How To Adjust the RPM Speed on a Lawn Mower

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click here for Tachometers ➜ amzn.to/2Qey5vw You can connect with Steve here too: Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon Lots of guys out there think that the RPM spec is 3600 RPM! I believe it is because of the Honda factory specs that people are mis-interpreting. There chart says: "NET POWER 4.4HP @ 3600 RPM" right below that it says "NET TORQUE 6.9 FT LBS @ 2500 RPM" right below that it says "FUEL CONSUMPTION 1.1 L/H @ 3000 RPM" None of those are Maximum RPM specs. They are specs for 3 other things! If you do find an actual maximum spec for a Honda powered lawn mower that is higher that 3100 RPM, please share the link with us...

[@escortracer]

Those are max spec where everything drops off, not run specs big difference. Good info, nice channel.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@puncht37]

GCV160 NGK BP5ES NGK BPR5ES 0.7 ~ 0.8 mm (0.028 ~ 0.031 in.) 9.2 mm (0.36 in.) Idle: 1,700 ± 150 rpm Maximum: 2,950 ~ 3,100 rpm 0.58 qt. 71 psi IN: 0.15 ± 0.04 mm EX: 0.20 ± 0.04 mmFrom Honda service manual;

[@robertsrbell7811]

Love your show u r awsome

[@robertsrbell7811]

Love your show u r awsome

[@dennismcmullen2921]

Hey , I’m 70 yrs young and love learning new stuff like this. Steve, you are a great resource. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@jamesmr.jimmymiller867]

Have a problem Steve...Chicago, 2 stroke generator, engine dies when you open it up, only runs on choke. Added new carb, spark plug, coil, capacitor, fuel hose, clean gas & new oil, both treated w/Sea Foam and no change. Still dies when you move off choke. Tried new gaskets, resetting governor, cleaning new carb, still no luck. What next? HELP...please? Thanks!

[@gtarules1]

@@jamesmr.jimmymiller867 did you figure it out??

[@terrycruise-zd5tw]

70 years is old!!!

[@88Heckenlively]

I tuned up my Craftsman B&S push-mower and now it runs too good - Fast and loud! Need to lower the RPMs and now I know how - thank you Steve!

[@tyronevonchadley]

Did it have the B&S with the plastic carburetor? I want to increase my rpm a bit but do not know if possible.

[@Fred-en4eo]

​@@tyronevonchadley yes bend the plate the governor spring is attached to . More tension on spring equals higher rpm lower tension on spring equals lower rpm. I had to take off the gas tank to bend that plate . Good luck. It worked great for me no more bogging in thick grass.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Usually you want the engine to run about 3200 RPM.

[@100vg]

What I needed to know is how to set the RPM precisely. Now I know about the tool to use. Your Amazon Searon Digital Tach Hour Meter Tachometer RPM Counter was out of stock, so I went shopping and ended up at Harbor Freight where I bought their Cen-Tech LCD Automotive Multimeter with Tachometer for a few dollars more. Its DC Ohms per Volt is 1MΩ, so I can safely use it on my '95 Mercury Cougar, for which the OEM Shop Manual requires at least 5,000 Ω/DC Volt. I bought a new carb for a Lawn Tractor Mower and want to be sure to set all RPM speeds to spec. Thank you, Steve, for this one. I searched for hours until finally finding this one from 4 years ago. Isn't it great that a video you posted that long ago is still helping people? You're the man! Thanks again! I'll have to search your videos to find the one on the Governor (because it no longer comes up), in case my Tractor Mower has one, but it'll also be good for my self-propelled pus mower, once I get it running again.

[@mariophysouni3078]

I’M FROM ENGLAND,, YOU WONT BELIEVE HOW MANY LAWNMOWERS I THROWN IN THE SCRAP ALL OF WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED!! THANK YOU TO VIDEOS LIKE THIS, THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT AND USEFUL. 10 OUT OF 10 TO THE SMALL ENGINE SHOP! BRILLIANT

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@DJNoMask]

Holy caps lock

[@victormiesner7804]

Thanks again. Like I said I don't tried to post stuff. Thank you already but never too old to learn. I'm 73 and you've taught me a little bit more here so thank you

[@PatrickLarson]

I used to mow lawns for money as a teen, and we had throttles. Now in my 50s, I want to get the lawn done quicker without walking so slowly. I had an "aha!" moment when I remembered that I can have control of the effing mower! Thanks for this very concise, instructive, and funny video! You've gained a subscriber!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@dljunior2852]

I've been working on a few mower lately as a pass time and I enjoy it. This same exact mower you demonstrated on had me scratching my head after I had taken apart the carb and cleaned it. I really appreciate your knowledge and sharing it with us.

