Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower governor hunts speed, hp honda engine, adjustment screws

Question
I have a craftsman self-propelled mower with a 6.5 hp Honda engine, model 917.377842.  It is about 3 yrs old and still starts with the first pull.  It has begun running with an inconsistent speed, hunting between near shut-off and what seems to be typical speed, with a frequency of about 2-3 seconds from low to high.  It does not shut off or fail, and will still cut the grass, but it is obviously not running correctly.  I've changed the oil and cleaned the filter with no affect.  The governor operates a throttle via a long linkage, connected to a level arm (throttle) with a spring connected at the bottom which keeps tension on the throttle.  When I move the bottom spring from the hole it was installed in to another hole about 1/4" further out, increasing the tension, the surging subsides but the mower runs faster than normal.  Is there an adjustment which can be made to regulate the governor and correct the surging?

Answer
Hello Tim:

Return the Spring to It Original Position. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog American Honda. Then Select Engine. Then Scroll Down and Select Your Model (GCV190A-S3A). Then Select the Carburetor File. The Air Mixture Screw (#4) Needs to be Turned Counter Clockwise 1/4 Turn) If this Does Not Correct the Problem, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. The Main Jet is Becoming Restricted and Needs Cleaning. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John