The Jack's Small Engines Forum - Join Our Online Community
Reply to post

Vanguard 23hp won’t fire

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Jloven14
New Member
  • Total Posts : 3
  • Scores: 0
  • Reward points: 0
  • Joined: 2023/09/15 23:07:58
  • Status: offline
2023/09/15 23:16:58 (permalink)
0

Vanguard 23hp won’t fire

I have a 23hp twin vanguard B and S engine with 170 hours. Had to replace the head gasket. Put head back together and set the valves. Ran for 30 seconds or so backfired, and died. Did the 4-5 times. Readjusted the valves and it ran ok. Put the shroud back on the engine and now it will not hit at all. I have fire on plugs (used inline spark tester), compression test shows 120 on both cylinders, and plugs have gas on them. I have used new plugs and new mags. Thought the backfire might have messed up timing so I took case apart. Gears lined up perfectly and flywheel key is in place. Also replaced key switch. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks
Quote  #1

5 Replies Related Threads
    SRTsFZ6
    Super Member
    • Total Posts : 2055
    • Scores: 74
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/11/18 07:20:58
    • Status: offline
    Re: Vanguard 23hp won’t fire 2023/09/16 08:32:45 (permalink)
    0
    What did you set the valves at (thousands)? 
     
    Can you do a leak down test?
     
    Disconnect both black kill wires from each coil and try the machine.
     
    With the new plugs, gapped at .030", plug them into the wires and ground them to the head 
    looking for a strong spark..
     
    Fuel is fresh I gather?
     
     
    .
     
    .
    post edited by SRTsFZ6 - 2023/09/16 08:36:58
    Quote  #2
    Jloven14
    New Member
    • Total Posts : 3
    • Scores: 0
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2023/09/15 23:07:58
    • Status: offline
    Re: Vanguard 23hp won’t fire 2023/09/17 08:10:25 (permalink)
    0
    Set the valves at 0.005” per manual. I disconnected the kill wire from both coils but no difference. I do have spark on each plug when I ground to engine and fresh gas. Engine model is 386777-0111E.
    Quote  #3
    SRTsFZ6
    Super Member
    • Total Posts : 2055
    • Scores: 74
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/11/18 07:20:58
    • Status: offline
    Re: Vanguard 23hp won’t fire 2023/09/17 08:39:18 (permalink)
    0
    Probably not the issue but touch/feel the carberator solenoid and turn the key on and off.  You should be able to just hear/feel it move when 12 volts are applied to it.
     
    You probably already know but the solenoid cuts off fuel to the main jet.
     
    With that said, it's possible the engine is flooded, especially if it has a NIKKI carberator.
     
    Hold the throttle wide open (as well as the choke) and crank over.  
     
    You have fuel, perhaps too much...
     
    .
    Quote  #4
    Jloven14
    New Member
    • Total Posts : 3
    • Scores: 0
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2023/09/15 23:07:58
    • Status: offline
    Re: Vanguard 23hp won’t fire 2023/09/23 12:36:26 (permalink)
    0
    Solenoid is bad. Going to replace and see if that gets it going.
    Quote  #5
    SRTsFZ6
    Super Member
    • Total Posts : 2055
    • Scores: 74
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/11/18 07:20:58
    • Status: offline
    Re: Vanguard 23hp won’t fire 2023/09/24 08:37:31 (permalink)
    0
    You can by-pass/eliminate the solenoid by just cutting off/removing the internal pintle..
     
    The internal needle tends to seize closed cutting off fuel flow. You can often (if seized) pull the solenoid, spray some penetrating oil at the needle and it'll function (with 12 volts applied). 
     
    If the electric part of the solenoid doesn't work, it's toast..
     
    .
     
    .
    post edited by SRTsFZ6 - 2023/09/24 08:40:06
    Quote  #6
    Jump to:
    Copyright © 1994 - 2016 Jacks Small Engine & Generator Service, LLC
    © 2025 APG vNext Trial Version 5.5