Oil & Fuel 2160 vanguard ran w/o oil

[Macandmall]

I just got a free ags2160. The guy said it began running low on power, then quit. I added 1.5 quarts of oil to bring it up to the full mark on the dipstick. I found the capacity is 1.7 liters. It has great spark, but a compression check finds 100psi in the left cylinder, and 0, not even a blip on the right side. It won't even "pop" when I've tried to start it, thought 100psi would get pop. I don't hear any strange knocking sounds while it is spinning. Any suggestions? He said it's a 2002 model. It's in pretty good shape. I can rebuild the engine myself, but is it worth the trouble and expense. I haven't checked on prices for Briggs parts. I'm afraid it might need crank work too. Maybe I should look for a used engine? Maybe I should sell it as is for parts?
Scott

 

[Tim12659]

If it were me I'd tear it down and see what the problem is first. Then if it would be high dollars to repair it I would find a good used Kohler or Vanguard to put in it...if all else is in good condition it certainly would be worth even a new engine...a new Kohler Command 20 HP will retail for around $900.00 or less ....so again,IF the tractor is in good shape overall it would well be worth the investment...IMO. Good Luck

 

[Macandmall]

My 13 yr old son is really anxious to get this thing running, even if I'm not. He took the valve covers off to see if it had a stuck valve. The valves move freely, but we discovered the cam is not turning, just wobbling up and down, so the cam must be broken.
Scott

 

[JTKub]

If you had spare parts on hand, maybe re-caming it would be an option. It could be a great spare machine, but I personally would not care for an "Auto-Gear" model (the "AGS part in AGS2160). It's not hydrostatic. Mashing the go pedal essentially releases the internal clutch. Which tends to wear from owners riding the motion pedal instead of adjusting ground speed with the gear selector.

Joel

 

[Fordlords]

About the only thing that will kill a Vanguard is total neglect, it sounds like this one was the victim of it with no oil. It would likely cost as much to rebuild the engine as it would to replace it and it sounds like it would need a total rebuild. The AGS tractors didn't have the best transaxles IMHO, so the tractor is probably not worth the cost of a new engine. Maybe look around for a good used engine to drop in to it.

-Fordlords-

 

[Macandmall]

If it were a real hydro, I wouldn't hesitate to repair the engine. I've read the posts on the ags, not too impressed. I have $0 invested, so I will probably hold on to it and hope I run into a used engine someday.
Scott