Whoops, mine is a 12.5 I/C gold, not a vanguard. I do have a 14 hp v twin vanguard in a Roper machine that I use for the tiller on on the back.

Because they aren't ACTUALLY BUILT BY BRIGGS?

outsorced, guess they all do it, but atleast you getting a better product, Not like them honda tiller transmissions or paying for a honda passport and getting a rodeo, but that might be a good thing. Come to think of it those honda knockoffs just maybe china orginals made for honda. Hee, hee.

Actually much of the Vanguard Twins are typical B&S design, starters, charging system, OHV parts crankshafts for example. I am told, but have no verification, that the metallurgy is the prime plus for the Vanguards. I have a Vanguard twin that is the best running engine I have ever had, just hope I never have to work on it, parts are outlandish and they are cluttered with heehaws everywhere.

Walt Conner

I recall a 1986 article in Popular Science magazine concerning the development of the v twin vanguard. The Kohler Command development was in the same article. My understanding is the v twin Vanguard was designed by Briggs and initially built in the US. After the first year, all production was moved to Japan. I consider the V twins to be top quality. I am not as fond of the single cylinder Vanguards.

Thank you gentlemen, good information. I was reading my initial post again thinking...this makes no sense at all. I swear I wasn't smoking anything prior or during the writing of that post.

This Roper with the 14 hp twin Vanguard is a new machine to me, I've used it maybe two hours now. Great running smooth engine IMO.

Now, I'm just gonna guess that my 286707 I/C gold briggs lasted under the kind of abuse I threw at it is because of the cast iron cylinder.

Travis

I have read here that the vangard is produced in japan by Dehatsue. Not sure if thats the spelling.

See link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Daihatsu/Briggs nuptials??