Can I use a Fuel Shut-off Valve?

[Climbmax]

I am wondering if I can use a Fuel Shut-off Valve on my 14hp Briggs and Stratton Vangaurd V-Twin? If I ran the carb dry using the valve would it harm the fuel pump? If I can use one would I place it in front or behind the fuel pump? Would this prevent flooding when I am transporting it on a trailer? Thanx

[racerone3]

a lot of briggs engines have a fuel solenoid in the carb ( called an anti backfire solenoid) which cuts fuel flow when power is disconnected (key off).
are you having an Issue with flooding during transport? It shouldn't be a problem unless the needle and seat are dried out, or the float isn't working correctly. I have 5 vanguards (none with the solenoid) and none of them have a flooding issue when I haul them.

To directly reply to your question, It won't harm the fuel pump, but if you use the fuel shut off valve to kill the engine, you will cause a lean condition which can eventually hurt the engine. It will also be hard to start because you will have to crank it for a while to refill the float bowl. (hard on starter/ battery, and the cheap lawn and garden solenoid used in most machines)

[Climbmax]

Im not 100% sure that the flooding was my problem. I trailered my Max II about 1.5 hours from where I live and when I started it up it ran just long enough for me to drive it off the trailer. It then died abruptly and would not start. I took out the plugs, which were soaked, dried them off and turned the engine over to push out any excess fuel in the cylinders. After putting the plugs back in it fired right up. I dont really know why else it wouldnt start after it died. If you have any ideas, Im all ears.

[Climbmax]

Thanx racerone3, I will take your advice and NOT add a fuel shut-off valve. I don't want to cause any harm to the engine. The next chance I get I will haul it back there and see if it happens again. It just baffled me because that had not happened before this.

[racerone3]

Were you hauling on bumpy roads? That might cause the float to bounce a bit and allow fuel through. You might replace the needle in the carb ( should be rubber tipped needle in your aplication so there will ne no seat to replace). Also look at the float. I've had a few crack on the 20 hp vanguards and they get saturated with fuel causing them to not float as well.... I've never had that problem on the single barrel carbs (14-18hp) but anything can happen