16 hp Vanguard smoke on startup

[Arik434]

You guys have been great, so I'll keep asking more questions.

I recently serviced my engine top end. I replaced the head gasket and valve seals and did a valve job on one cylinder. Both cylinders have excellent leak down test results and seem tight. All valve clearances were adjusted. I am getting some smoke on start-up now. Not sure if some oil is leaking past a valve stem seal when it sits for a bit, or if it is just too much fuel when the engine is choked. I guess its not a big deal as it goes away rather quickly, but it does stink up my garage by the time I get it outside!

Any thoughts? When I got the engine, the plugs did look really black, so maybe I need to try leaning it out a bit?

[Sam Mac]

Only carb adjustment on a Vanguard is the idle circuit. Most of the time they are on the lean side unless someone has removed the plastic limiter cover. Maybe you need to do the other head. Just my 2 cents but whenever I find one that has a problem on one side I do them both. I figure if one is bad the other is close behind.

[Arik434]

Yeah, I figured that was probably what I would hear. I obviously debated doing the other side while I had the engine out, but since it seemed to leakdown fine, I figured, if its not broke, don’t fix it. I guess I'll just keep an eye on it and see. I've gotten really good at putting this engine in and out!

[Sam Mac]

What color is the smoke when you start it? What does it smell like?

[Arik434]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

What color is the smoke when you start it? What does it smell like?

I think it has a gassy smell to it. I believe it's a blue-ish color, but I’ll have to try it outside in better light next time.

[Sam Mac]

Is the air cleaner clean? How many hours on the engine? It may be running a little rich and burning a little oil. What are you using for oil?