Engine is back fireing and loss of power.

[woodsteach]

I have a 23 hp briggs vanguard on my Brand X and it has started backfireing at full speed.  I've also noticed a lack of power.

The mill set for 6 weeks this summer while I was busy logging and when I came back it started backfireing.

I am mildly handicapped when it comes to repair work.  (I have a socket set and that is about it).

Thank you

woodsteach

[Jim_Rogers]

Did you put in fresh gas?

[logwalker]

Change your plug with your socket set. First things first. Good place to start.Joe

[woodsteach]

Thanks for the repiles Jim and logwalker

Yep put in fresh "pure" unleaded (no ethenynol (sp)).  $3.10/gal

Spark Plug.... why didn't I think of that.  I'll get that done tomorrow and see if that is the culprit.



woodsteach

[Polly]

 8)  get some carb cleaner gas guard fuel injector cleaner or anything that will help clean the jets in carb and mix in your gas the new forumulation gas is not mutch anytime you are not going to use any gas small engine for any length of time go to wall mart and get some stay bill and mix in gas in tank and run engine long enought to make sure the mixture is in the carb might not solve your problem but it will help :

[01frick]

I have worked on small engines for many years and have found that when a engine is backfiring it mostly due to electrical problems on the high output side of the electrical system. Not fuel. Curtis

[scsmith42]

I would check the fuel system to make sure that it wasn't running lean, check the electrical and spark system to make sure that it is getting proper juice at the proper time, and check the intake valve to make sure that it isn't sticking. 

Scott

[sawguy21]

I would check the fuel system to make sure that it wasn't running lean,
Scott

That is my thought too. Untreated gas can start causing problems after a short time. After changing the plugs, dump the old gas, pour in fresh then pull the choke when it starts to act up. Keep doing this till it smooths out.

[bandmiller2]

Air cooled engines tend to run hot and dry around the head and valves.A little chainsaw mix does them good especially synthetic.Also a product called "sea foam "additive helps to preserve the crappy gas have now and clean the carb,NAPA stores can get it.Frank C.

[woodsteach]

Thanks to all for the replies  8) 8).  As soon as the local store opens I'm off for a spark plug, sea foam.

I have worked on small engines for many years and have found that when a engine is backfiring it mostly due to electrical problems on the high output side of the electrical system. Not fuel. Curtis

Curtis, would you explain more please?  Remember in my first post "I'm mechanicaly handicapped"   ;D ;D

woods

[Polly]

 8)ignition system on engines has two electrical circuts primary and secendary primary isbattery through points to primary side of coil secendary is from coil to spark plug i agree with intake valve burnt or sticking