Governor Hunting

[Max H]

I have a Z121S Zero Turn with the Kolar 21 HP gas engine (ZT720) that runs great for a few minutes, then the RPM starts to slow for a second, then picks back up, and this continues on and on. Its not load, as it does it even when not in heavy grass. I changed the fuel filter, and cleaned the sponge on the air filter (it was not too bad). I started with fuel filter as it was the cheapest in the "process of elimination" but thought I would ask for help before moving on to the more expensive options. Any ideas?

 

[Bmyers]

I was trying to figure out which State you were in and when they made that legal? I think that would be a good option in my State.

Then I realized you were talking about a different type of governor.

 

[BruceP]

i work on small engines all the time, the behavior you describe is not uncommon. carburetor jets are partially plugged causing lean condition. the governor ends up 'hunting' constantly.

resolution is to remove carb., disassemble and clean. i like to run wire (guitar string) thru both the pilot and main jets. also clean the emulsion tube.

then hose everything down with carb. cleaner before reassembly.

long term solution (after cleaning)
install filter and gas shutoff valve between tank and carb. always shut off the fuel and allow to run dry when not using the machine. (you should get over 10 years without carb. jets getting plugged again)

 

[85Hokie]

Bruce nailed it - carb needs a good cleaning!

 

[Dave_eng]

Do not know about the carb on your engine but some have a long emulsion tube buried under the main jet. The tube has tiny holes along its length and as they get plugged the engine begins to hunt.

Do not think you can clean this tube without removing the jet

Dave

 

[jimh406]

Thought this was another political post.

 

[GeoHorn]

I was trying to figure out which State you were in and when they made that legal? I think that would be a good option in my State.

Then I realized you were talking about a different type of governor.

Yeah… I first thought it may be “Open Season” on Governors…. but even down here in Texas where many readily accept that kind of thinking….that’s a subject that even in jokes…. law enforcement frowns upon.

 

[Bmyers]

Yeah… I first thought it may be “Open Season” on Governors…. but even down here in Texas where many readily accept that kind of thinking….that’s a subject that even in jokes…. law enforcement frowns upon.

The sad part is, the way laws have been passed that I would never think would be passed in this county. It wouldn't surprise me if a State passed that type of law because the legislative body was mad at their governor.

Although in history, we can see a time when disagreements between political rivals were settled by the gun (Burr-Hamilton).

 

[GeoHorn]

The sad part is, the way laws have been passed that I would never think would be passed in this county. It wouldn't surprise me if a State passed that type of law because the legislative body was mad at their governor.

Although in history, we can see a time when disagreements between political rivals were settled by the gun (Burr-Hamilton).

Andrew Jackson and Charles Dickinson

Sam Houston and Wm White

Henry Clay/John Randolph

Abraham Lincoln accepted and met a challenge from James Shields…but his “Second” interceded and proved Lincoln had not been the author of an insulting letter.

The first recorded instance of a “fast-draw” type duel was between Wild Bill Hickock and gambler Dave Tutt., (Hickock had given Tutt his pocket watch as collateral in a gambling debt and when he tried to redeem it by paying-off the debt Tutt refused to accept the money and kept the watch. Hickock challenged him to a duel…and Tutt lost.)

I just replaced the governor in my Craftsman riding lawn mower. It worked via impellers which sit in the oil of the oil sump and the impeller was damaged by a piece of metal from a broken compresson-relief-spring on the camshaft. I replaced both the cam and the governor… took about 3 hours start-to-finish on the Briggs & Stratton 21 HP engine.

 

[Pau7220]

i like to run wire (guitar string) thru both the pilot and main jets.

A torch tip cleaner works very well also. AC Delco X66A is about the best digestive cleaner I've found in a simple aerosol. Final hose down with Berkible 2+2