[ninja_zx11]

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

 

[AVB]

In and out play is spec at .002-.015"; although, the service has it at .002-.030". There shouldn't be any side play except when the bearing is worn. Access by removing the crankcase cover (if it was verticle engine the oil pan)

The hissing is just air/ fuel mix escaping pass the rings.

The fuel operates off the pressure and vacuum impulses from the pistons moving in and out.

The oil pressure can connected direct to the ignition kill circuit as it nothing a simple on/off. Ie Grounded at zero oil pressure and open when there is pressure.

The running at half throttle and the surging both can be caused by a dirty carburetor.

Maintenance is same as any gasoline engine oil and air filter changes as need and oil check every so often so you don't burn the engine up.

 

[ninja_zx11]

In and out play is spec at .002-.015"; although, the service has it at .002-.030". There shouldn't be side except when the bearing is worn.

The hissing is just air/ fuel mix escaping pass the rings.

The operates off the pressure and vacuum impulses from the piston moving in and out.

The oil pressure can connected direct to the ignition kill circuit as it nothing a simple on/off. Ie Grounded at zero oil pressure and open when there is pressure.

The running at half throttle and the surging both can be caused by a dirty carburetor.

Maintenance is same as any gasoline engine oil and air filter changes as need and oil check every so often so you don't burn the engine up.

Thanks AVB for the reply!!
For sure my bearing is worn out as it does have a side play.Can i just replace it by removing the side sump plate?

That hissing sound only comes from the cylinder located on the fuel pump side.:4-dontkno

 

[AVB]

Can i just replace it by removing the side sump plate?

That hissing sound only comes from the cylinder located on the fuel pump side.:4-dontkno

Yes.

And there might be problem with the other cylinder then as both should be hissing some. Need to do either a compression test or better yet a leak down test to do non invasive cylinder condition tests.

 

[ninja_zx11]

Yes.

And there might be problem with the other cylinder then as both should be hissing some. Need to do either a compression test or better yet a leak down test to do non invasive cylinder condition tests.

Thanks.Will do compression test and will report back.

 

[ninja_zx11]

I just did compression test and both cylinders are putting out almost same pressure of 11.7 bar~170 psi.

 

[AVB]

I just did compression test and both cylinders are putting out almost same pressure of 11.7 bar~170 psi.

Then I would say there very wear on the cylinders themselves as that is very good compression.

I would clean the carburetor and see if the running problems go away as sounds like running lean with that surging going on. If doesn't then do a static governor adjustment as it may have been played with.