Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S Idle, stablizer, throttle lever

Question
Hi Eric,

I made a big mistake last Spring when I didn't put some stablizer in the gas.  Thus, when I tried to start it the carb was gummed up.  The Motor is B&S model 202332-0200-B9 whic has been on my sawmill for three years.  It only has 72 hours on it.

When I took the carb off to clean it, everything went fine.  I was gummed up, but I am sure that I got it clean.  When I put it back on the engine it started up on the 2nd pull.  I was feeling pretty good until I realized that the motor was running full speed.  The throttle lever was in an idle position and all the governer springs were still hooked up.

What was cause this - I can't bring the RPM's down.  I took the carb off and apart again but didn't see anything that I missed.  Could I have lost something in the carb while cleaning?

I am lost?????  Maybe you can help if you can.

Thanks,
Dan Brown

Answer
Did you mess with the governor arm, the pivot point that connects to the engine?  Hopefully not.  If you did, go to Briggs' website and search for governor adjustment.

If you did not mess withe the governor arm then check you carb linkages to see if one of them is binding as well as checking to see if the carburetor butterfly shaft is easy to rotate by hand.  I have had linkages bind and butterfly shafts stick to to being gummed up.

Let me know what you find.

Eric