Engine shields-are they really needed and what purpose

[tractorbeast 27]

I have a 1997 Briggs 18.5 HP twin cylinder engine. When I got the tractor  a year ago, when I took the shields off around the heads, underneath them was packed- solid with grass. With normal, none maintenance owners is this really a good design. Just wondering why they include these on an engine. AND should I put them back on this rider I'm giving to my son. What is the theory behind these "shields".

 

 

[JamesBe1 84]

Engine shields duct air over the fins to cools the engine.  They are important to keep you engine from overheating. 

 

Do you have a screen over your flywheel where it takes in air?  That will help keep down the grass/debris accumulation, but it happens to them all to some extent.

[chrisd200(inactive) 56]

Yep, the shields keep the air moving into the right places to help keep the engine cool.

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

Absolutely do NOT run the machine without them... you'll burn up that motor in no time.

[Fordiesel69 271]

The guards are not for your saftey as much as they are for proper air flow.  Yes you do need them, and you need to take them off yearly to clean the fins.

[W9JAB 156]

Do you really think that the engineers would spend all the time and money to make the shields’ if they were not needed?

 

[JackC 617]

Probably a lot more that you want to know but here is an article on dealing with air cooled engines.

All ONAN Performer series engine owners should read this and read about the problems caused by overheating.

 

http://www.ratwell.com/mirror/www.bostonengine.com/articles/finalt.html