I have a rather new engine, it’s got 80 hours on the clock. I bought it brand new and it already leaking oil like it’s getting paid!
Is it common in the briggs? Where do they usually leak? Rear main seal?
My 18hp B&s started leak at 7 hours . Valve covers. Have 450 hours . I change oil every 50hours , no need to add oil between changes . Valve cover gasket replacement didn’t helped .
No, it’s not common in Briggs or any engine really. I have a 30 year old Vanguard and hasn’t leaked oil yet. If you let me know where you see oil I can tell you where it’s leaking from. A picture would probably help too. There are only a handful of places it could be coming from.
Is it still under warranty? If not, once you figure out where it’s leaking from, I can help walk you through the repair if you need a hand.
Extremely common with briggs. Leaking valve covers. It made me get rid of 8 of them and my Landa dealer quit servicing and selling them. Horrible design for the last 6 years.
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Really nice to see you on the forum IBS.
I’ve never owned a Vanguard newer than 6 years old so disregard my above comment “on not being common”. You would think after building small engines for all these years they could at least get a valve cover right. At least it will be an easy fix.
I doubt it’s the valve covers. It’s either rear main seal, Or worst! Ive heard of blocks cracking
Thank you! I will pull the pump and inspect it see where the leak is coming from.
Glad to see you ibs
Hopefully it’s not the case! If it’s the crank seal/oil seal that should be easy enough to replace. The worst part is getting the old seal out. Just have to be careful not to scratch up the crank or case but isn’t bad as long as your careful. At least it’s the pump side that’s leaking. It’s a little easier pulling the pump rather than the flywheel.
Nice to see you back! I though this was an old thread when I saw a post from you in it. Just so we’re clear are you talking about Vanguard’s? All mine are rockstars, I don’t get it.
I guess I’m still under warranty. 3 years from purchase on all Vanguard engines
Sounds like you’re covered this will be an easy fix. Just search for an authorized Briggs dealer in your area and take it in. If you’re wanting it back in a hurry call around and see how backed up each shop is. It shouldn’t take them long at all to replace if it’s only leaking from the crank seal on the pump side.
Thanks, all the shops are busy with spring coming up… I ordered the RMS it was $8 and I’m gonna take a shot at it. If I can do it on a 351 Winsdor engine I can do it in this.
