So, I bought this TUFF brand skid off of marketplace; I’ve never heard of the brand, but it looked like a fun project to work on during my off time. They had it listed for $300 and I gave them $200.
The engine (Vanguard 16hp V-Twin) did turn over, so I know it’s not seized up, but everything else is sort of trash. The pump is garbage, so I’ll have to get a new one eventually.
Anyway, I’m going to refurbish the whole cart and get it up and running to a “like new” status. I’ll either sell it as a used machine in our shop or keep it around the shop for demos and what not.
Just want to document it here since you all are my only friends……
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That’s an oldie! Check on the OHV covers to see if you can find the Model, Type, and Code numbers. The Code is the manufacturing date. Most Briggs engines have them on one of the OHV covers, but some of the Vanguards have them “hidden” elsewhere; but either way it should be stamped into a piece of metal. Sometimes you have to look beneath the fuel tank.
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Go to northern Tool and get a generator head. You’ll always have pressure washers around but that would a nice generator set up
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@PPWofLexSC
I’ll look tomorrow and let you know!
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@Innocentbystander
That’s not a bad idea, I already have a couple of generators though. I haven’t rebuilt a machine since high school, so it’s calling my name to do this one. I’m keeping my eye out for more machines though; it’s almost that time of year when folks start to sell!
You own a store now, you need to be enrolled in Hondas small engine school, Kohler’s, anything you can find.
I’m getting myself enrolled in more formal training at the local community college. We are not offering services until next season. I’m a one man show right now and can’t spread myself too thin or else I’ll have a lapse in other aspects of the business. I can do the basics, my dad may move down and be our tech. Is is looking to live away from the cold that Michigan has to offer. He is a certified small engine tech; he works at the lumber mill as one in our hometown.
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@PPWofLexSC
Code is 02052111: so it’s a 2002.
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Some progress today:
Got the engine off the cart and starting tearing it down so I could get the carb off, which was a success.
Tomorrow I’ll clean the carb and start chipping away at removing a lot of this rust. I have to replace a bulk of the exterior bolts and screws as well.
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Todays progress:
I started to work at cleaning the carb……it was pretty dirty. Carb cleaner wasn’t really cutting it, so I actually let it soak in some rust rescue I had leftover from SESW. It cleaned it up nicely. I couldn’t find any small engine shop or box store that had gaskets for the carb. I may make some myself or just order them off a site I found that has part for the carb and engine for this model. Still haven’t decided yet.
I also grabbed a gear puller today and was able to get the pulley off the pump shaft, so that was a plus.
The boy helped get some rust off the wheel with a drill wire brush.
Overall, it was a successful day.
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Can you get the engine numbers. I went down a very similar road. But i have a small engine shop that stocks stuff for these old motors. Pull the juts and tube out of that carb before you even think about putting it together.
@Firefighter4hire
Here is the engine information and thanks for the tip!
Did you compression test this motor before you got this far? You may be working on a boat anchor.
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