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How to Set Idle

#1

L

LSU-Mike

I have a Kawasaki FH580V on my Scag Freedom Z. Recently replaced the governor shaft seal along with several other items (nothing with the carb). Starts up and seems to run fine while cool. After mowing a while the engine speeds up "considerably" when I disengage the blades. Even when the throttle is moved all the way to the slowest position the engine is well above a low idle. Although I tried to carefully get all of the springs and rods associated with the control panel (below the carb) properly reattached, I must have something out of position. I was careful to mark the governor shaft to realign it with the governor arm. Would misalignment here cause my issue, or is it possibly something else?

I have a copy of the Kawasaki service, but when reading how to set low and high idle speeds, I don't know what is meant by high idle position of the throttle. The specifications state "1 550" for low and "3 600" for high. Should there be a comma in the blank space of the values? I assume the low idle position is with the throttle pulled all the way back to "Slow." The only thing I have that can measure RPM is a strobe light app on my iPhone. Can I use that to measure the RPM on the screen at the top of the engine?
Thanks


#2

R

Rivets

The service manual does a good job of explaining how to assemble and adjust the governor. Your question about rpm’s has to do with idle speed only, which should be set between 550-600 RPMs. I suspect you have not set the static governor speed correctly. Reread the section (3) on how to do this. Finally I’ve never seen a phone tachometer application which will accurately read RPMs.


#3

S

slomo

LSU-Mike said:
Should there be a comma in the blank space of the values?
Click to expand...
I think so. I've never seen one run slower than 1500 for example on slow idle. You can call Kawi and ask. Should have a toll free number.
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#4

R

Rivets

I just took a look at three other Kawasaki manuals and I think the speeds posted in the 580 manual is a misprint. Should be 1550 RPMs for idle speed and 3600 RPMs for high no load speed. Someone put a space in the wrong place.


#5

L

LSU-Mike

Thanks for the replies folks.
Rivets, I’ll look for section 3 and read it closely. If phone apps are inadequate, can you recommend something else. Affordability is a requirement because this will likely be one of those tools used only one time.


#6

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

LSU-Mike said:
I have a Kawasaki FH580V on my Scag Freedom Z. Recently replaced the governor shaft seal along with several other items (nothing with the carb). Starts up and seems to run fine while cool. After mowing a while the engine speeds up "considerably" when I disengage the blades. Even when the throttle is moved all the way to the slowest position the engine is well above a low idle. Although I tried to carefully get all of the springs and rods associated with the control panel (below the carb) properly reattached, I must have something out of position. I was careful to mark the governor shaft to realign it with the governor arm. Would misalignment here cause my issue, or is it possibly something else?

I have a copy of the Kawasaki service, but when reading how to set low and high idle speeds, I don't know what is meant by high idle position of the throttle. The specifications state "1 550" for low and "3 600" for high. Should there be a comma in the blank space of the values? I assume the low idle position is with the throttle pulled all the way back to "Slow." The only thing I have that can measure RPM is a strobe light app on my iPhone. Can I use that to measure the RPM on the screen at the top of the engine?
Thanks
Click to expand...
You need an accurate tachometer to set and check RPMs. I use a digital tachometer and typically set low idle to 1850 RPM. 3600 RPM is maximum on a small engine and it doesn’t have to be that fast.


#7

S

slomo

Just get some cheap flea-bay tach. You can listen to a proper running mower. Neighbor or youtubes. Match the revs up by sound.


#8

R

Rivets

If your ears can accurately tell RPS’s, you have better hearing and have worked on more engines than 99.9% of the mechanics on the earth. Buying cheap most often results in buying twice. Some auto parts store have a free loaner program.


#9

F

Freddie21

Inexpensive tack. Just clip the lean on the spark plug wire.


