582 woes

[jerkin]

Did a little spring maintenance on my 582 (B&S 16hp opposed cylinder) over the weekend and the first time I ran it I had trouble within the first 5 minutes, lol. This tractor has treated me well and doesn't owe me a nickel but it is old and I've known it's needed rebuilt or repowered for some time now, lost some power, burns oil, etc.

Anyways I was chugging along and it lost a good bit of power all of the sudden, I had the parts on hand for a tune up I was going to do so I changed plugs, fuel filter and fuel lines but it didn't change anything. The plug on the right side cylinder was carboned up quite a bit more than the one on the left. I could also smell gas and there is some gas in the oil.

First thing I thought was that I lost a cylinder so I pulled out my ignition tester and both sides are firing. It will actually start on just either cylinder so that's out. I ran a compression test and came up with 85 psi on the left and 70 psi on the right. It's just a harbor freight gauge so those numbers aren't set in stone but definitely a difference between the two.

My next thought was that I have an intake valve not closing on the right side but from the limited information I could find online it seems the valves aren't easily adjustable like other engines I've done where you just adjust the rocker.

Not sure where to go from here. It's not an IH cub as it has the aluminum case on the rearend, no hydraulics and besides the mower the only attachment I have is a junk snowplow. I've heard these Briggs engines aren't worth rebuilding but repowering to a Kohler would be expensive and I don't think the tractor is worth that. I suppose there's a chance that my float could be waterlogged or came out of adjustment causing it to flood out slightly.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Sam Mac]

I'd check out the carb based on the info you posted.

[jerkin]

Yeah, I went so far as to find the carb/top end kit local but with those compression numbers being so low and so far apart I just wonder if it's going to do any good. I just hate to put any more time/money into it if the engine is done. I suppose that's my main dilemma, is it worth putting the time and money into or is it just throwing good money after bad at this point? If I could get it running decent again that would be great, give me a few months of mowing while I take my time and look for something else. If not then I should just buy something now and get it over with. Unfortunately all the older Cubs I like in this area seem to go for high dollars, lol.

[Sam Mac]

I'd clean the fuel system and do the carb. It will probably run as it is for a good while. It may burn some oil so keep an eye on that.

[J-Mech]

Fix the carb. Doesn't sound to me like you want to, or have any money to spend anyway. I don't understand why you would consider buying another machine when you could fix the one you have.

Your cylinder numbers aren't that bad. It will last a while longer.

Are you throwing good money at a wore out motor? Maybe. But sounds to me like your debating making a worse decision and going and buying some cheap pos.

FIX YOUR 582.

[Terry C]

Like they said fix the one you got enough to get by. In the mean time start
looking for a used engine. It may be not IH but still better than a new box
store mower.

[Leadslingingdaddy]

Yep you can still find good B/S I/C engines in some Sears Craftsman mowers...Opposed twins...watch CL for them...