Quick Question re: GT235/B&S Engine--Help Appreciated!

16 years ago

Hello from (Humid) Columbus, Ohio!

I recently needed to take the top cowling (not sure if that's the correct term) off the B&S 18hp engine on my GT235, and when putting it back on noticed a small (maybe 1/4" diameter) black hose at the front of the engine with an open end terminating near the air filter. A retaining clip for this hose clips onto the cowling, but I didn't notice it when I took the cowling off so don't know if the hose protruded outside the cowling or inside it.

The engine ran kind of rough when I had it inside, so I pulled it through one of the openings in the cowling and it now is near the air cleaner housing. The enging seems to run better, so I'm thinking that's where it belongs.

My question is, what is this small black hose? Does it feed air to the fuel pump or some part of the engine? I couldn't find any connection seemingly missing a hose, so it seemed like it had something to do with air. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, and stay cool!

Larry

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Comments (4)

rustyj14
16 years ago
It could be from the crank-case breather system. I'm not well informed about all engines, but there are engines with crank-case breathers, in one form or another.
If oil or gasoline squirt out of that hose, worry, but if not--keep on running it.
bluemower
16 years ago
I believe the JD gt235 uses a Briggs Vanguard engine.

From your description, this may be the crankcase breather hose. One end of the hose should be connected to a fitting on the crankcase breather. This is located behind the carburetor. The other end of the hose should insert in a hole provided in the air filter assembly. Crankcase fumes are expelled into the air filter compartment where it enters the carburetor air stream.

It is important that the hose is installed correctly. If the connection to the air filter is not made, dirty air could enter the area inside the air filter - bypassing the filter.
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rcmoser
16 years ago
Yep, the crankcase vent. Connects to the breather valve directly behind the carb. PITA to get back on, but not impossible. You may have to get a flash light and mirror to see the hose connection pipe off the breather valve. It's still almost a blind installation using you finger feeling your way on!
rockhound758
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the quick responses. If this is indeed the crankcase breather hose (which certainly makes sense), I think it's probably still connected to the crankcase breather...I think I just need to insert the other end in the hole in the air filter assembly.

Just so I'm sure about this, it sounds like I'm looking simply for a hole in the air filter assembly that's approximately the diameter of the hose, NOT a fitting per se., correct? And crankcase fumes travel through this hose, through the opening in the air filter assembly, so they're processed through the filter?

Sorry if I'm sounding idiotic but I just want to make sure this is right. Thanks again in advance for assistance and I hope y'all are staying cool!

Larry