[abel]

Hello I just re-powered my john deere 318 with a briggs 23 hp and after some work I managed to make run. After about 5 hours of use I changed the oil for the break in than it started to run rough. At low rpms it only seems to run on one cylinder until under load when it picks up the other one. At high rpms It runs on both but runs rough until load is applied. I Set the valves to .005 because they were about 8. It only runs on the right side at idle. And after I shut it off the left side is cold. I swapped the plugs and tested compression, tested spark, and timing all good. It does not have any vacuum leaks as far as I know? I'm lost. What could it be??

 

[wmgeorge]

I guess with a brand new engine I would not have to expect to adjust valves. At least not for a long time anyway. Looks like a question for the dealer where you purchased the engine.

 

[aquist06]

It sounds like fuel, you may need to take the top of the carb off and look down to see if something has plugged up one of the jets. I can't remember exactly, but I thought the Vanguards had jets for each side, almost like two carbs in one. Maybe there is debris in one side.

Just a thought

Adam

 

[karl318]

WOW! that would just plain make me sick after all that money and work- that's horrible! I would say something was wrong right at get go. It should have fired right up with no work at all. I'd take it back sounds like a lemon motor to me. I did the 18hp and haven't touched a thing since I turned the key the first time and I couldn't be happier. What a disappointment to have so much trouble. Must be something major wrong with that engine. Try to return it or exchange it with a good one.

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

Adam is correct, the Vanguard 23 has a dual venturi carb, the problem side most likely has a plugged idle circuit or a misadjusted idle screw. These are 2 circuit carbs so once off idle and drawing from the main, both cylinders have fuel, once it falls off the main, the side with the issue doesn't have fuel.

I would contact the re-power kit sellers support line and have them go through more detailed troubleshooting.

Tom

 

[ab318]

Abel,
Check your Email for this PDF file:

Some Honda and Vanguard V twin use similar Keihin 2 barrel carburetor.
Maybe this checklist can help to find your problem.
The diameter of the cleaning tools used might be different for your's.

Did you replace gas hoses between the filter and the carburetor?
Very old hoses sometime they decompose from the interior and create debris.
Good Luck!
Andre

 

[captaindan]

Able, Did you buy this engine new? I think these Vanguard 23's come with a 1 year warranty which any dealer will honor. Just show your purchase receipt and they will repair. I bought one on eBay from one of the engine distributors and had a coil fail. I brought the engine in and a copy of my sale and they replaced no questions. Dan