Any experience with a B&S Intek?

[deeter16317]

Got a 18HP B&S Intek...acts like the intake valve is hung partially open (blows back through carb and its impossible to adjust valve).

Any ideas before we pull the head??

 

[willix]

I think I heard that you must be 15 degrees off top dead center to ajust. The b&s site has manuals to download. It has some thing to do with the camshaft/governor device. Do expect me to be accurate on this possible solution.

 

[deeter16317]

I understand that to adjust...but the valve won't even return to a closed position...like its burnt or carbon'd up??

 

[daman]

Well if it isn't returning you have problems,spring broke or weak, bad valve/seat pull the head.

 

[deeter16317]

We know the valve actuating "stuff" is ok...we have the cover off. Just wanted to see if someone else experienced this, their findings, and if it was a common issue.

Seems like (to me) these B&S OHVs have valve issues...this is the second one that we got with valve issues (the last one was just out of adjustment, but the tractor wouldn't run because of it).

If its a common issue, I'll scrap the tractor and salvage what usable parts I can.

 

[meep]

is this the 2 lung opposed engine? if so, I have heard of them having a common failure of the valve seat coming loose from the head. It's a shame because beyond that they are a nice engine.

 

[deeter16317]

Yeah, 2-cylinder vertical...OHV. A valve seat makes the most sense...because of the way the valve won't return closed.

Thanks!

 

[daman]

I've had ZERO problems with my 2005 18.5 Intek it's been outstanding in almost 200hrs now.

i adjusted the valves once for preventative maintenance that's all, she runs like new still.

 

[JTK]

I've heard of this happening on some Kawasaki and Briggs engines now. The suspected cause was gummed up nasty fuel causing the intake valve to stick into it's seat. Sound's weird I know.

Joel

 

[deeter16317]

Not really...this took place when he took it out of storage from this past winter. He does not do anything for extended storage.

I could very easily see that as the culprit, along with the valve seats not being friction fit tight enough (i.e. loose in their bore).

 

[JTK]

There you go! That's probably what it is then. The cases I've read about where this happened were exactly like that. Not so great PM work and first try of the season w/ old gas having been in the tank. Maybe you can free up that valve with a good cylinder soak through the plug hole for that cylinder. I wonder if removing the intake manifold and forcing compressed air in through the intake port would pop that valve loose? I'd hate to have to remove everything to pull the head, ruin gaskets, etc.

Joel

 

[meep]

I hope that's it. unfortunately this engine has a history of the valve seats coming out of their bore, getting mangled, and the head rendered unusable.