Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs 25 HP Intek VTwin OHV on Craftsman, google search, control arm

Question
Hi John,

I did a Google search on this problem and your name kept coming up attached to good answers! I recently had a problem with my engine "not sounding right". The throttle seemed to control RPM ok but seemed like it was throttling too high. I checked around and noticed that the governor linkage felt jammed. I freed it up by moving it manually a few times, started up and everything seemed fine. After mowing for about an hour, I disengaged the solenoid operated mower clutch. The engine revved out forcing me to quickly shut it down. Now it runs full out when started. I can work the governor linkage manually but it feels like a spring or something is fighting to open the throttle back up. I've read the posts where people re-assembled incorrectly after a rebuild, but this engine has not been apart. There are no unusual noises coming from the engine at normal RPM range. Any ideas on where to start looking?

Thanks and regards,

Jay

Answer
Hello Jay:

Thanks for the Good Words. I Didn't Know I was that Popular. lol. I have Only been Answering Question here for a Little Over 2 Years and have Answered Over 8500 Questions about Lawn Mowers and ATV's. I Seem to be Getting Good Reviews and Ratings. I Just Hope I am Saving People Time and Money in Repairing their Equipment. From your Description it Sounds like the Governor Control Arm has Loosen from the Governor Shaft or the Internal Governor has Broken and Requires Replacing. Both of these Problems can be Corrected Easily. 1- For the Setting the Governor: The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Making this Adjustment. Any Input is Appreciated.  If you Removed/Loosened the Governor Arm to Remove the Carburetor, then Reset the Governor. **To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt. If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm. If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.**  2- The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Examining the Inside of a Small Engine and will Assist you in having Access to the Governor, Oil Pump (if Applicable), Cam and Crankshaft Gear. Any Input is Appreciated. **This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine to the Work Bench with the Oil Pan Facing Up. I have a Wooden Rest that was Especially Made to Hold the Engine when in this Position. Using Fine Sand Paper, Remove ALL the Rust and Debris from the Crankshaft. Remove the Oil Pan Bolts. After All the Oil Pan Bolts are Removed; Tap Lightly on the Sides of the Oil Pan to Loosen it from the Dowel Pins. When the Oil Pan is Removed, you can See the Governor Resting on Top of the Cam Gear. ****If Required: Lift Off and Replace with a New Governor. Check the Engine Block for Debris from the Old Governor and Wipe the Inside of the Block With a Rag, Until Clean. Set the Governor Shaft So it will be Resting on the Governor whine the Oil Pan is Replaced and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. If the Crankshaft Seal Was Not Leaking, then Leave it Alone. It Should be OK. You can Easily Replace it While Mounted on the Machine if Required Later. Make Sure the Governor Stays in Contact with the Governor Shaft while Replacing the Oil Pan. Re - Mount the Engine to the Machine. Refill With Oil. Your Internal Governor May Differ.**  You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and the First 4 Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. Again, Thanks for the Heads up about Google. lol. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John