This is my first post, so please let me know if I'm in the wrong topic, etc. I have a walk-behind John Deere JS40. I was mowing under some hanging vines the other day when one of the vines snagged on the mower as I was pulling it back.....the mower revved extremely high so I let go of the bar as I did not want to cause more damage. I carefully pulled the group of vines that were caught in the mower and looked it over. Everything seemed fine so I went to start it up. The mower turned over but just barely. It seemed like it was idling extremely low. Now I'm no mechanic, but I'd like to think I have some basic analytical skills......being that the problem was first over revving, then idling extremely low, I should look for some sort of idling cable. So I took it apart and found what I think is the culprit....but I'm not sure, so I'm here. There's a very long spring attached to an arm but was disconnected at one end. I believe this area/part is called a "governor" ......again, I'm no mechanic, so let me know if I'm wrong. The spring seemed like it was pulled loose, so I tightened it up as best I could but can't find anywhere to try to attach it to. Further, I don't see a point to the spring at all because I don't know what's moving the arm it's attached to. I can physically move it....but it doesn't spring back or move when I press the mower handle down, etc. From the videos I've looked at on youtube, the governor seems like it's some sort of automatic choke. I attached the spring to the bar furthest from it.....it's not tight at all....and tried to turn the mower on.....still idling low. I adjusted the bar the spring is attached to and now it won't turn over at all. Does anyone have any advice?!?!
Please post your engine model numbers. I think I know what your problem is, but want to make sure before answering. If you can post some pics of what you are talking about, it may also help.
