briggs wont run

[keifer2k3]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a engine manual for a 14hp Vanguard Briggs. Mainly need to know spark plug type and gap, setting fuel mixture screw and some trouble shooting. Its a good friends of mine, he getting up in age and not much money... It wouldn't start for him so i looked it over a little and it looked like he had too much oil. When i drained it, the oil had alot of gas in it. I changed oil, cleaned plug, put in some fresh gas and got it started. It ran a little rough though. I tried adjusting fuel mixture (made it worse..), but after it died a couple times the battery went dead. I have it charging but wanted to replace the plug and adjust mixture. He has no paper work at all. Its a '95 Regent 1692354 (got the PDF) The engine is model 28P777 Type 0641 A1, code 9512074B. I couldn't find any manuals online for the motor. Would over filling the oil get gas in it? Or is it a worse problem? It also has problems with the clutch/brake safety switch. You really have to position just right to get it to turn over... I'd say you have 1/4" margin on the pedal to start. Any help I could get so I can help him will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[gregc]

Parts Manual: http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductPage.asp?CatalogID=56B2B9A7-283C-11D4-8886-00B0D0203414&MECID=100&SessionID=43C7B3A0-6A44-4EB2-B2CC-23B437198A68&CategoryID=0&lrid=2&ProductID=56B2BB63-283C-11D4-8886-00B0D0203414 Owner's Manuals: http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductPage.asp?CatalogID=56B2B9AF-283C-11D4-8886-00B0D0203414&MECID=100&SessionID=43C7B3A0-6A44-4EB2-B2CC-23B437198A68&CategoryID=6230&lrid=1&ProductID=DE31282E-A430-470C-AE25-7DB6C9154B49 http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/images/manuals/280700.pdf Champion plug #RC12YC, gap = .030". The Owner's Manual from Small Engine Warehouse shows carb adjustments.

[PatRarick]

Gasoline in the oil is most likely coming from a leaking float needle and seat, or less likely, a leaking float. Less likely yet is a leaking diaphragm in the fuel pump (if so equipped). I'd lean more towards the carb than the fuel pump as that would also explain the rough running with no change from the carb adjustment. I don't believe that there was a Vanguard with an adjustable main jet, only the idle jet. All I've seen are fixed jets for the main jet. If it's a vertical shaft engine, it's pretty easy to remove the carb for repair. If it's a horizontal shaft, it can be quite a pain to remove the carb. On the other hand, most carb cleaning and repair on the horizontal shaft engines can be done by removing only the top cover of the carb, rather than the entire carb.