Noisy Twins for Fathers Day

[Jovee 0]

A buddy brought up a pair of relics from his dad's farm for me to 'see what I can do with them'. Both have Briggs Intek 16's on them. I have had absolutely zero experience on 2cyl engines in the big city so that means I've never even heard one run. Twin #1 is on a barn kept tractor but Im told it blew much oil through the top of the engine. Thats bad. Whats worse is I found there is no spark and have realized what I have to do to get the coil in. Yay. Engine #2 is off a unit that sat outside unattended for 6yrs because the deck was too big to fit under the porch. With the addition of a few ignition components, fuel line and a good snaking of the carb (plus a kit) I got it to run. Since both engines are identical twins :D the plan was to swap the engines despite me getting the electric pto working and the pulleys unfrozen on the outdoor pet. But... as the running one has been tuned to the best it will get, I noticed an internal rattle at low idle. Having never heard one run or know any history, are these engines prone to excessive valve noise or is it the ultimate bad thing starting to happen? It doesnt smoke and accelerates fine but under that rusty rumble of a harley I can hear the clanks. Is it normal for these or is the end near? After this I will be happy to stick with my 1cyls. -- Joe

[Nick 0]

Joe, I have wondered the same thing. Neighbor has two of those engines both mounted on early 90's MTD's. I never heard one run when it was new and they seem to be louder then the 10hp briggs that is in my Landlord. No valve tapping noise but they do seem louder then I think they should be. The one backfires when you turn it off, I assume that's the anti-after fire solenoid (proper name?) is going bad?

[keifer2k3 0]

I have a twin 16 (in need of a starter...) that sounds like a deisel. I love it. strong motor.

[Jovee 0]

Nick, if you mean louder like Keiths reference to a diesel, thats what I mean. It sort of dissipates at higher idle and also runs strong but I would be afraid to take it on a long trip sounding that way. I am glad that Im not hearing things though. Im curious as to what would give it that "about to throw a rod" sound? - Joe

[Tom Deutsch 0]

I know you're talking about Briggs, but my KT17 series II is loud too; most people ask me if it's a diesel. I also get a backfire every once in a while when shutting off. Is this a symptom of points or carb out of adjustment, or is this just a noisy twin thing?

[Jovee 0]

I dont think the carb has anything to do with the noise but possibly the backfiring. I got the briggs to backfire a few times while adjusting it but I smoothed that out. Mine has electronic ignition so I dont know about the points. But so far the diesel sound is pretty popular. But why?? Joe

[dirtsaver 1]

Tom I can't answer your other questions but as to the backfire on the KT17II,mine did the same thing until I learned to shut it off at 1/2 throttle or above after I'd let it run at idle for a minute or two. Now it rarely backfires.

[2burning 1]

My Briggs opposed twin has always had an extra 'sound' to it for many years too. It sounds like the motor mount bolts are loose or something, like the motor is rattling around in the bolt holes. They are tight though. When reved up it sounds nice and smooth. I always liked the fact it was 40 cubic inches for only 16hp :>