Briggs & Stratton Intek V-twin Problems

So, you have a Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine. These engines are super popular for lawnmowers and small farm tools.

They’re more reliable and efficient but need quirks and hitches like any engine. It won’t start one morning; it’s making odd noises or not acting right.

Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. In this guide, you’ll find out about common problems and, better yet, how to fix them.

We give you straightforward, easy steps to follow. Read on, and let’s get that engine humming like new again.

Briggs & Stratton Intek V-twin Problems

Common problems with Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engines include not starting, running rough, and overheating. Other issues are oil leaks, too much shaking, and the engine stopping suddenly. These are frequent concerns for owners looking to keep their engines in shape.

What is Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin?

Briggs & Stratton is a big name in small engines. Founded in 1908, this American company has made engines for over a century. They’ve earned a reputation for quality and reliability.

Briggs & Stratton themselves make the Intek V-Twin series. These engines are a part of the company’s long history of innovation.

The Intek V-Twin series is all about power and efficiency. These engines have two cylinders, making them “V-Twins.” That means more power but also smooth running.

They also come with neat features, like overhead valves, which help them run cooler and cleaner.

You’ll find Intek V-Twin engines in a bunch of places. They’re most common in outdoor power equipment, riding lawnmowers, and small tractors. But you can also find them in power washers and generators.

People like these engines for a few reasons. They’re powerful and reliable, and they break down infrequently.

Also, they’re fuel-efficient, so they’re kinder to both your wallet and the environment.

24 Hp Briggs and Stratton Engine Problems

The 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine is generally dependable but without issues.

1. Overheating: When the engine gets too hot, it can lead to issues. It often happens if the cooling fins get clogged with debris.
2. Surging: If your engine is running unevenly, like it’s surging, a dirty carburetor or air filter might be the culprit.
3. Starting Troubles: Sometimes, the engine might not start easily, which could be due to spark plug wear or a drained batter

27 Hp Briggs and Stratton Engine Problems

The 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine is powerful, but even these engines have quirks.

1. Oil Leakage: One common problem is oil leakage, usually caused by worn-out gaskets or seals.
2. Excessive Vibration: It can be hard to control your equipment if you feel too much shaking, which often points to an imbalance in the engine’s parts.
3. Stalling: Stalling is another issue, typically linked to fuel problems like a clogged fuel filter or a dirty carburetor.
4. Engine “Knocking” Noise: An annoying knocking noise can indicate poor fuel quality or the need for valve clearances and change.

22 Hp Briggs and Stratton V-twin Engine Problems

The 22 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine is efficient and has a  balance of power. But it has flaws like all engines.

1. Stalling: Stalling is a frequent issue, usually caused by a dirty carburetor or faulty spark plugs.
2. Overheating: The engine running hot is another common problem, often linked to clogged air filters or insufficient oil levels.
3. Excessive Smoke: If you notice too much smoke, it may indicate a potential oil overfill or a malfunctioning exhaust system.
4. Rough Idle: A rough idle is sometimes reported, often associated with an imbalanced fuel-air mixture or ignition timing problems.

20 Hp Briggs and Stratton Engine Problems

The 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine is reliable but has some issues to look out for.

1. Engine Surging: A frequent problem is engine surging, often caused by a dirty carburetor or fuel supply issues.
2. Overheating is another concern, typically due to blocked cooling fins or low coolant levels.
3. Starting Difficulty: Starting issues are common and can be attributed to a worn spark plug or a weak battery.
4. Excessive Vibration: Users may also encounter excessive vibration, usually indicating an imbalance in engine components.

26 Hp Briggs and Stratton Engine Problems

The 26 HP Briggs & Stratton engine is strong but can have some problems.

1. Starting Trouble: One significant problem is difficulty starting the engine promptly, often caused by old spark plugs or a weak battery.
2. Overheating: Another concern is the engine running too hot, usually due to dirty or blocked cooling components.
3. Uneven Running: The engine can run unevenly, often causing your equipment to shake due to a dirty air filter or poor-quality fuel.
4. Loud “Knocking” Noise: Some users notice a loud knocking noise from the engine, usually caused by low-quality fuel.

