How do I adjust my lawn mower governor? Engine is running way too fast!!!?

Question

Hello I have a 2 yr old poulan lawn mower with a 550 briggs engine. I have been having trouble getting the governor adjusted to get the speed back to normal, I can change the speed by moving the throttle by hand so that it slows down but as soon as i let go it speeds right up and stays there. I have tried adjusting the spring and the governor pin but no luck yet. It has a mechanical "static" type governor. There are no speed controls and the carburator has no adjustments or set screws on it. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

Jim W · Accepted Answer

Take it to a service center for a spring tune up.  If the carb was cleaned recently by anyone, the governor linkage may be in the wrong position of the butterfly throttle or the linkage may be bent.  The shop will have the information and the experience to make the adjustments.

Foggy · Answer

I had the same problem in reverse (not fast enough) bending the tab made it run right. Get some needle nose pliers and bend the tab where the spring is mounted to adjust the governor speed.

A.C.R. · Answer

you need to adjust the clamp that holds the throttle cable the cable is in the wrong position and because of that is under tension so when you release pressure does to full throttle..

Henry H · Answer

I had this problem once and I used a power air sprayer and cleaned the motor and all parts also the air filter Good luck

duane w · Answer

do check the linkages. if bent they are shorter thus runs faster.

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How do I adjust my lawn mower governor? Engine is running way too fast!!!?

5 Answers