Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S generator governor, knurled knob, long spring

Question
I have an older Milwaukee generator with a B&S engine (100232-0302-01).  Problem is with the governor, one or more sp[rings are missing and the rpm maxes out.  This is the version where the only speed control is the knurled knob on the control rod, and the governor mechanism is inside the crankcase as opposed to the vane type.  Control rod goes to the control arm on the fuel tank mount, I presume the missing spring pulls the governor lever down (increasing throttle), increasing rpm pushes the governor link up to decrease throttle.

Question:  The long spring (item 232 in the illustrated parts list. p/n 260478_) that goes around the governor link... it looks like this just connects to the same points as the governor link, I presume to keep it from vibrating?  If so it's not critical?  It's present on mine, but not in good shape.  There's a similar shorter spring around the link that goes to the arm on the throttle butterfly.

I've tried a variety of light springs between the control arm and the governor arm (including item 209, p/n 260695 which seems way too heavy, I presume it goes somewhere else, the picture isn't clear).  All are too strong and the rpm is too high.  I've also adjusted the position of the governor lever on the shaft (both fully CW).  The governor just seems to not do anything.  Is there a way to check the internal components without opening the crankcase?  Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Answer
The spring on the carb connecting rod is to smooth vibration.  This reduces wear on the carb butterfly shafts and helps keep a more constant RPM which is important for generators.

As for checking the internal governor there is no way on a Briggs without dis-assembling.  One check you can do is with the governor arm.  If you loosen the governor arm pinch screw and can to the governor shaft round and round then the paddle is broke off the arm.

To adjust the RPMs you need to bend the governor spring arm, not the spring.  The RPM needs to be set at 3600 RPM to produce 60 Hz.

http://www.small-engines.com/5briggs.html

http://www.justanswer.com/small-engine/32ys3-does-anyone-diagram-governor-linkag


http://www.justanswer.com/small-engine/2pfmv-hp-briggs-stratton-sear-chipper-sch

There are lots of picture on Google Images.  Briggs 5 hp governors should be very similar to what you have.

Eric