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CHAPTER 4 GOVERNORS AND LINKAGE
GOVERNOR GEAR
WEIGHTS
THROTTLE
SPRING
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tecumseh 4 cycle engines are equipped with mechanical type governors. The governors function is to maintain
a R.P.M. setting when engine loads are added or taken away. Mechanical type governors are driven off the
engines camshaft gear. The governor follower arm rests on the center of the governor spool on center force
governors, and off to one side on other governor systems. Changes in engine R.P.M. cause the governor lever
to move the solid link that is connected from the governor lever to the throttle in the carburetor. The throttle is
opened when the engine R.P.M. drops and is closed as an engine load is removed.
This chapter includes governor assembly linkage illustrations to aid in governor or speed control assembly.
OPERATION
As the speed of an engine increases, the governor
weights on the governor gear move outward by
centrifugal force. The shape of the governor weights
force the governor spool to lift. The governor rod
maintains contact with the governor spool due to the
governor spring tension. The governor rod rotates
causing the attached outer governor lever to push the
solid link and close the throttle opening. When the
engine speed decreases, the lower centrifugal force
allows the governor weights to be pulled in by the
governor spring. The governor rod rotates and the
solid link moves the throttle to a more open position
(diag. 1).
1
GOVERNOR
SPOOL
GOVERNOR SHAFT
TROUBLESHOOTING
Engine operation problems where the governor is suspected to be the cause may actually be the result of
other engine system failures. Hunting (engine R.P.M. surging up and down) indicates that the engine is incapable
of maintaining a constant R.P.M. with or without an engine load. Engine overspeeding must be corrected
immediately before serious engine damage occurs. Use the applicable following procedure to diagnose a
suspected governor failure.
ENGINE OVERSPEEDING
1. If the engine runs wide open (faster than normal), shut the engine off or slow it down
immediately.
2. Check the condition of the external governor shaft, linkage, governor spring, and speed control assembly
for breakage or binding. Correct or replace binding or damaged parts.
3. Follow the governor adjustment procedure and reset the governor - see "Service" in this chapter.
4. Run the engine. Be ready to shut the engine off if an overspeed problem still exists. If the problem
persists, the engine will require disassembly to inspect the governor gear assembly for damage, binding,
or wear.
5. See Chapter 9 under "Disassembly Procedure" to disassemble the engine.
6. Remove the governor gear assembly. Repair or replace as necessary.
ENGINE SURGING
1. Try to stabilize the engine R.P.M. by holding in one position the solid link between the governor arm
and the carburetor throttle, using a pliers or fingers.
2. If the engine R.P.M. stabilizes, the governor or governor adjustment should be checked. See "Service"
governor adjustment procedure in this chapter. If the engine R.P.M. does not stabilize, the engine will
require additional checks see Chapter 9 under "Troubleshooting".
3. If the problem persists after the governor adjustment, check the engine R.P.M. found on microfiche
card # 30. The R.P.M. settings are critical. If the R.P.M. setting for high and low speed are within
specification and a slight surge is experienced, increasing the engine idle R.P.M. setting slightly may
eliminate this condition.
4. Check the governor shaft or linkages for binding, wear, or improper hookup. Check the governor
spring for adequate tension or damaged condition. Repair or replace as necessary.
