Vanguard 18 hp twin bearing replacement.

Hi friends, Just bought used B&G vanguard 18hp twin for my pressure washer.It's Model #350447-1048-a1 with date code 95012711.It has lots(unknown) of hours and built in 1995.I have few questions:
1--I found there is little play in the crankshaft at the pulley end.Both ways,in-out and up-down.Can i just replace the bearing by opening the side crankcase plate?Any special tools required?

2--While turning crankshaft by hand,I hear like hissing sound from the valve cover which is connected to the fuel pump but couldn't feel any air leak.But there is some oil coating from that cylinder.Looks interesting how fuel pump works on this engine.Still tying to understand.

3--Oil pressure switch is not connected to anything.How can i make it functional to shut the engine down in case of low oil.

4--Engine only runs past half throttle and dies if i move the lever down.It's speed also fluctuates while running at no load and i can see governor moving the lever back and forth.Is it normal?

5--Any other area i should look for to do preventive maintenance.

Sorry for the long list of questions and going to download service manual so that i can do some work on it.Thanks

ninja
i would not bet my life on this BUT,
i believe you have a THROW AWAY ENGINE.
there are no main or cam bearings in your engine.
thank you boomer

1. According to the parts diagram for your engine, the pulley side has a main bearing, part number 843827. The flywheel side has a sleeve, part number 807687. Do not know if these parts are still available but the bearing should be.
In and out play on the crank is set by shims on the flywheel side by the looks of the parts manual. According to the service manual it should be no more than .030 ".

2. The hissing sound should just be the crankcase breather working. The fuel pump works off crankcase pressure and vacuum with the breather.

3. Oil pressure switch can be tied into the ignition system but without seeing it I can't talk intelligently on it.

4. Sound like the carb could use a good cleaning. Also on a model that old I would change fuel lines.

5. Pull the shroud and clean the cooling fins. Change engine oil, Air, fuel, oil filters, and spark plugs. Adjust valves.

Rodney 8)

Why such a large engine for a pressure washer?

Thanks Rodnet51cub for your reply.Yes i found the ball bearing part number and will be going to take the side sump cover off to replace the bearing and will also check the bushing on flywheel side.I checked compression on both cylinders and its about 11.8 bar~170 psi.
I also downloaded service manual and will try to do the adjustment on the governor before taking apart the carburetor. and see if that helps.Like you said,i will be replacing fuel lines too.

@tractorguy2----I am going to couple it with a General pump TS2021 pump which is 3500PSI 5.6 Gallons/min and it calls for 18Hp engine.Currently i have Honda g400 10Hp engine but it bogs down and i was never able to get more than 2200 PSI with that setup.