18 hp Vanguard help please

[hawghunter1]

I have a few questions about my 18 hp vanguard that I hope the forum can help me with.
I checked the compression by cranking the engine until the gauge stopped going higher. The one head was 90 psi, the other side was 110 psi. The Briggs dealer tells me that the compression can`t be checked that way, there is a auto compression release on my engine. He says that it needs to be turned backwards to do the test. I am confused? If my engine is dumping the compression, how am I getting 90 and 110 psi on me gauge?
The reason that I checked the compression in the first place is, the engine is puking lots of oil into the breather. My plugs have a light tan crust on them,(looks good to me) the engine has lots of power and starts and shuts of fine. I ran a clear tube out of the intake, and the oil looks like it is getting foamy. Running strait 30 wt. wolfs head oil. I will do a leak down test when I get my hands on a gauge. Any info, ideas, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tommy

[chevydmax6]

If u post this in the big block section there will be people there that will have the answers u are looking for

[hawghunter1]

OK, thanks

[1989Marathon]

Even with the compression release, you should have higher compression than that. If it is blowing oil into the breather, it is likely coming from the PCV. The low compression, and the oil puking indicate bad rings. A quick leak-down test will tell you in a hurry.

[nota]

how does the compression release engage or disengage ?
is there an eazy way to bypass it ?

will wireing the starter backwards safely turn the motor backwards
without frying the el-tricks [spark]

[nobuckbuild]

it will not start backwards and dont try to , also the oil puking problem could be too much oil and when that happens they tend to puke oil and blow head gaskets , start with changing the oil and start with 48 ounces of oil if you have no filter and 52 if you have a filter and change it ,then check what you have with running it , if you have the same problem then you need to pull it and start tearing into it. compression release it on the camshaft and you do not want to mess with it

[nota]

I know a 4 stroke needs a reverse cam to run backwards
and MAJOR spark timing revisions

I just want to get a real compression reading
by turning it over a few times
NOT START it running in reverse direction

so the compression release is a low RPM triggered device ?
I thought they just came into play if ropes starter was used ?
they also function on el-starting ?

the only one I have used was on a diesel single hand cranked
that was a lever that held down [open a crack] the ext valve
but was strickly manual no auto on or off just the lever position

[nobuckbuild]

Originally Posted by nota

I know a 4 stroke needs a reverse cam to run backwards
and MAJOR spark timing revisions

I just want to get a real compression reading
by turning it over a few times
NOT START it running in reverse direction

so the compression release is a low RPM triggered device ?
I thought they just came into play if ropes starter was used ?
they also function on el-starting ?

the only one I have used was on a diesel single hand cranked
that was a lever that held down [open a crack] the ext valve
but was strickly manual no auto on or off just the lever position

first off cranking it backwards is not possible due to the starter clutch second if you did wire it up and try to turn it overbacwards you will probably fry the coils or al least the resistor and the charging coil, you need to download the briggs v twin manual , i would send it you but i have it on a linux computer and cannot upload it , it has the proceedures that you need to be doing and not stabbing in the dark possibly causing more costly damage

[hawghunter1]

Thanks to all for the comments. I should have a leak down tester in a day or two, I will post what I find out. Thanks again, Tommy

[hawghunter1]

Let me start out by saying that I have never worked on small engines. With that being said, I am pretty handy with tools. So be be "gentle" with me. :laughing:
I have a 618 Grasshopper that had a Triad Kohler in it(had) so I replaced it with a 18hp Vanguard. Ran great for three year and then started puking oil into the breather.
Weird thing is, the motor starts right up and has plenty of power.. \? So I am told to do a leakdown test on the engine, which I just did. The one head has 10% leakage, the other head is blowing air up thru the oil return in the head at 100% ! I think that probably is a bad thing correct? So the question is WHY? Cracked head or blown head gasket possibly? BTW, there is no air blowing out the dipstck tube.
I know this is not a lawn mower forum, but I do realize that there is many members here that are very knowledgeable about these engines.
Any comments , help, instructions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tommy
BTW, I just went out and bought two running 18 Vannys,so there may be an install one in a cart project, down the road.