B&S 19.5 compression/ camshaft issue

[JEHunter]

After reading the previous postings, I'd like to add my two cents worth. In 2024, the original (1994) B&S engine on my DR Field and Brush mower failed. The local (Virginia) shop I've used for years said they could no longer get the needed parts and recommended that the engine be replaced. After some days of searching, the shop told me that the Vanguard 190000 was the only engine they could find with the correct "form factor." I had them order and install one. Apart from being a bit over-powered, the mower ran well for several months. Then that engine failed: too much compression to be started by pulling the starter rope. The shop picked up the mower, took a look, and said that it needed warranty service. Since they were not an authorized B&S shop, I had to take it to a shop in Maryland. That shop diagnosed a broken compression relief device and repaired it under warranty, saving me over $400.00. I used the mower the rest of the year without any problems. I went to start it a few weeks ago and found the rope almost impossible to pull, the same symptom I had earlier when it failed the first time. I can hear the cylinders start to fire and get some smoke, but nothing moves. The warranty on the original repair has expired. Since I use the mower only about 25-30 hours a year, I really don't want to have the engine rebuilt again. Is there some way to manually release compression so I can pull the starter cord rapidly enough to get the engine started? Thanks.

 

[kbowley]

The Briggs Vanguard comes with a three-year warranty. if the original repair was done in 24, then it is covered to 27. They are incredibly good commercial-duty engines. So, unless it was starved for oil (such as tilting beyond limits or running low) and it has been maintained, it should be covered. Contact your dealer, and if you can't get help from them, ask for the local Briggs representative's contact. Another thing to check, pull the spark plug out and pull the engine over radidly and see if blows and gas out through the spark plug hole...Just thinking it could be a bad needle valve in the carb leaking fuel into the cylinder.

 

[JEHunter]

The Briggs Vanguard comes with a three-year warranty. if the original repair was done in 24, then it is covered to 27. They are incredibly good commercial-duty engines. So, unless it was starved for oil (such as tilting beyond limits or running low) and it has been maintained, it should be covered. Contact your dealer, and if you can't get help from them, ask for the local Briggs representative's contact. Another thing to check, pull the spark plug out and pull the engine over radidly and see if blows and gas out through the spark plug hole...Just thinking it could be a bad needle valve in the carb leaking fuel into the cylinder.

Thanks for the reminder about the warranty period. I pulled the plug as you suggested and, of course, the engine turned over easily, but no gas came out of the plug hole. I put the spark plug back and took off the air cleaner. Some people have suggested elsewhere online that covering the air intake could help with starting so I thought it worth a try. Wearing a rubber glove, I covered the air intake and tried to start. No luck, though there was suction on my glove. I then phoned the dealer who repaired the engine and the tech there believes it might be a carburetor problem and suggested spraying Crud Cutter into the air intake. That's my next task. Will follow up with results.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

I've installed 2 84005207, no failures yet, only been a year or so I think.. so take that for what it's worth

 

[kbowley]

Thanks for the reminder about the warranty period. I pulled the plug as you suggested and, of course, the engine turned over easily, but no gas came out of the plug hole. I put the spark plug back and took off the air cleaner. Some people have suggested elsewhere online that covering the air intake could help with starting so I thought it worth a try. Wearing a rubber glove, I covered the air intake and tried to start. No luck, though there was suction on my glove. I then phoned the dealer who repaired the engine and the tech there believes it might be a carburetor problem and suggested spraying Crud Cutter into the air intake. That's my next task. Will follow up with results.

DO NOT spray crud cutter into the intake. Try some starting fluid or carb cleaner. No idea why he would have told you to do that. I hope he doesn't work on equipment. LOL Also, I got confused regarding the warranty because I read the post at the top of this page and forgot you don't have a Vanguard...so sorry.