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I have a Grasshopper 616 with a Briggs Vanguard engine Model 356442 Type 0224-B1. I am not getting oil on the top end. I took the valve cover off and ran the engine I did not see any oil. Could you tell me what it might be the cause. Also what I need to do.

Sounds like you might have an oil pump failure.

Depending on the date code if the original oil is available or not. Pumps before 07101500 are NLA and you have to change both the pump and the closure plate.(crankcase cover) along with the associate gaskets.

StarTech said:

Sounds like you might have an oil pump failure.

Depending on the date code if the original oil is available or not. Pumps before 07101500 are NLA and you have to change both the pump and the closure plate.(crankcase cover) along with the associate gaskets.

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StarTech said:

Sounds like you might have an oil pump failure.

Depending on the date code if the original oil is available or not. Pumps before 07101500 are NLA and you have to change both the pump and the closure plate.(crankcase cover) along with the associate gaskets.

Click to expand...

I cannot find the oil pump in the parts list. Do you know the part number for the pump? Where do you find the date code.

Date code is on the rocker cover along with model and type numbers.

StarTech said:

Date code is on the rocker cover along with model and type numbers.

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I thank you for the information I have been able to find the original part.

Melvin

Is there any specs. on the pump that I could get so I can check the pump? Is there any way to check the pump before I order a new part?

If the pump was dead, the motor would burn up in no time. Air cooled can only go so far.

There isn't a lot of oil in the valve cover like in a car engine for example. Especially a valve cover that is up high on the engine. Am I missing something here?

From the parts list it appears the engine has plain flat tappets and not hydraulic. It will not be pumping oil up through the lifters and pushrods like a car engine. The engine lubricatethe valve train by splash and mist. If the engine is running fine and not seizing the rods on the crank pretty sure the oil pump is working.

Hammermechanicman said:

From the parts list it appears the engine has plain flat tappets and not hydraulic. It will not be pumping oil up through the lifters and pushrods like a car engine. The engine lubricatethe valve train by splash and mist. If the engine is running fine and not seizing the rods on the crank pretty sure the oil pump is working.

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I have a oil pressure gauge and it shows 0 pressure.

Do they made parts to rebuild the pump? If they do is there a parts list?

If you actually have ZERO oil pressure, you would likely have bearing failure occur a lot sooner than rocker arm/pushrod damage.
Did you connect to where the oil pressure switch is screwed in place? When it runs, does the oil filter get hot? Flowing oil would make the filter get hot enough you would know, hopefully not too hot to be able to put fingers onto the surface without getting burned.
Have you taken it apart? Could the oil pickup be clogged with debris? A B&S service manual is available in PDF on the web which might give more technical help in determining the problem.
What makes you think it needs an oil pump? The oil pump has just about the most lubricated moving parts of any engine. Did you take yours apart and inspect for damage? If the pump has a relief valve, it may be opening or getting stuck/jammed and allowing low oil pressure. Have you inspected the relief valve to be sure it seats properly?
Even a damaged pump will build pressure. Pressure only develops if the volume the pump produces is more than the volume that leaks past the bearings and other lubricated parts. You could have excessive bearing clearance or a galley plug that has come loose, letting the oil flow to easily right back to the sump without developing any measurable pressure.
I think I would do more inspection before condemning the pump. If you have taken the pump apart for inspection, take some pictures and post them. Unless the pump is not being driven properly, as in lugs are worn or a gear is damaged, most pumps even on their last legs will produce some pressure. But, the lubrication system must be intact and undamaged.
If you really want to know, take it apart, check for bearing/journal wear, loose or missing plugs, intact drive to the actual pump to be sure it is being active, and a functional relief valve. Internal inspection for evidence of damage can insure you are not replacing a good pump that should function and are missing the actual cause.
What was the symptom that indicated you had lubrication problems?
tom

slomo said:

If the pump was dead, the motor would burn up in no time. Air cooled can only go so far.

There isn't a lot of oil in the valve cover like in a car engine for example. Especially a valve cover that is up high on the engine. Am I missing something here?

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I think if there was an oil pump failure the first symptom wouldn't be no oil in the valve covers. First symptom would be letting the factory smoke escape from the crankcase when the rod bearings failed on the crankshaft.

StarTech said:

Date code is on the rocker cover along with model and type numbers.

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Not all small engines pump oil to valve chamber, instead that area is splash lubed thru the channels of the push rods. Why do you feel you have no oil pressure and what sent you lookig for it's loss?