21 Hp Briggs and Stratton Engine Problems

1. Stalling: Engine stalling results from a clogged fuel filter or dirty carburetor.
2. Overheating can occur due to blocked cooling fins or insufficient oil levels.
3. Starting Difficulty: Difficulty starting the engine is frequent and is usually due to an old spark plug or a drained battery.
4. Excessive Smoke: Users may also experience excessive smoke, indicating an oil leak or a failing exhaust system.

10 Common Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin Problems

1. The engine won’t start

So, you’ve turned the key, and your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine won’t start?

Usually, the issue boils down to a few key areas. The spark plug wire might be disconnected, dirty, or fouled.

A weak or dead battery can also be the culprit. Then, a clogged fuel line or a faulty ignition coil is possible. Any of these can stop your engine from firing up.

Solutions:

• Check Spark Plugs: Inspect spark plugs for dirt or damage. Ensure they’re well connected. If they look worn or fouled, replace them.
• Battery Test: If the battery is weak, charge it. If old, replace it. A healthy battery provides the necessary power for the engine to start.
• Inspect Fuel Line: Check for clogs in the fuel line. Replace the fuel filter if it’s dirty to ensure a consistent fuel supply.
• Check Ignition Coil: Use a tester to assess the ignition coil’s functionality. If it’s faulty, replace it to maintain a strong spark for ignition.

2. Engine runs rough

If your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine runs rough, it’s not performing at its best. This can be due to a few reasons.

Often, a dirty or clogged air filter is to blame, restricting airflow and causing the engine to run unevenly.

Another culprit might be stale or contaminated fuel in the tank. A worn-out spark plug can also lead to rough running as it struggles to ignite the air-fuel mixture.

Solutions – Troubleshooting Steps:

• Clean or Replace Air Filter: Remove and clean the air filter; if it’s heavily soiled or damaged, replace it to ensure proper airflow.
• Fresh Fuel: Drain old or contaminated fuel, fill the tank with fresh gasoline, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent future issues.
• Check Spark Plug: Examine the spark plug for wear, fouling, or damage. Replace it if necessary to ensure a strong spark.

3. Overheating

When your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine starts overheating, it’s a sign that something’s amiss.

Overheating can happen for several reasons. One common cause is blocked cooling fins or radiator, preventing proper heat dissipation. Low coolant levels can also lead to overheating.

Watch for rising temperature gauges or steam from the engine area to identify the issue.

Solutions:

• Clear Cooling Fins: Check the cooling fins for debris and dirt buildup. Clean them well to ensure efficient cooling.
• Top-Up Coolant: Ensure your engine has enough coolant. Fill it to the recommended level with the appropriate coolant mixture.

4. Oil leak

Noticing an oil leak in your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine can be worrying. The usual suspects are worn gaskets and seals, loose or bad oil filters, and harm to the oil pan.

A cracked engine block or too much oil pressure can also create leaks in severe cases. 

Solutions: 

• Replace Worn Gaskets and Seals: Look closely at your engine’s gaskets and seals. Swap out any that look old or damaged.
• Check and Tighten the Oil Filter: Ensure it’s good and snug when using the oil filter. If it needs to be looking right, get a new one.
• Repair or Change the Oil Pan: If the oil pan is beaten up, it might need fixing or swapping for a new one to stop the leak.
• Fix Cracked Engine Blocks: Cracks in the engine block are a big deal. You’ll likely need a professional mechanic to check and repair them.
• Manage Oil Pressure: If high oil pressure is the issue, you might need an oil pressure regulator to prevent gasket issues and stop oil from escaping.

5. Excessive vibration

Feeling your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine shake too much? It could be due to unbalanced engine parts, like a bent cooling fan blade or crankshaft.

