Briggs Vanguard 16hp flooding

Gene Robben · May 12, 2016

I have a John Deere Sabre 1642 lawn tractor with a Briggs Vanguard 16hp single cylinder engine. Last week it flooded badly after mowing. I removed the spark plug to check for spark and gas was literally spewing out of the cylinder head when I turned it over with the starter. I finally got it running and it ran horribly rich. Shut it off and gas was running out of the muffler. So I removed the carb. Replaced the needle valve and blew out the passages. Started it today and it idled nicely and it ran fine on high speed while mowing for 2 hours. Idled it down to put it away and it wanted to load up with gas and die. Would only run basically at high speed. Anyone have any thoughts on what the problem is? I am stumped!

Steve@Advance · May 12, 2016

Did the carb have a white plastic piece sandwiched between the bowl and body? If so. there is an oring just above the needle valve that will leak fuel into the bowl causing flooding.

Otherwise, look for trash in the fuel, or sunk float.

Also, if you haven't already done so, change the oil! Chances are it is now contaminated with gas.

tractorguy2 · May 12, 2016

What name is on the carb? Niki or Walbro?

Gene Robben · May 13, 2016

It is a Walbro. It has been sitting for a day now and I will try to start it today.

Gene Robben · May 13, 2016

No, there was no white plastic piece that you mentioned.
I had just changed the oil and it is still just sitting on the full line. Doesn't appear to have leaked into the pan.

tractorguy2 · May 13, 2016

That is the better of the two carbs used. Walbro does not have the plastic piece the other guys are talking about.

D beatty · May 13, 2016

If you ran ethanol gasoline you might have to bit the bullet and by a new carb.. If you do put a new carb. on put a fuel shut off in fuel line between fuel tank and pump if it has one and shut fuel off and run it dry. Also run Briggs & Stratton fuel stabilizer in your fuel.

Gene Robben · May 13, 2016

Just tried to start it. It will not turn over and appears to be hydro-locked. I will pull the plug and and see if the cylinder is full of gas again. Oil level has not changed.
This is getting frustrating.

Gene Robben · May 13, 2016

Update
Just took everything apart again. Found a little thread like piece of red plastic in the seat. Interesting because when I serviced it this spring I changed the fuel filter and it now happens to be red. Hmmmmm.
Anyway it runs again and it idles just as it should.
Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions and thoughts. I appreciate it. Gene

Briggs Vanguard 16hp flooding

Gene Robben

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tractorguy2

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Gene Robben

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