sluggish and surging motor 14hp vanguard

[Chris2003]

I finally got a new axle in my max II and I have been riding most of the day but I noticed that it didn't seem like the motor was revving up all the way so I checked and noticed that when the throttle was pressed all of the way the plate only turned about 3/4 of the way, so I loosened the screw and adjusted the cable and gained a lot of power but idle was a little high. well I ran it for about 5 mins and all of a sudden it started getting really sluggish and didn't have much power and at idle it was surging so I adjusted the cable back down like it was and now when in gear at full throttle it barely even goes I checked the plugs and they look fine any ideas

[ARGOJIM]

pull the choke out some and see if it helps, if so carb. needs cleaning.

[Chris2003]

ok Ill try that but I just cleaned the carb put a new fuel filter and drained and cleaned the tank so that shouldn't be the problem but ill try it and maybe open the carb anyway its acting like I blew a head gasket or something but I don't know if that's common with these engines

[jpswift1]

It could be a slight crack in the fuel line. That happened my friend's Max IV with the 18HP Vanguard. It was sucking too much air and it acted the same as a head gasket problem. A new fuel line was installed and it was like a brand new machine again. A head gasket blowing isn't very common in the Vanguards. I'd also say, make sure your valves are adjusted properly as well. And for 2 extra cheap and easy horsepower out of your 14HP, check out this article:

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/engines/26083-briggs-vanguard-14-16hp-18-20hp-engine-upgrades-identification.html

[Chris2003]

Thanks JP I'll check the fuel line and maybe replace it just in case I also saw your thread last night about the 2 extra HP and I'm looking for a carb right now I will say this though that 14 would get it at full throttle especially when our used to 3/4 throttle

[Chris2003]

Thanks guys it ended up being trash in the carb I cleaned it out and she runs like a champ but now I broke an axle chain so I guess im just not gonna catch a break

[Chris2003]

Maybe dual fuel filters will help keep the trash out

[Toys4Me]

I run dual filters. One out of the tank and one right before the carb.