Loose motor mounts or a damaged flywheel key can also cause excessive vibrations. Addressing these issues ensures smoother engine operation.

Solutions:

• Check and Fix Engine Parts: Look closely at the engine parts we talked about earlier. If anything looks bent or broken, it might need repairing or replacing.
• Tighten or Replace Motor Mounts: If the engine seems loose, check those big screws holding it in place. Tighten them up, or get new ones if they’re not working right.
• Examine the Flywheel Key: If vibrations don’t stop, look at that key inside the engine. If it’s damaged, put in a new one to make everything spin smoothly again.

6. Stalling

If your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine keeps stalling, it’s frustrating. Several things can cause this.

A dirty carburetor is often the culprit, or it might be a bad spark plug gap. Sometimes, old fuel can clog things up, or a faulty ignition coil can cause stalling.

Solutions:

• Clean the Carburetor: Remove and thoroughly clean it if it’s dirty. A clean carburetor ensures the engine gets the right air and fuel for smooth operation.
• Replace Spark Plugs: Swap out old or fouled spark plugs for new ones to ensure a strong spark for ignition.
• Fresh Fuel: Drain any old or stale fuel from the tank and replace it with fresh gasoline. Good fuel keeps the stratton engines running smoothly.
• Check the Ignition Coil: Ensure the ignition coil is in good working order. If not, replace it to ensure proper spark and consistent engine performance.

7. Excessive smoke

Seeing too much smoke from your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine can be worrying. The color of the smoke can tell you what might be wrong with your engine. Let’s break it down.

Different Smoke Colors and What They Mean:

• Blue Smoke: Blue smoke means your engine is burning oil with fuel. It can happen because of issues like worn piston rings, damaged cylinder walls, or a faulty crankcase breather.
• Black Smoke: Black smoke means your engine is using too much fuel. Causes are a dirty air filter, problems with the carburetor, or issues with ignition timing.
• White Smoke: White smoke means coolant or water is getting into your engine’s combustion chamber. It’s due to a damaged head gasket, a cracked cylinder head, or a warped engine block.

Solutions:

• For Blue Smoke: To reduce blue smoke, fix worn piston rings, damaged cylinder walls, or a faulty crankcase breather.Replacing these parts or fixing the breather.
• For Black Smoke: Check and fix issues with the air and fuel mixture, like a dirty air filter, carburetor problems, or wrong ignition timing. Clean or replace the air filter, adjust the carburetor, or check and fix ignition timing.
• For White Smoke: Find and fix problems that let coolant or water into the combustion chamber. It might need professional repair or new parts like the head gasket, cylinder head, or engine block.

8. Surging

When your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine starts surging, it’s not running smoothly. 

Surging occurs due to irregularities in the engine’s operation. A clogged carburetor can cause it, a blocked fuel supply, or air leaks in the intake system.

Solutions:

• Clean the Carburetor: A dirty carburetor messes up how fuel mixes, making the engine surge. Cleaning it makes sure the fuel and air mix well for smoother running.
• Check the Fuel Supply: Stuff blocking the fuel supply can make fuel delivery uneven, causing surging. Make sure fuel flows without any obstacles.
• Inspect for Air Leaks: If air leaks into the intake system, it messes up how fuel and air mix, leading to surging. Look for leaks and seal them to keep the engine running right.

9. Burning oil

When your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine starts burning oil, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right inside.

Burning oil may occur because of worn piston rings, damaged or old valve seals, or problems with the crankcase ventilation system. These issues allow oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn along with fuel.

Solutions:

• Replace Worn Piston Rings: Worn piston rings need replacement to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.
• Address Valve Seal Leaks: Fix or replace damaged or old valve seals to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.
• Fix Crankcase Ventilation: Ensure the crankcase ventilation system works properly to reduce oil consumption and burning.

10. Briggs and Stratton v-twin carburetor problems

The carburetor in your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine plays a crucial role in mixing air and fuel for combustion.

