G'day from Down Under, Argo Vanguard 2 fuel problem

[pixel6x6]

G'day to all 6x6 crazy people out there from Down Under.
I'm a happy owner of Argo Vanguard2 (93), the machine was running just fine until today, took it for a spin through some rugged country, and as I had to go back uphill the engine has started to run erratically, lost power when trying to accelerate to get through a mud hole and finally stopped. I was able to start it up again, but every time I've reved it up, it went for about 100m and stalled.
At the end I had to leave my argo in the bush, and walk back couple hours home as it was getting too dark to limp home.
On the way back i was going through my mind and realized, that i had similar engine problem before, which has disappeared as i went downhill.
So the fuel issue is gravity dependent, no problem going downhill, big problem going uphill!

Also it takes approx 10min warm up time before engine revs up to full power after a cold morning start.

Any suggestions are welcome, as I have to get my 4x4 & trailer bush tomorrow to recover my argo.

[azz7772]

when was the last basic tune up? Air Filter clean,spark plug change,fuel filter ect. It also sounds like your coil is shot and heating up.

[fmints]

when was the last basic tune up? Air Filter clean,spark plug change,fuel filter ect. It also sounds like your coil is shot and heating up.

To caveat with azz7772, A basic tune up or should i say inspection of the machine is needed periodically to keep it running in tip-top shape. I would inspect all fuel lines and filters for dryrotted or cracked rubber, debris in the line as well as in the filter and fuel pump. After all is clean, i would then turn to the carburetor and give it a good cleaning. The problem is probably not in the carb, but why not clean the whole fuel system at one time! Last but not least, after all is put back together, try it out. If the problem is still happening, the coils, coil gap space(distance between the coil and flywheel should be a business card distance from each other) coil diode, and valve clearance (.005) should be the next things to check. Briggs v-twins are known for their valves needing adjustment after a bit of time. Especially if it is hard to crank, backfires, lopes erractically and/or sudden lost of power. Checking the valves lash or clearance keeps you running good and keeps you from bending a pushrod or other major engine failures from happening. Before you go out and spend the cash on new parts, try the less expensive remedies first like cleaning the lines, carb, coil gap and valve clearance etc. first. I would even check the gas tank to see if there is sediment or something that is clogging up the fuel line when going up hill. A hand full of nuts, bolts and some clean fuel shakened around the tank pretty good will do a good job at cleaning the tank.There are post on the site to help you will all these issues like checking the resistance of the diode or replacement of the diode, and setting the valve clearance or valve lash and if not Youtube has been a great teacher for me! I hope I was able to help you out on this.

[spookum]

take a friend, a new fuel line and a new fuel filter and new spark plugs. Bet you a cold beer it will drive back to town Good luck and post some pics of down under argo wheeling please!

[pixel6x6]

Well, got my argo home, definitely a fuel lines/pump issue, plugs are good, spark is ok, I can get it going when I spray juice in to the carb. Fuel filter is shot, need to replace this. I'll keep you posted.

[coosaridgerider]

A low pressure electric fuel pump may be the solution.

[pixel6x6]

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/engines/22565-gday-down-under-argo-vanguard-2-fuel-problem.html

[pixel6x6]

Got the new fuel pump, vacuum for now, new filters and lines. Staff at the shop was surprised to see so much gunk in the fuel filter and lines. Looks like my argo didn't do much driving before I haves picked it up.
Thursday will replace the fuel system and clean the tank & carby.

[spookum]

Good call on cleaning the tank. Alot of people forget that step, and have the crud monster jump up and bite them again!