I have a 1995 Craftsman mower, 917.380450. The Tecumseh engine has stamped on it 143.434082. The governor no longer functions. The governor rod "freewheels, i.e., I start the engine, with throttle disconnected, open the throttle 3/4, and there is no resistance on the governor arm. None. I can turn the arm/rod assembly almost 360 degrees with no response. Nothing is connected internally, that I can tell. The engine, when started and nothing connected, runs at idle, not wide open. I can open the throttle butterfly, secure it, and the mower runs fine at a moderate speed, except that it backfires. ( I can find no lean mix adjusters on the carb but that's another story.) The question is: Can I run the engine safely at moderate throttle? (Un-governed completely. ) I saw a post somewhere on how to replace the governor shaft, gear assembly, spool, lever, etc. I can certainly do that, but I'd rather not since I use this mower infrequently. I confess it has some sentimental value as it was the first mower I ever bought after getting married, buying a house, having twins, etc. etc. What do y'all think? Will the engine blow up if I run it ungoverned at moderate throttle?
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom