have happened is by running it low on oil which has never been the case.  They advised that the #2 cylinder, connector rod and cam shaft are shattered.  Can you advise of any other possible cause of this problem.


Answer
Hello Heather:

Manufacturers Defect is a Good Cause. Im Not Saying Bad Workmanship, Im Saying Bad/Poor Materials. Without Actually Seeing the Connecting Rod, Crankshaft and Cam; I cannot Say if Bad/Poor Materials was the Cause. 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. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. You can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of the Engine. The Reason I Asked for the Model, Type and Code Numbers in this Case is; I want to Check for a Service Recall from Briggs and I will Talk to my Resources at Briggs and See if they can Assist you Also. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John