Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Erratic Engine Speed, small engine mechanic, murray riding mower

Question
I have a Murray riding mower with, I believe, a Tecumseh 14 hp engine. Today, quite suddenly, it began to surge, or rev high/low/high/low... The carb is new and has performed flawlessly. I had the same problem a few years ago and took it to a small engine mechanic, but I don't remember what he said the problem was. Help!

Answer
Hello Joe;

If this is a New Carburetor, then; 1- Trash has Entered the Internal Passages of the Carburetor and is Causing this Problem or 2- The Governor Requires Resetting. The Governor Arm May have Slipped on the Governor Shaft. 1- Clean the Carburetor. 2- 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.** Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 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

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Respectfully

John