Question about shrouds...

So, I know shrouds and whatnot are recommended here, I was curious if there is actually a risk of engine damage running with ought one(ASIDE FROM SAFETY REASONS OF COURSE)? I know some are in such a way that it helps cool the engine, but at the speed most of us are going does it really matter?

Now, I do not plan on running any engine without the main shroud pieces on, however the 16hp Briggs opposed I have is missing one of the pieces that covered the head. Im really just wanting to know if it is really all that necessary to be on there. Atleast for now.


Thanks,
Beal.

Im not sure on the main qestion but i run all my engines with just the main shroud and remove the head covers seems to make them run cooler imo

You should be fine as long as you have the top blower housing. I keep all my shrouds on though. The fan on the flywheel helps draw and circulate the air around the engine.

i run mine with just the main shroud and all the heat sheilding removed. it gets better airflow in my opinion

those head peices really do have a cooling factor they are there to keep the air going threw the head fins with out them air really isnt going over them heads if i was you i would try to find a replacement

IMHO- There's a reason the engineers put them there. It's not random either- stuff is tested to death in the R&D process. These are NOT free-air engines like some air cooled motorcycles. These are fan-cooled. The shrouding is specifically designed to direct cooling air over the fins, which are much smaller than on a free-air engine. Much like a car- If you remove the radiator fan shroud, you WILL lose cooling efficiency. The very best thing to do is source a replacement shroud, and prior to installation, make sure all the cooling fins are clean and clear of debris.

Doc Sprocket wrote:

IMHO- There's a reason the engineers put them there. It's not random either- stuff is tested to death in the R&D process. These are NOT free-air engines like some air cooled motorcycles. These are fan-cooled. The shrouding is specifically designed to direct cooling air over the fins, which are much smaller than on a free-air engine. Much like a car- If you remove the radiator fan shroud, you WILL lose cooling efficiency. The very best thing to do is source a replacement shroud, and prior to installation, make sure all the cooling fins are clean and clear of debris.

Absolutely right. I try to avoid any shroud removal in any given situation unless I'm fashioning a new one of my own.

Alright, I will try to find one then.
If I had realized it was missing when we loaded it up from Ohio I would have looked for it... but by now its probably in a landfill or junkyard or ship headed to china... lost to oblivion.

Thanks.

Might be able to rig one up as well, just trying to follow the contour of the other one.

It's also a good idea to regularly pull the shrouds and clean. I've found many engines packed full of grass, mud, and mouse nests. With how we run through mud, they get pretty dirty.

The opposed is running really hot aswell, so I would use them if available.

L-heads run hot I guess. Maybe the title should be more specific.

Stretch44875 wrote:

It's also a good idea to regularly pull the shrouds and clean.  I've found many engines packed full of grass, mud, and mouse nests.  With how we run through mud, they get pretty dirty.  

Indeed, I had taken the other one off and some of the fins were packed full of swill.
I thought about making one, but I dont think it would look all that good.