Loss of Power

[humanshield]

So I had my Max II out today for a joy ride (Something I have not been able to do for months) I was riding along through some trails and making some of my own. . On my way back I started to notice a lack of power. And when I would drop it to an Idle and gun it, it would almost die on me. I limped it back to the garage and when I got there I dropped it into neutral and gave it full throttle. It would rev up start to die off a little and backfire and repeat for as long as I had it floored. It was fine for 45 minutes until this point. And I'll report back to what it's doing when I get back out to it. (Act different when cool maybe?) It has the 18HP Brigs Vangaurd.

[Newtwo6x6]

Could be old gas, gasoline can create in varnish in the carburetor if it sets for a time. A gasoline stabilizer can help if a vehicle has set for awhile. You may need to clean the carburetor and jets. Also what condition is the air filter in.

[humanshield]

Well, I guess I should clarify. I used the machine over the past week and it was fine. And used it yesterday for about 45 minutes before it started acting up. The gas is fresh. I filled it last week sometime. (Had been using it to push snow)

[amphibious drew]

You may want to check your valves. If not adjusted properly, you can float the push rod. When this happens, the engine will appear to run ok at idle, but when you go to drive it, it's clear that the power just isn't there.

[ARGOJIM]

Try cleaning the carb, B&S are known to lose power and backfire from the smallest piece of dirt in the carb. If you apply the choke partially and it helps at all, clean the carb. as it sounds to be leaning out.

[Tomo]

hi
typical check list
fuel line ,tank ,filter, carby clean and ""known good condition ""
valve clearance adjustment
compression
spark test fits between plug lead and plug with adjustable gap compare one cylinder to another
leaking inlet manifold --spray carb cleaning fluid around the manifold to head join [engine changes rpm if it is leaking ]

tomo

[glen1971]

Not sure if it will help, but we had an older argo that had a similar issue and it turned out to be a small pinhole in the diaphragm on the carb... Tried all the usualy things first then started into the carba nd found it...