Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD 318, question pool, loose control

Question
I have JD 318 garden tractor w/ 1000 hours on it, 3rd owner.  Everything runs great except that it tends to lurch or pulse when going down hill or on level ground.  I do not believe that it is an issue with the a loose control.  Also the engine does not pulse so I do not think it is a carb or fuel issue. It almost seems there is a governor that is not working correctly.

Answer
Hello Ted:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. A Governor Problem would Make the Engine Hunt (rev Up and Down). If the Engine is Not "Hunting" and is Running Smooth, then Most likely a Tooth has Broken Off the Ring Gear Inside the Transaxle. Example: The Engine Runs as Designed and Smooth. Mower Rolls a Few Feet and Hesitates and then Surges Forward and Rolls Proper and then it Surges Again while the Engine is Running Smooth with No Revving Up or Down (Hunting). You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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