B & S Vanguard

[Gregor 4,846]

Was just looking for opinions on the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard twin cylinder engines. Good? Bad? Indifferent?

Thanks  Greg

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

The V-twins sound great! but less torquey then the opposed.They are the number one choice for mower racers. and often get build.

 

Also often used on mud-boats

So I think they are pretty good.

 

Have been looking for a horizontal shaft but no luck. I can find a vertical shaft for $600 used.

Edited June 3, 2021 by Maxwell-8

[Achto 27,603]

1 hour ago, Gregor said:

Was just looking for opinions on the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard twin cylinder engines

 

They are generally a good engine. My nephew has one on his bedding chopper that has served him for a long time despite it's abuse and neglect.

 

 I recommend using a synthetic oil like Mobil 1 or better and be diligent with your oil changes. I say this because one known issue is that they have been known to throw a rod on occasion.

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

I even believe they make bolt-on turbo kits for the EFI versions

Edit: Backwater Performance used to make one. https://youtu.be/5bNwAAY6-0g

 

Edited June 3, 2021 by Maxwell-8

[WHX?? 48,828]

Plastic starter pinion was only ever the problem I had on mine. Have to pop the flywheel off to change it but not a deal breaker. Gives a guy a chance to clean fins that way.  Ove 1k hours on it but still a good runner. Good maintenance is the key. 

[Lee1977 6,666]

I killed my 16 Vanguard because I broke the corner engine mount off. I was mowing next to a fence and fell off a bank around 4 ft. high.

I had it welded back on but they did get all the cracks, it always seeped oil. I ran it another 12 years it opened up a crack and dumped the oil.

I put a 18 Vanguard on it in 2010 only trouble I have had was the rectifier went out, had the same problem with the 16. I took the replacement 

off the 16 and put it on the 18. The torque on the 18 is 29 ft. # and the torque on my 20 Onan is 31.4 ft. # I think the only difference is that heavy

cast iron flywheel on the Onan.

The Vanguard need to be raised 7/8" to match a single cylinder Kohler. I raised the 18 with a 3/8" plate and to 1/2 bars. There is no chance of twisting

that 3/8" plate.  I would have used a thicker plate but I had the 3/8".

Edited June 3, 2021 by Lee1977