LOOKING FOR: Experienced Small Engine / Commercial Power Equipment Mechanic
Location: Richmond, VA (23112)
Compensation: Paid — fair rate for diagnosed and resolved work
I have a Billy Goat Z3000CE stand-on blower powered by a Vanguard 35HP V-Twin (993cc) that is losing significant power under load. RPM drops from a normal 3,000 down to 2,000–2,400 when the drive and blower are engaged. Idles sluggishly with no load.
One shop has looked at it, including an authorized Billy Goat dealer. One flagged a misfire on one cylinder, made adjustments, but couldn't resolve it. The other recommended a full engine replacement at $4,000. I declined — nothing about this symptom suggests an internal engine failure, and the machine ran perfectly fine for a few hours immediately after that recommendation.
I have a full written diagnostic checklist (PDF) ready to share — governor linkage, ignition coils, air filtration, carburetor, fuel delivery, valve lash, and cylinder balance test — with specs and step-by-step procedures. I don't need someone to figure out where to start. I need someone with the tools, experience, and patience to actually work through it.
What I'm looking for:
— Experience with Briggs Vanguard V-twin commercial engines (not just residential mowers)
— Own a tachometer and a multimeter
— Willing to do a systematic diagnosis rather than parts-swapping
— Can come to me, or I can bring the machine to you
This is NOT a job for someone who just does tune-ups. If you've worked on commercial zero-turns, stand-on equipment, or Vanguard/Kohler commercial engines, I want to hear from you.
Please reply with your experience, what you've worked on, and your rate. I'll send the diagnostic PDF before we even meet so you can tell me if this is in your wheelhouse.
Serious inquiries only. This machine is used professionally, and I need it to run right.