machine stalls

Mark Wendt

Mark Wendt

New member
I recently bought a used rig with two hot water machines on it. The one just needs a fuel pump for the burner, it runs great with good pressure. The other stalls under load. If i turn the pressure regulator down all the way its fine, but if i turn the pressure up it wants to stall. Is this a problem with the unloader or is the engine worn out? Its an Alkota w/16hp vanguard. By the way i love this site, been reading for a few years, but this is my first post.
 
Check the bottom of the gas tank for sediment. Also there should be a screen in the bottom of the gas tank that may be restricting fuel if it's clogged. This happened to me a couple of months ago. Had to remove the tank and clean the filter out as well as the tank. No problems since. :)
 
ditto what Larry Said i also had to do this about a month ago.
 
Mark, welcome to the site. First, check the air filter. A dirty air filter will rob lots of power. Second, as Kevin suggested, check for spark at both cylinders. Vanguards, although really good, reliable engines, are notorious for burning out the ground wire that connects to the coils. There are diodes in the wire, and if one or both burn out, one coil basically grounds out the other.
 
Thanx for that info Russ. I didn't know that about them...
Rather my reasoning was more along lines that it is possable to throw a rod without actually throwing it through block I assume via bottom connecting rod bolt malfunction. This happened on an 'L' engine my washer came with. The whole rod/piston assembly stays up (or over in my case) just enough after the failure to where it still runs without things clonking around inside. Can rev fine but add a load and the problem presents due to half horsepower....So for those that have no power under load but have a seemingly decent enough running engine that flows gas, and has clean air filter I'd say first check how she runs when ya disconnect either wire while running. Use well insulated tools of course. If one don't show a running difference yet has a spark then pull plug and stick a screw driver in to feel if piston moves when turning engine by hand. Might just be running actually on half an engine. If it doesn't show a difference and but hasn't a spark then check the coil like Russ said.
 
Thanks guys, it has a new air cleaner, so next time i work on it i will check the fuel tank and for spark issues and go from there. May be after Christmas till i get on it again.
 
Worked on it today i was about to take the fuel tank off when i found the loose plug wire. I feel stupid. Thanks guys
 
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