Hey Guys,

I own a 2009 Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 35HP Model 610000 and am having one major issue that will not go away.

Issue:
While idling in between 1200 - 1500 rpm I engage toggle to forward and engine bogs down to 800-1000 rpm and immediately shuts off.

Solutions I have tried:
Replaced entire fuel line / primer bulb / fuel filter.
Drained gasoline and replaced with Non-Ethanol Fuel
Replaced air filter
Adjusted idle rpms up and down in between 1000 - 2000

Advised Solutions from Mechanics:
1. Disassemble carburetor and clean and rebuild (this is on my "to do" list for next week).
2. Gator-Tail rep told me that prior to 2013 Vanguard manufactured their motors with "valve" clearance issues. Thus, causing lack of compression and shutting engine off. He told me to ship motor to him in LA for valve job.

I am hoping by cleaning carburetor and rebuilding that this will take care of motor issue but am super concerned about valves. I am in Suffolk, VA and can not find a small engine mechanic that is familiar with these engines within 100 miles.

Any wisdom / advice / knowledge would be vastly appreciated. Thanks!

After cleaning the carb, reset your valves. Once the valve lash is set try adding some fuel with the air/fuel screws to see if you can get it to line out. You may have to cut the black plastic tabs to allow more adjustment. I would take them completely out clean them and screw them back down and back out 1-1/2 turns. Should give you a good starting point. Increase 1/4 to 1/2 turn and see if this helps. Does the motor have idling issues out of gear? Ive seen them slowly decrease rpms and eventually kill.

check ur valves.

In this order
Set valve lash and see if it improves .004-.006 spec
Carb clean wouldn't hurt
Leak down test the engine to verify valve sealing. If they are leaking which they probably have daylight arounf the intake seat you may need a valve job.

Start simple and work your way up. idles speed about 1150-1200

Thank you very much gentlemen! Will use your advice and let you all know the outcome!!

worked heads, mikuni carb, and bps exhaust, mine wouldn't idle worth a crap till I did that and now idles 750 rpm in gear!
or if you need valve job might as well but the Iron mountain heads or ones that are worked and have bigger valves! IMO

Maybe this will help you.

http://rich.homeunix.com/gravely/pro16/ ... RATTON.pdf


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