The Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine is known for its reliability and power, making it a popular choice for a variety of outdoor equipment. One such problem involves the governor, a crucial part of the engine’s regulation system.
In this post, we will go into the common problems associated with the Briggs and Stratton V-Twin governor, their causes, and how to resolve them. Let’s jump in.
Briggs and Stratton V Twin Governor Problems
1. Governor Surging
Causes:
- Incorrect governor adjustment
- Worn or damaged governor spring
- Debris or dirt in the governor linkage
Solutions:
- Adjust the governor according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Replace worn or damaged governor springs.
- Clean up the governor linkage to ensure smooth operation.
2. Governor Hunting
Causes:
- Loose or misadjusted governor linkage
- Faulty carburetor
- Air leaks in the intake manifold
Solutions:
- Tighten and adjust the governor linkage properly.
- Inspect and clean the carburetor, or replace it if necessary.
- Check for and seal any air leaks in the intake manifold.
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3. Governor Not Responding
Causes:
- Broken or disconnected governor gear
- Stuck or binding the governor’s arm
- Faulty internal governor components
Solutions:
- Inspect and replace the governor gear if broken.
- Lubricate and free up the governor’s arm to ensure it moves smoothly.
- Replace faulty internal governor components as needed.
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How to Adjust the Governor on a Briggs and Stratton V-Twin
Proper adjustment of the governor is crucial for optimal engine performance. Follow these steps to adjust the governor on your Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine:
- Turn off the Engine: Ensure the engine is completely off and cool to avoid injury.
- Locate the Governor Arm: Find the governor arm connected to the throttle.
- Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt: Using a wrench, loosen the bolt holding the governor arm to the governor shaft.
- Move the Throttle to Full Position: Push the throttle lever to the full-throttle position.
- Rotate the Governor Shaft: Rotate the governor shaft in the same direction the governor’s arm moved to full throttle.
- Tighten the Bolt: While holding the governor shaft in place, tighten the governor arm bolt securely.
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Preventive Maintenance for Briggs and Stratton V-Twin Governor
Regular maintenance can help prevent governor problems and extend the life of your Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine. Here are some tips for maintaining the governor:
- Clean Regularly: Keep the governor linkage and surrounding areas clean from debris and dirt.
- Check for Wear: Regularly inspect the governor components for signs of wear or damage.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Ensure all moving parts of the governor are well-lubricated to prevent sticking or binding.
- Adjust as Needed: Periodically check and adjust the governor to maintain optimal performance.
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Signs of Governor Problems
Identifying signs of governor problems early can help you address issues before they become severe. Look out for these symptoms:
- Erratic Engine Speed: Fluctuations in engine speed can indicate governor issues.
- Engine Over-Revving: If the engine is running at higher speeds than normal, the governor might be malfunctioning.
- Poor Performance Under Load: If the engine struggles to maintain speed under load, it could be a governor problem.
Replacing the Governor Gear
If the governor’s gear is broken or worn, replacing it might be necessary. Here’s a brief guide on how to replace the governor gear in a Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine:
- Disassemble the Engine: Remove the engine cover and other components to access the governor gear.
- Remove the Old Gear: Carefully remove the damaged governor gear from the engine.
- Install the New Gear: Place the new governor gear into position, ensuring it meshes correctly with the other engine components.
- Reassemble the Engine: Reassemble the engine parts and test the engine to ensure proper operation.
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Why is My Briggs and Stratton V-Twin Governor Not Working?
Understanding why the governor might not be working involves checking several potential issues:
- Disconnected or Broken Governor Linkage: Ensure all linkage connections are intact and properly connected.
- Worn Out Governor Springs: Replace any springs that show signs of wear or damage.
- Internal Engine Damage: Internal components like the governor gear or shaft might be damaged and require replacement.
Troubleshooting Governor Problems
When troubleshooting governor problems, follow these steps:
- Inspect the Linkage: Ensure all linkage connections are secure and free of debris.
- Check the Governor Arm and Shaft: Make sure the governor’s arm moves freely and the shaft is not bent or damaged.
- Examine the Springs: Look for signs of wear or damage in the governor springs and replace them if necessary.
- Test the Engine: After making adjustments or replacements, test the engine to verify the problem is resolved.
Common Misconceptions About Briggs and Stratton Governors
Myth: Governors Only Control Speed While the primary function of the governor is to regulate engine speed, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient fuel consumption and smooth engine operation under varying loads.
Myth: Governor Problems are Always Internal Not all governor issues are internal. External factors like debris, worn springs, or loose linkage can also cause problems.
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FAQs
What does a governor do on a Briggs and Stratton engine?
The governor maintains a constant engine speed by regulating the throttle position based on load changes.
How can I tell if my governor is bad?
Signs of a bad governor include erratic engine speed, over-revving, and poor performance under load.
Can I adjust the governor myself?
Yes, you can adjust the governor yourself by following the proper procedure outlined in the engine’s manual.
What causes governor surging?
Governor surging can be caused by incorrect adjustment, worn springs, or debris in the linkage.
How often should I check my governor?
It’s a good practice to inspect the governor during regular maintenance intervals or if you notice performance issues.
Is replacing the governor gear difficult?
Replacing the governor gear requires disassembling the engine, so it can be challenging for those unfamiliar with engine mechanics.
Here are some resources that can help you troubleshoot your Briggs & Stratton V-twin governor:
- Briggs & Stratton Website: https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/support/manuals.html
- Briggs Intek V-Twin Throttle and Governor Controls Explained: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BL6WmE7pPKs
- Must Know About Briggs And Stratton Governor Problems: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U709YgVv8jQ
Important Note:
If you’re uncomfortable working on the engine yourself, it’s best to consult a qualified small engine mechanic. They can diagnose the problem and fix it properly.
Final words
Governor problems in a Briggs and Stratton V-Twin engine can affect the engine’s performance and reliability. Regular maintenance and timely adjustments are key to preventing governor problems and extending the life of your engine. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting a professional mechanic may be necessary to address more complex problems.
