Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 17hp briggs straton govener, briggs straton, throttle plate

Question
my mower will not idle down the govener dosn,t
pull off. i got the mower in this shape someone
else has had there fingers in it if there is a
diagram of the govener on a mower i could compare
it to the one i have.

 model#42a707 type 2238e1 code#9708125a

Answer
Ouch- Ken this is tough.  The governor is a counterweight style internal, it connects directly to the throttle-plate via specific length rods with tinie springs on them (takes out play, prevents "hunting").  Now, where the governor rod exits the block, it connects to an arm.  If you cannot find a bent rod to the carb, look at the throttle input control- theres a spring connecting the throttle input to the governor arm.  I'm hoping you find a damaged/missing part here.  If not, and someone's messed with the governor rod/connecting arm- you'll have to have a tachometer to reset the arm on the governor rod.  Here's a tip- if everything looks ok- and you KNOW you gotta mess with the governor rod/connecting arm, loosen the clamp nut on the arm, take a screwdriver (hold the arm steady) and turn the the slotted rod CLOCKWISE a tiny tiny bit.  This reduces the governed speed of the engine (increases the effect of the governor).  If someone messed with it, this will drop the rpm back into acceptable idle range.  Lemme know what you find.  :)