B & S Vanguard Starter/Generator

[Rick Spivey]

I have an EZ-Go Workhorse with the Briggs Vanguard twin 16 HP engine. My starter generator cranks the engine just fine, but is not charging the battery according to my voltmeter. Are these easy to fix, or should I just do a swap-out? A little over 500 hours on engine, I assume this to be original S/G, but do not know the history. A replacement appears to be around $160 or more, anyone have any experience with rebuilding this item?

[Gary Dotson]

I can’t say for sure but I think it will have a separate voltage regulator. Generally, if they’ll crank the engine, they’ll charge. I you do need to go inside, I don’t think you’ll find it too challenging.

[Eugene]

I can’t say for sure but I think it will have a separate voltage regulator.

That is my thought.

Suggest obtaining the wiring diagram and service manual for your specific engine.

Looked last night and couldn't find a starter/generator for the 16 HP Vanguard. Only found the electrical system is an alternator with the rotor and stator in the fly wheel and a separate regulator.

[Rick Spivey]

I will research it further. Most B&S engines have a starter that has teeth to engage the flywheel, this one has a larger unit that turns the engine by a V-belt. That is why I assumed it was a starter generator unit. I also thought that motoring to start the engine would indicate brushes etc in working order, so there may in fact be a separate voltage regulator. Thanks for the responses.

[Rick Spivey]

So, it is a starter/generator. I found the parts diagram. But there is also a Voltage Regulator, which is a small, sealed unit much like a rectifier on a motorcycle. Cheap enough, so I have one on order to see if that will let it charge again. Thanks for the help!