Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine Runs Wide Open, governor problems

Question
I have a 10 horsepower Briggs & Stratton Engine Model 19G12, Type 1180 E2  running  Coleman Powermate 5000 Watt portable generator.  The generator has sat for 15 months.  Upon initial starting, after 15 months, the  engine run with the throttle open at the time.  It seems the Governor Assembly is holding the throttle in the wide open position.  The throttle can be moved to the closed position, but it is pulled back open by the governor.  I cannot see any place where a spring would bring the throttle to the closed position. How do I get the throttle to start in the closed position.

Answer
Hello Terry,

The problem is likely somehow connected to the 15 months that the machine was idle.  Was there any gas left in it?

If there was it is likely that the problem is not with the governor. It is more than likely the carburetor that may be the problem.  Possibly a carb maintenance may be in order.

But if you are sure the problem is with the governor here are some steps to complete.
1. Check the springs - linkages are in good working order and the governor spring is inserted properly on the governor lever arm.  

2, Run your engine at each of the speeds to determine when hunting/surging occurs.   An Air leak or debris (gummed up carb) in the carb can cause the air fuel mixture to fluctuate. Then your carb needs to be cleaned.

3.  If the hunting surging happen at top no-load speed move the throttle plate to the open position Then the problem is again with the carb, and the carb needs cleaning.

4/ If the hunting + surging stops by opening the throttle lube the governor linkage to eliminate any resistance + binding.  If the hunting/surgin continue then replace the governor springs and try the same thing again.  

Let me know how things pan out,

Howard