Need some help in diagnosing a runaway throttle issues on 20hp v-twin

Hi everyone,

I got a craigslist deal the other day. The tractor in the video below was only $50. I cleaned it up and discovered a few issues. The main issue right now is someone messed with the linkage on the carb. It was rigged up with a spring and piece of wire which let it run either at low-speed idle or a wide-open throttle.



I made a little video. If you think you can help me out please take a look. There is also a rotational noise coming from the transaxle that I think I will investigate further by cracking the case to change the fluid and possibly lock the gears up.

Thanks,
Mike

The missing screw is your limited for it. The linkage running to that butterfly is the throttle, regulated by the governor (the arm) and controlled by the throttle.

The screw needs replaced then adjusted, You also need to replace that spring, otherwise its running wide open all the time with the gov arm down like that.

Should I put the spring I took off back on? It looks like it was a DIY remedy. Is something else supposed to be there?

Ill take a pic of mine later on for you, since I run an Intek twin as well.

Thanks!

What are the odds of me having broken governor components inside the engine?

MCRideout wrote:

What are the odds of me having broken governor components inside the engine?

Pretty good, actually. If somebody was overriding the governor, it could have failed internally. Not only have I seen it happen, I've HAD it happen. Step one would be sourcing a diagram and all required parts to get the externals back together. Then, attempt to adjust, and test. If adjusting according to the FSM does not work, it's time to crack it open.

Or, you could just crack it open. If the internals DID grenade, you can use that moment to decide whether to source the parts, or just remove all governor-related stuff and have done with.

Thanks for the detailed response. If the governor is bad would I be able to control the throttle at all at the dash? I could control the throttle with the small spring connected. It wasn't until after I disconnected the spring that I started to have a problem. ,

I plan on running a gas pedal. I dont need a governor for that do I? Will I need to buy a gasket if I take the case off?

My group (5 tractors) bypasses governors as a rule and have no issues at all... I won't get further into the holy war that is the "to govern or not to govern" conversation.

Yup, youre missing the spring and the limiter screw.

TheRainbowBoxer wrote:

My group (5 tractors) bypasses governors as a rule and have no issues at all... I won't get further into the holy war that is the "to govern or not to govern" conversation.

Holy war, indeed! There are some pretty strong opinions out there, aren't there? Some factual, but a LOT of BS too...

Does this site have an "official" position on the subject? Am I gonna start stepping on toes?

I WILL say this much: It is my experience-based position that AS A GENERAL RULE, IF you are not going to use the governor, take the guts out. You MAY be okay bypassing it, and you may not. Some engine's governors are more tolerant of overspeeding than others.

Hey Doug,
I have the big spring but not the little one. How strong is the small spring? These pics are very helpful. Now to figure out the threads on that missing screw....

If after this the throttle is not fixed I will have to pop it open and take the guts out.

I don't think there is an official position, but there are a few people who feel somewhat strongly on the subject in either direction. Holy war might be overstating it a bit...

Hi Doug,

Can you take more pictures of the areas circled below?

TheRainbowBoxer wrote:

I don't think there is an official position, but there are a few people who feel somewhat strongly on the subject in either direction. Holy war might be overstating it a bit...

Fair enough. I certainly have a firm viewpoint on the whole governor/flywheel thing- which I'd defend to the death- but I don't want to cause a ruckus bein' the new guy and all. But if anybody asks, I will *tactfully* give my opinion.

I took a closer look at my linkage today and I have some questions. I replaced the adjustment screw tonight too.

I'm pointing to a hole in the linkage that looks like it used to have something connected to it...Does anyone know about this?



In this picture, I am pointing to another hole that I think is supposed to have a spring in it or something...


In this picture, you can see a flat part of the throttle "wheel," and how it actually hits the spring attached to the governor...Is that normal? At low throttle it hits the spring, which keeps it from idling down anymore.


Here's a bottom view of the above photo. You can see the flat part of the throttle linkage hitting the spring.

That's not an original spring by the looks of it. I'd say wait for Doug to show you his setup.

Yeah.
I have the same motor and if you want i can get some pics of the springs too.

I'd appreciate the pics!

To recap the issues with this $50 tractor:
1) Governor/ carb linkage issues
2) rotational noise from the transaxle
3) leaking fuel pump

MCRideout wrote:

I'd appreciate the pics!

To recap the issues with this $50 tractor:
1) Governor/ carb linkage issues
2) rotational noise from the transaxle
3) leaking fuel pump

Ok ill get pics then.

Ill get some better pics tomorrow for you. The last ones I got were taken while I was upside down.

Bump?

The governor is toast. Now it's time to crack open the case and replace it. If I plan on running a foot throttle should I still run a governor?

Either a gov or get a good tachometer to watch your RPMs.

I should still open the case and check for damage right?