Need Some Engine Help

[Shane77624]

The engine is a 23-hp B&S Vanguard. Then engine appears to be running fine, but if you pull the left side plug the engine dies; however, if you pull the right side plug wire there is no noticeable change in the motor. Also, when the engine is put under load you can definitely tell something is amiss (pun intended).

I changed the ignition coil on the right side and checked the valve clearances. There is fire going to the right cylinder. I also replaced both plugs. My final observation is that the exhaust pipe on the left side gets hot, but the one on the right only gets warm. Nothing thus far has corrected the problem.

Thoughts?

[dharris]

Same thing happened to mine. I took the carb apart and found that one side was clogged. I think that one side feeds one side of the engine. So it is only running on one bank.

[Old Bald Guy]

Sounds like no fuel or compression on 1 cylinder. Since it has a 1 barrel carb I would lean toward no compression on 1 side. Could be a valve issue so put a compression gauge on it.

[Brooks]

pull that spark plug, stick your finger over the hole and spin the motor. If it doesn't blow your finger out of the hole= no compression.