Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Excessive engine speed, dowel pins, riding lawnmower

Question
John, I have an issue with my Troy Bilt riding lawnmower which has a 18.5 HP Intek engine, model # 31Q700.  While mowing the lawn last weekend the engine began to run at excessive RPM's.  I adjusted the throttle to it's slowest setting, but the RPM's were still running too high.  I have checked the governor linkage and spring, the spring is attached and the linkage travels freely.  I have not tried to make any adjustments to the governor linkage.  I have ran the engine while holding the governor linkage to slow the engine while at the same time gradually increasing the throttle.  When doing this I feel significant pressure on the governor linkage to move away from the slow position.  I would appreciate any assistance that you could provide with this issue.

Answer
Hello Steve:

Send me the Model and Type Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. When Using the Governor Arm to Control the Engine Speed, you should Feel Pressure trying to Return the Carburetor to the Idle Poistion. If the Pressure is Not there, 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.** 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. Remove the Oil Pan. 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. 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 So it is Resting on the Governor Shaft and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. Remember to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket. 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. These Instructions are Basic. Your Internal Governor May Differ. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John