#10

F

Freddie21

https://www.amazon.com/Maintenance-Tachometer-Replaceable-Motorcycle-Paramotors/dp/B07PMJH7QV/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.4dd028e5-8885-4eb8-ace1-bb7a46f96ef1%3Aamzn1.sym.4dd028e5-8885-4eb8-ace1-bb7a46f96ef1&crid=3RM2JGZHBAJD7&cv_ct_cx=small%2Bengine%2Btach&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TTsIGQp7N2FH7XDeNWlv7thzhnD-bqM-euAe0kwhofDvwNbsViURUHRpvUBWAaq5DN9TDjDvldDLAZ2r1yca4w.AiqIVBIw5jAckPHymqvukZewKVyARC18qHhabYd5O-k&dib_tag=se&keywords=small%2Bengine%2Btach&pd_rd_i=B07PMJH7QV&pd_rd_r=e3a78797-0fcc-458b-96d7-d6503752b4c2&pd_rd_w=srGNq&pd_rd_wg=HmmSn&pf_rd_p=4dd028e5-8885-4eb8-ace1-bb7a46f96ef1&pf_rd_r=TQ98JGMHM1KNCKN3P15V&qid=1724517618&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=small%2Bengine%2Btach%2Caps%2C130&sr=1-1-e20883f9-9d72-4842-a3e6-e1cd54d2b900-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1


#11

L

LSU-Mike

Freddie21 said:
https://www.amazon.com/Maintenance-Tachometer-Replaceable-Motorcycle-Paramotors/dp/B07PMJH7QV/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.4dd028e5-8885-4eb8-ace1-bb7a46f96ef1%3Aamzn1.sym.4dd028e5-8885-4eb8-ace1-bb7a46f96ef1&crid=3RM2JGZHBAJD7&cv_ct_cx=small%2Bengine%2Btach&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TTsIGQp7N2FH7XDeNWlv7thzhnD-bqM-euAe0kwhofDvwNbsViURUHRpvUBWAaq5DN9TDjDvldDLAZ2r1yca4w.AiqIVBIw5jAckPHymqvukZewKVyARC18qHhabYd5O-k&dib_tag=se&keywords=small%2Bengine%2Btach&pd_rd_i=B07PMJH7QV&pd_rd_r=e3a78797-0fcc-458b-96d7-d6503752b4c2&pd_rd_w=srGNq&pd_rd_wg=HmmSn&pf_rd_p=4dd028e5-8885-4eb8-ace1-bb7a46f96ef1&pf_rd_r=TQ98JGMHM1KNCKN3P15V&qid=1724517618&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=small%2Bengine%2Btach%2Caps%2C130&sr=1-1-e20883f9-9d72-4842-a3e6-e1cd54d2b900-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
Click to expand...

Thanks for the lead Freddie21.


#12

kbowley

kbowley

Check your throttle cable and ensure that it is going all the way to the stop when the throttle is all the way down. Read the section regarding the governor arm setting. Most of them you loosen the governor arm on the shaft, move the arm to wide open position while rotating the shaft with a pair of linesman pliers counterclockwise while holding the arm to full speed .


#13

L

LSU-Mike

Thanks for all the replies. I found the section in the manual related to adjustments for the governor, idle, choke, etc. I'll tackle it this coming week.


#14

S

slomo

Rivets said:
If your ears can accurately tell RPS’s, you have better hearing and have worked on more engines than 99.9% of the mechanics on the earth. Buying cheap most often results in buying twice. Some auto parts store have a free loaner program.
Click to expand...
Guess I've always listened to mowers and such. Over time can tell fast or slow. I can tell if one is giving the gundy or not.

Agree on buying cheap. Most of us don't have repair shops and might not use said tool daily. I still have a fleabay tach with the inductive wire you wrap around the plug wire. She keeps on working.


#15

5

5eds1

When setting the governor it says to rotate shaft counter clockwise and the lever clockwise. The shaft is spring loaded so when you rotate it and hold, be sure you go all the way to the end of the spring load and hold, then tighten lever nut. This will fix your throttle problem.


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