not much power

[argo6]

i have a 1988 v-twin vanguard 16 hp 6x6 briggs stratton
when idling it seems to have lots of power when i rev it up.
but when i take the 6x6 for a run there is not much power when i put a load on the engine.[starts easy; idles ok].
any suggestions.

[Mike]

Does it sputter like it is starving for fuel or puff any smoke when under load? Have you cleaned the carburetor on it lately?

[argo6]

not much power

i just recently obtained the argo. the machine was layed up for 4 years.i just pulled the carb off the argo to clean it up .thanks. will get back to you if that solves the problem.
thanks again.

[racerone3]

you might also want to check to make sure the belt isn't worn, and that the clutches are working properly.

also check to make sure you have spark on both cylinders. there is a wire with a diode connecting the 2 coils in the vanguard for the kill circuit. The vanguard will run ok on one cylinder until you put it under load. if you don't have spark on one side, you can remove the flywheel cover and remove the small black wire from the back of both coils. replace the spark plug in the cylinder that wasn't firing (it will be fuel fouled). it is ok to fire the engine up for a SHORT test with the flywheel cover off, but you will need to use the choke to shut it down. the diode wire is around $11 to replace and any mower shop will have it or can get it.

the attached pic is a pair of vanguard coils with the diode wire connecting themIMG_0141.jpg

[argo6]

not much power
thanks for the valuable information racerone3.
i will check them out,
thanks.

[G__]

Don´t forget to check the fuel filter either,if it is partially clocked,it will permit enough flow for the engine to rev up just fine but under load you need way more flow and that´s when the starving occurs.