Briggs 23 hp Vanguard

[Bret4207]

1 v did it?!! Wow! The switch I used was a generic auto parts store keyed switch. I will have to get the multimeter and check to see if there is any stray voltage, but it sure sounds like a strong possibility. As far as the diodes, would there be any online diagrams showing their location? This is a 386447 0048 IIRC. I've not seen any diagrams in what I've found so far.

[KE4AVB]

There is probably no actual images of exactly where this part harness is but here is an image of the most likely harness. Personally I would think the two diode would be insulated but I could be wrong.


The service manual for your engine is available in the download forum under Briggs and Stratton. Click on the "03_272144 Vanguard Twin Cylinder OHV.pdf" file link.

Information on testing this harness is on PDF pages 51-53 (Service manual pages 50-52).

[bgsengine]

. Personally I would think the two diode would be insulated but I could be wrong..

They are. the newer design , diodes are contained in a clear plastic shrink tubing , the better to see visually any diode problems

[KE4AVB]

I thought I saw a ghost image of clear tubing in the image. This would only allow major diode problems to seen as leaky diodes usually don't have outward appearing damage, only shows up on a tester. However most of the bad ones are usually toasted fairly well or just broken. I ran into a set several years ago that was leaky that I replaced.

Crazy missing firing all over the place because of the coils interacting when the customer brought me the mower as a last ditch effort to get the engine fixed. He had it in several local shops and none could figure what was wrong. Apparently none tried replacing the harness as it appeared intact.

[Bret4207]

Many thanks for the links and pic, that gets me heading in the right direction.

[Bret4207]

I've done some research and I'm having the same issue I had when trying to research this engine and it's parts. It's a Briggs 386447-0048, but I can never find IPL's for that specific engine. I'm using sites likes Jacks, K+T, etc. Is there a recommendation for a better place to search? I just want to find a wiring harness part #.

I'm beginning to recall why I stick with chainsaws!

[Bret4207]

Never mind, finally found a new place that has it.

[38racing]

Never mind, finally found a new place that has it.

Briggsandstratton.com has it.

[KE4AVB]

Jack's does have it, just takes getting use to their way accessing ipl's. Usually you got several clicks to get one show up.

Here is something else to think about with it having Nikki carburetor. The main jets could loose causing over rich idle and no load times. The tiny o-rings do tend to harden and shrink. I replace these o-ring on every Nikki that has these o-rings. Briggs only sells the jets with o-rings and they don't include them the carburetor rebuild kits either but these o-rings can be gotten from Kawasaki. Just a way to force the unexpected tech into buying new jets; although, sometimes, we have to because are careless and jets fall out getting lost on the shop floor.

[Bret4207]

I understand the Nikki carbs are troublesome. I'll be looking at mine today.

Thanks again to all who have helped. I guess I'm going to have to drag myself out of the 1980's and get with the times if I want to keep things running.