Replacing head gasket on Briggs

[hogjowl]

Man... my brand new Briggs 18 has blown a head gasket. I'm booked solid and my local repair dude will take a week to replace it. I need to do it myself and get it done so I can work. Anybody done this before?

Is it just a matter of getting the head off, putting on a new gasket and putting it all back together again, or is there something else I need to be concerned with?

PS The O ring jokes are funny, but I need help here in a serious way.

 

[Greg Loe]

You got to be able to find someone to do it. Lots of small engine guys around.

 

[Chads]

just go at it keep it clean. and clean all surfaces before new gasket goes on and pay attention to torque the bolts. also not to sure of the small engines but remeber how many turns there were on like valves if you have to take them off. should be pretty easy and heck you got the internet to help you with this process. and just ask your small engine repair guy how to do it, he probally will help you if not find a new guy.

 

[Jimmy L]

Leave the motor in and let them do it on the truck.

Must be all that 2.5 vac hose causing too much vacuum dragging down the motor.

I told ya NOT to listen to all the internet supposed "GuRus".

 

[KevinD]

Well he should be done with it by now. It's a pretty simple job if you can turn a wrench or two.
I can change head gaskets on my onans in about twenty minutes with an air ratchet.

 

[hogjowl]

Do you oil the gasket before installation like you do the oil filter gasket?

 

[KevinD]

NO, and make sure you torque the heads to the proper torque.

 

[hogjowl]

I can get my local Briggs dude to torque them for me, and he'll know the proper amount.

 

[packfancjh]

I would suggest getting a gasket kit for the motor and replace them all. When you start taking them off there is a chance some won't come off too well.

 

[hogjowl]

Do I have to take the valve covers off to remove the heads? If so, will I need to readjust the valves during the process?

 

[packfancjh]

If you plan on doing this for sure, get the manual. If you don't want to I will check my stock of Briggs books tomorrow when I get to work and fax those pages if you want. Just get me the specs on the motor and model, type and code if you can.

 

[Rex Tyus]

You know most places that sell small engine parts also sells REPAIR MANUALS. Holy shit how long can this drag on? It is a freaking lawn mower engine.

 

[hogjowl]

Listen, if my asking questions bothers you, scroll on by this thread. OK?

I was forthcoming enough to admitt I didn't know anything about this, but the only way I can learn is to ask questions.

 

[packfancjh]

My local Briggs shop doesn't stock shit, not even manuals. That's why we became a Briggs distributor. Now I have full access to everything they sell.

 

[Rex Tyus]

I have to click on it to get that colored bubble off my screen.

I am just razzin on ya anyway you over sensitive old coot.

 

[The Magician]

Marty you had the head gaskets replaced last year??

 

[hogjowl]

TWICE!

Then I replaced the motor.

Now the NEW ONE is doing it!

 

[Bill Soukoreff]

Yes you will need adjust the valves.

 

[hogjowl]

Ahhh ... see? It's getting more complicated! Is it hard to adjust the valves?

 

[Mikey P]

You mean Tre Allen wont fly out to fix it for you?

 

[packfancjh]

It's not too difficult to do you just need all of the torque specs. If you've had two motors do this and one is brand new you have other issues going on.

 

[Bill Soukoreff]

It's really not that hard. But shouldn't your engine be covered under warrenty?

Rotate each cylinder to top dead center. Use a straw inserted through the spark plug hole to feel when the piston is coming up. When the intake valve opens and then closes as you rotate the crank you are on the compression stroke. Keep rotating until the piston is at the top of the cylinder.

Check to make sure, but normally the specs say to adjust both valve clearances to .004-.006 inches.
While holding the adjustment screw, tighten the lock nut to 60 inch pounds. Rotate the engine a few times and re-check clearance. Complete the same procedure for the other cylinder. Then go have a beer!

 

[The Magician]

Take it to your dist during the slow seaon. A little tricky if you never did it before. Watch your dist and the next you know how to do it. They need ajusted round 1000 hrs but check your manuel.

 

[Able 1]

I won't do briggs and i live in Wisconsin!

The only reason i didn't go with hydra master is because of briggs, I don't like their engines

That being said i would go after all the warrenty work possible.

 

[Able 1]

btw what size motor is it?

 

[hogjowl]

18 hp.

Parts are on the way. Starting taking it apart today.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Honestly..... is anyone really surprised that Marty's head blew a gasket?
I saw that one coming years ago!

 

[hogjowl]

Come help me Taco.

You look better in grease than I do.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Honesty I use to like to work on equipment, but I just don't have the patience for it any more. I even spent 3-days at a TM repair class at Prochem when they were in Chandler.

I don't have the right tools either, mine are just cheap crap.

Getting dirty doesn't bother me, I just hate busting my knuckles on bolts that don't come out. Make sure you have liquid wrench and a cheater bar!

I'd probably over torque the head and warp it for you.
Oops guess your nugget is already warped!

Good luck Porkchop!

 

[harryhides]

What's that definition of insanity ?
Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Clearly there's something wrong with your set up and yet another gasket is gonna blow, sooner or later.

Sorry, I can't help you with any technical advice.