Governor problem?

Tom H.

Member
I've been having a problem with TO30 #3. Since its rebuild this past summer I have not been able to get her to increase speed or get power under load properly.

After a complete carb rebuild and check on the timing the engine runs fine and smooth. I can move from idle to full power only if I do it slowly any faster and it gasps for more fuel, a bit of choke helps it stay running.

Comparing it to #1 TO30 I notice the throttle linkage will go forward to add power and the governor arm starts to compensate later than #1 does. Both moving the same with the engine off, not sure if it is the spring or the governor itself not doing the job correctly. Any help would be great, I have my dearborn plow on this and need it for this winters snow here in MA.

Thanks
 
(quoted from post at 00:06:09 02/05/15) I've been having a problem with TO30 #3. Since its rebuild this past summer I have not been able to get her to increase speed or get power under load properly.

After a complete carb rebuild and check on the timing the engine runs fine and smooth. I can move from idle to full power only if I do it slowly any faster and it gasps for more fuel, a bit of choke helps it stay running.

Comparing it to #1 TO30 I notice the throttle linkage will go forward to add power and the governor arm starts to compensate later than #1 does. Both moving the same with the engine off, not sure if it is the spring or the governor itself not doing the job correctly. Any help would be great, I have my dearborn plow on this and need it for this winters snow here in MA.

Thanks

I'm not saying that is doesn't have a governor problem but if you have to pull the choke to keep it from dying if you open the throttle fast then there is fuel delivery problem. Have you checked for vacuum leaks around the manifold?
 
The shop manual recommends 1/14 turns on the load jet. With the tractor under load, quickly move the throttle from half open to the full open position. If the engine coughs or stalls, the mixture is to lean. Open the main jet until the engine responds immediately to increase acceleration and runs smoothly and evenly. Since you have had the carb apart there could be other problems. Dragging float or plugged passage, or just not getting fuel.
 
I second Jason's synopsis, any time you have to choke it to keep it running smoothly it's fuel delivery. The governor can not work properly unless the fuel system is in top shape. Another thing to consider is even though you did a complete rebuild on the carb, there still could be old gummed up gas and varnish deposits inside the passageways. I had to take the one on my 35 apart twice and even now, it's still not quite as it should be.
I would swap carbs with one of your other 30s to see if that fixes it. That's what's nice about having more than one tractor. Speaking of that, I should follow my own advice and swap the carbs on my two tractors and see if that fixes up the 35.
 
If the throttle plate is fully open with the engine off and the speed arm in the fast position, the RPMs are around 2200 at full speed, and the engine will return to idle, then the governor is working.

Sounds too lean to me, check the main jet adjustment, float level too low, insufficient flow from tank, vacuum leak.

Another thing to check, condition of the distributor. Bushings tight? Mechanical advance free and working? Points gaped properly?
 
Thanks for all the responses. This is my other carb, and I had not thought about a vacuum leak I will check that out.
 
Well, thats why I needed help from the forum. So far I know
that the engine does run, fuel from the tank is good, timing is
correct, idle and all power settings are good. The only
problem is the gasp for fuel when I add power or power is
demanded by the tractor to work ie. go up a hill, push snow
etc.

I will be checking for vacuum leaks monday. And yes it is nice
to have a running tractor to compare with.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top