23hp Vanguard rebuild

[sliding]

For some reason I can’t see you all your pictures. Are the oil rings a three piece design? By this I mean two thin rails and a wavy expander? If they are make sure the ends of the wavy expander are touching each other and that you don’t have them slightly over lapped. As this will cause any engine to smoke excessively.

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by ProjectClubCar

is there a particular brand head gasket that I can purchase for my vanguard, or maybe a particular type of head gasket, I need to purchase?

Use the Graphoil head gaskets. CPP works on these engine, might give them a call. I called the other day and taked to Bruce about my cam, he was more than happy enough to chat and help me out.

Here are pics of both the graphoil and the MLS (multi layered steel) gaskets. In my opinion for older engines the graphoil is more forgiving. Some guys separate the steel one and use the center gasket only, but that's to achieve max compression, not nearly as reliable.

(note: these are not the correct gaskets for your engine)

[ProjectClubCar]

The one with copper appeals to me,
Slo were can that be purchased?
do any of our site sponsors sell those particular type of the gaskets?

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by ProjectClubCar

The one with copper appeals to me,
Slo were can that be purchased?
do any of our site sponsors sell those particular type of the gaskets?

The metal gaskets tend to be the ones that have problems sealing. The graphoil ones are more forgiving, they are softer.

Give Bruce at CPP a call. They build these engines. They don't have gaskets listed on the website but I'd bet they have a stack of them.

What kind of compression are you supposed to end up with?

Also, did you have your crankcase vent blocked off?

[Dave in VA]

Originally Posted by slonomo

Use the Graphoil head gaskets. CPP works on these engine, might give them a call. I called the other day and taked to Bruce about my cam, he was more than happy enough to chat and help me out.

Here are pics of both the graphoil and the MLS (multi layered steel) gaskets. In my opinion for older engines the graphoil is more forgiving. Some guys separate the steel one and use the center gasket only, but that's to achieve max compression, not nearly as reliable.

(note: these are not the correct gaskets for your engine)

What did Bruce say about the cam? I guess it's the same one that I've got.

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by Dave in VA

What did Bruce say about the cam? I guess it's the same one that I've got.

Dave
https://www.buggiesgonewild.com/showthread.php?t=171125

If Bruce can't sell you any head gaskets, I have several other places I get them from. I'd need your complete engine model number. I don't know of any of our sponsors that actively sell Briggs engine parts, therefore, we are usually forced to go to non-sponsor shops. The reality is, any Briggs dealer can get them. I only use Briggs brand gaskets on my Vanguards. I've used some ebay stuff and it's usually junk.

[BIKERMIKEYBLACK]

Briggs make two different head gasket old style metal for engine below 1995 with aluminum rockers
Newer style they call them graphite impregnated not supposed to blow for new style steel rockers also the pushrods are different as the graphite gasket is much thicker
There’s a guy on eBay that makes copper gasket for them they are reasonable about $30
If I was going to use metal I would probably go with the copper and coat them in K&W copper coat and will be fine

[raydhd]

I just got a real education on head gaskets on you tube. It is titled " gasket materials and surface roughness " dated june 20 2017 from summit racing. I now understand why some of us had MLS head gasket failures. Also it looks like the copper gaskets are the way to go on less than perfect surfaces.

[BIKERMIKEYBLACK]

Imagine that

[slonomo]

How's the build coming? Any updates?