1998 Vanguard Argo - Won't Start

[Rickb]

Hello All, I bought 1998 Argo Vanguard (with 16HP B&S Vanguard) last year and after fuel tank clean out, fuel hose replacement, and carb clean it ran great all summer and fall....it started with just a tap on the key. The Argo began having problems starting and running this winter.....and now won't start at all......could it be something to do with the cold temperatures (0C to -15C) here in Canada??

Now it won't even start with a shot of Quickstart in the carb.....so I assume this means potential electrical issue???? I replaced the plugs with specified Champions in the summer.....only 8-10 hours on them.

Any help here would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!!

[Dan67]

That engine was not designed to run on todays 10%+ blended ethanol fuels. Need to run marine grade fuel stabilizer year round. I am betting the gas became old and skunky, resulting in a dirty carb. Try draining the fuel and cleaning carb, then a fresh gallon of gas and give it a shot.

[Mike]

Since it won't run off of starting fluid, I would pull the spark plugs out and test to make sure you are getting spark first. That will help you narrow down the problem.

[ARGOJIM]

Ditch the Champions and put Autolites in it. May also have the ignition switch issue, try spaying some electrical contact cleaner in it and work it back and forth while it's wet.

[tattooman]

I had the same problem with my 18hp brigs. If you have been turning it over a lot, you might want to drain the crank case as it may have filled with gas. Mine did. I changed the oil and plugs. Cleaned Carb and I never add new gas without sea foam. (Walmart ) . Find members from an old car club in your area, they will know where to get ethanol free gas. Little pricy but worth it.

[Rickb]

That engine was not designed to run on todays 10%+ blended ethanol fuels. Need to run marine grade fuel stabilizer year round. I am betting the gas became old and skunky, resulting in a dirty carb. Try draining the fuel and cleaning carb, then a fresh gallon of gas and give it a shot.

Thanks for the reply.....I only use ethanol free gas with stabilizer, but cleaned the carb again just to be sure.....but still wont start.

Since it won't run off of starting fluid, I would pull the spark plugs out and test to make sure you are getting spark first. That will help you narrow down the problem.

Thanks for the reply!!.....what's the best way to confirm a GOOD spark???? I usually do a basic visual check by cranking the engine while holding the bottom of the plug to the engineblock.....this tells me that there is spark, but not sure whether it is sufficient enough for proper ignition.

Cheers, Rick

Ditch the Champions and put Autolites in it. May also have the ignition switch issue, try spaying some electrical contact cleaner in it and work it back and forth while it's wet.

What's the ignition switch issue??? I did notice that the ARGO will no longer turn over the second time if it will not start on the first crank. If I turn the key after the first unsuccessful crank of the engine it just kinda clicks and then I have to turn the key back to the off position before it will turn over again. Any idea what this coud be???? Do you think that this is causing the starting problem???

I had the same problem with my 18hp brigs. If you have been turning it over a lot, you might want to drain the crank case as it may have filled with gas. Mine did. I changed the oil and plugs. Cleaned Carb and I never add new gas without sea foam. (Walmart ) . Find members from an old car club in your area, they will know where to get ethanol free gas. Little pricy but worth it.

How can you tell if the crank case has filled with gas???

[ARGOJIM]

I would first try removing the plugs, crank over engine to see if there is excess fuel in the cylinders. The plugs may have fouled, the spark should be blue not yellow and check both cylinders in case the diode wire has gone bad, Argo runs Autolite 3924 in the 16Vanguard and gap them.
Then reinstall plugs and try to restart it again, with starting fluid if you like.

Another possibility is the choke not fully closing which is not a big deal untill it gets really cold, been having this problem with lawn tractors and my Argo V2 2 weeks ago at 20F, I've been having to remove the air cleaner and push the choke plate fully closed and vroom she goes.

[Rickb]

I would first try removing the plugs, crank over engine to see if there is excess fuel in the cylinders. The plugs may have fouled, the spark should be blue not yellow and check both cylinders in case the diode wire has gone bad, Argo runs Autolite 3924 in the 16Vanguard and gap them.
Then reinstall plugs and try to restart it again, with starting fluid if you like.

Another possibility is the choke not fully closing which is not a big deal untill it gets really cold, been having this problem with lawn tractors and my Argo V2 2 weeks ago at 20F, I've been having to remove the air cleaner and push the choke plate fully closed and vroom she goes.

Thanks ARGOJIM.....your input is very much appreciated!! The choke seems to be opening and closing well....I will check the spark and try some new plugs....any other options to Autolites.....I cannot seem to get them here in Ontario, Canada.....just have Champion, NGK, and Bosch.

Thanks Again, Rick

[Rickb]

Just wanted to close this thread out...I changed the Champions to NGK and all is Good in any temp!!!

Thanks for everyone's help!!