When it has problems, your engine’s performance can suffer. Let’s explore some common carburetor issues and solutions:

Common Carburetor Problems:

• Clogged Jets: Over time, the tiny openings (jets) in the carburetor can get clogged with dirt or deposits, disrupting fuel flow.
• Sticky Float: A sticky float can cause irregular fuel levels in the carburetor, affecting the air-fuel mixture.
• Dirty or Stale Fuel: Using old or contaminated fuel can lead to carburetor issues, as it can leave behind residue and clogged passages.

Solutions:

• Clean or Replace Clogged Jets: Inspect and clean the jets to ensure proper fuel flow. In severe cases, replacement may be necessary.
• Address Sticky Float: Clean the float and its chamber, ensuring it moves freely. Lubricate or replace if needed.
• Use Fresh Fuel: Always use clean, fresh fuel to prevent carburetor problems caused by stale or contaminated fuel.

Main Features of Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin

Overhead Valve (OHV) Technology

OHV is a special design that puts the engine’s valves on the combustion chamber. It makes the engine work better.

OHV technology strengthens the engine, saves fuel, and lasts longer than older designs.

Cast Iron Sleeve

A cast iron sleeve strengthens the inside of the engine’s cylinder so it doesn’t wear out quickly. This sleeve makes the engine last longer and works well even in tough conditions.

Full Pressure Lubrication System

This system ensures that all engine parts receive enough oil to prevent rapid wear and damage, extending the engine’s lifespan and maintaining smooth operation.

Float Feed Carburetor

The float feed carburetor manages how much fuel goes into the engine. It uses a float that moves up and down based on the engine’s needs. This carburetor keeps the right mix of fuel and air, making the engine run smoothly and use less fuel.

Electronic Ignition System

The electronic ignition system helps the engine start and run well without many adjustments. It also needs less maintenance.

Dual Element Air Cleaner

The dual-element air cleaner is like a filter for the air that goes into the engine. It stops dirt from getting in, so the engine works well and saves fuel.

Checking Oil Level

A step-by-step guide to properly checking the oil level

Maintaining the right amount of oil in your engine is crucial for its well-being. Here’s a simple guide on how to check oil level and why it’s so important:

• Park Your Engine: Ensure your engine is on a flat surface and turned off.
• Locate the Dipstick: Look for the dipstick – it’s usually a bright handle sticking out of the engine.
• Pull Out the Dipstick: Remove and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel.
• Insert the Dipstick: Reinsert it into its place, then pull it out again.
• Check the Oil Level: Observe where the oil level rests on the dipstick. Usually, there are marks indicating the minimum and maximum levels. Your oil should fall between these marks.
• Add Oil if Necessary: If the oil level is below the minimum mark, add the recommended oil type mentioned in your engine’s manual for the correct level.

Read also: Can You Use Car Oil in Your Lawn Mowers?

Importance of maintaining proper oil levels

• Maintaining the correct oil levels is like ensuring your engine’s well-being:
• Smooth Operation: Adequate oil lubrication keeps engine parts moving, reducing friction and wear.
• Longevity: Proper oil levels extend your engine’s life by preventing damage and excessive wear.
• Efficiency: A well-lubricated engine runs well, ensuring optimal fuel consumption.
• Avoids Costly Repairs: Regular oil checks prevent major engine problems, saving you from expensive repairs.
• Reliable Performance: Your engine will perform reliably while driving or lawn mowing.

And, to shed light on how the Intek V-twin engine stacks up against its competitors, let’s delve into a comprehensive Kawasaki vs Briggs and stratton lawn mower engine comparison guide

FAQs

Conclusion

Taking care of your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine is crucial for it to last and work well.  Regular checks, timely maintenance, and following manufacturer recommendations are essential practices. 

Doing these things ensures your engine works reliably for a long time, whether in a lawn mower or other machines.

Use these tips to enjoy the best performance from your Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine.