[ggsteve]

As I understand it, the ELS is a slightly upgraded Intek. Is the Endurance an upgraded ELS? And while we're at it, what about the B&S gold and platinum model engines? Did Briggs hire the Sears marketing department?

 

[Blasterway]

I went to Briggs site and they dont offer an Endurance series.http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engine_power/engine_series.aspx I think that the Endurance series is a Husqvarna T.M. If I am wrong I am sure that somone here will correct me.:hide:
As for gold and platinum I dont have a clue.
From Jackssmallengine.com
"Briggs and Stratton I/C® Series: The I/C Series engines are designed with enhanced features for added protection to tackle tough jobs and meet the demanding needs of larger equipment. Briggs and Stratton Intek™ Series: The Intek Series consists of powerful engines with unmatched reliability that delivers superior performance and durability. Briggs and Stratton Extended Life™ Series: The Extended Life Series is a professional line of fully featured engines that are engineered to deliver world-class endurance and power."

 

[ggsteve]

I went to Briggs site and they dont offer an Endurance series.http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engine_power/engine_series.aspx I think that the Endurance series is a Husqvarna T.M.

I think you're right. In fact, based on what I've read about them tonight, I think the Endurance is just a "rebranded" ELS. The descriptions sound the same.

 

[Walt 2002]

I have traded in, rebuilt and sold these engines for years. Most of the label B&S or others stick on the engines are just that, Gold, Platinum, I/C, etc.

Now, the big difference comes in the 31 series engines, between 310707 and the 31 engines that have a letter in them such as 31C707. The latter engines use a different crankshaft, different piston, redesigned counter balance system, different sump for example. Better? Well the counter balance system should help with the worn out counter balance bushing problem, otherwise, I don't see any real improvement.

Something else I will throw in here. So many people, even experienced people, are fooled by the filter on the side of B&S engines. Most of these are NOT pressure lubed as we think of it. They have an oil pump, they pick up oil from the sump and circulate it through the filter and most of them then route it to the bottom main bearing only. That way they can say "pressure lubricated". They still use a slinger for all the rest of the lube. Some are actually "FULLY pressure lubricated. Even the 18 hp 31G777 ELS is mostly slinger lubed.

Walt Conner

 

[Wizard99]

I have traded in, rebuilt and sold these engines for years. Most of the label B&S or others stick on the engines are just that, Gold, Platinum, I/C, etc.

Now, the big difference comes in the 31 series engines, between 310707 and the 31 engines that have a letter in them such as 31C707. The latter engines use a different crankshaft, different piston, redesigned counter balance system, different sump for example. Better? Well the counter balance system should help with the worn out counter balance bushing problem, otherwise, I don't see any real improvement.

Something else I will throw in here. So many people, even experienced people, are fooled by the filter on the side of B&S engines. Most of these are NOT pressure lubed as we think of it. They have an oil pump, they pick up oil from the sump and circulate it through the filter and most of them then route it to the bottom main bearing only. That way they can say "pressure lubricated". They still use a slinger for all the rest of the lube. Some are actually "FULLY pressure lubricated. Even the 18 hp 31G777 ELS is mostly slinger lubed.

Walt Conner

yep I read that very same thing, B&S even told me that about there only fully pressurised engine was the vanguard.. I love that extended life series (whatever) even they are not as good as the vanguard. Vanguard is the best twin cylinder briggs ever built.

 

[Walt 2002]

No doubt Vanguard twins are premium engines. I really liked the one on a ZTR I just sold. The problem I have with them is they are "cluttered" when it comes to working on them. You have to take off a bunch of things to get to what you are used to getting to straight forward.

Walt Conner