Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Go-kart throttle cable, air fuel mixture, throttle linkage


Question
Hi John,

I am building a go-kart and the final thing left is to cennect the throttle cable to the engine. The cable is installed but I cannot figure out where/how to connect it to the carb/throttle linkage? The engine is a Tecumseh 5 HP Enduro with the return spring (model OHH50)

Answer
Hello Ed:

Most Throttle Linkage for Go Karts are Attached to a Spring (Governor Spring) that Attaches to the Governor Arm. Pulling the Spring, Pulls the Governor Arm which is Attached by a Solid Link to the Carburetor Throttle Shaft Plate. When the Throttle Cable Pulls the Spring, the Governor Arm Moves the Carburetor Throttle Plate and the Speed Increases Until the Internal/External Governor Pushes the Governor Arm Back and Regulates the Engine Speed. The Following is an Explanation of How the Governor Operates. The Governor System Behaves like an Unending Tug of War between One of Two Governor Springs, which Pull the Throttle Toward the Open Position, and a Spinning Crankshaft, which Tries to Close the Throttle. When the Load on the Engine Increases - a Typical Example is when you Move your Running Lawn Mower from the Driveway to the Grass - Crankshaft Revolutions Drop. But the Governor Spring is Still Tugging, Causing the Throttle Plate to Open. In Response, a Larger Volume of Air-Fuel Mixture Enters the Carburetor, Increasing Engine Speed to Compensate for the Increased Load. The Crankshaft Speeds Up, and the Tug of War Resumes, until a New Equilibrium is Achieved. With Each Change in Load, the Tension Between the Governor Spring and the Load Brings about a New Equilibrium, known as the Engine's Governed Speed. Neither Side Wins until the Engine is Shut Off. At that Point, without the Crankshaft Spinning, the Governor Spring Pulls the Throttle to the Wide-Open Position. Two Types of Governors are Common on Small Engines - Mechanical and Pneumatic. 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