[@tomcappel7441]

This is fantastic!!!!!!! I just installed an oil ring on the governor shaft to stop oil leakage. After that, the engine went crazy fast. I knew it was something I did. After watching this video, I adjusted the shaft and now it is running normal. YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much, Steve!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Fantastic!

[@CapeViewInvestments]

Steve, Your advice to increase the RPMs was absolutely correct! It took 15 seconds (10 of which was getting the pliers). Thank you. Also, after this fix, I searched for advice for my Honda mower engine surging up and down. You had a video for that and after following your advice, my mower is running like new. Thanks again. I'm now a subscriber.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@johnhealy3003]

Steve! You are the man. I just cleaned the carburetor in my mower that wouldn't start. I watched your video, and it works again! I was so close to buying a new mower, but you saved me from doing so. Thank you. Now, the mower revs super high. I feel like its going to blow up. I'm going to keep watching your vids to make it 100%. Thank you, brother!

[@daveenriquez7790]

Same thing, I just cleaned my carburetor, because it wouldn't start or would start and then die right away. Now the mower runs good but is reving real high like yours. Did you adjust your rpm like Steve did in this video?

[@justinjanssen2779]

First time seeing this Steve guy.... I KZbin pretty much everything in my life, lol. This is the first guy that just simply puts things in layman’s terms. Great job. I’m a new subscriber

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and Thank You...

[@hectornagano1819]

Totally agree. Thanks Steve.

[@jasonkeuma1986]

I watch the commercials just so the guy can get paid.

[@hikerJohn]

And I still agree four years later. I could not find this video or channel a few years ago

[@doncook3584]

He’s money in your pocket AND he’s a beer guy. Duzint get better

[@kylehughes1619]

Yeah I absolutely agree. This Steve dude is one of the few people who simply state things as they are. No massive Preamble no thousand other facts that have no bearing on what I'm trying to do. Nicely done Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

WOW! Thank You...

[@jeanclaude7018]

No HEAVY METAL background music eirher.

[@ShadowWilliams-w3i]

April is also AWESOME!!!

[@jasontorrance7199]

I have been a mechanic for over 2 decades and am still learning, I don't think anyone in this trade stops learning. Steve, your very thorough and informative, great job and look forward to more video's. Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Well said!

[@PrestonGarvey69]

Being a mechanic is just being not afraid of taking something apart because you aren't a computer nerd that's never touched a bolt or a nut. Constantly learning things... I can take apart any old vehicle thats 30+ years old because they kept there vehicles mechanicals similar for simple folk. Nowadays we're always trying to rework the way things are done. Like how they make those fucking spark plugs on the firewall side of the motor and the radiator side in a Kia car; Stupid. How most ford truck have a fuse for the ignition; That I always have to bypass if I want a ford truck because it literally does nothing; just another small piece of plastic that jacked the price of the truck up went it sold on the store floor because it was another "expensive useful electrical system" , and if the fuse blows your truck can't start, but if you just disconnect the whole system the truck starts.

[@rexkirkland3720]

My Honda mower was factory set to ~ 2800 rpm. I turned the speed up to 3100 rpm and now it bags the clippings somewhat better. The owners manual specs the maximum rpm at 3100. Honda cautions that at higher speeds "the blades could fracture and come apart". Thanks Steve!

[@jermainecornelius7193]

🎯 BIG THANKS to this guy!! This was the exact solution to my mower issue. Before mowing my lawn I pulled little twig with leaves stuck on the side of my mower near the idle spring. It wasn't until I cranked it that I noticed it sounded super revved up and cutting very fast but I quickly mowed my front yard anyway. Afterwards I decided to do something about it thinking that if left it that way I might really mess it up while mowing the backyard. Pulled up KZbin and just about everyone was talking about the governor thing and doing a bunch of fix it stuff that I really didn't feel like doing at all. I kept looking hoping that there was a simple solution. Then bingo! This guy came up and tried what he suggested. It was so simple that I didn't need the little tool he used to move the part. I held the part he said to hold with one hand and with my other hand I used my index finger to nudge the adjustment part just a little in the direction needed to slow it down. After doing that my mower sounded and was cutting as it did normally. I'm so glad that found this video. Now with all that said, I'm thinking that maybe I should have it cut at a faster speed because my front lawn looked really good. My neighbors on both sides both have those electric mowers and their lawns always looked way better than mine after cutting and I always assumed it was because my mower isn't electric. Well I noticed that because I accidentally made it cut faster my front lawn turned out looking just as good as their's. So I just might nudge that idle spring just a little back to that faster speed. BIG THANKS AGAIN

[@jamescox7007]

Steve, I am in the civil construction industry. Mechanically inclined with large equipment such as dozers, loaders etc, but I never had luck with small engines. Thanks to your videos the Cut off Saws, Chainsaws, whippersnippers and lawn mowers have never worked better. Bottoms up and keep up the great work.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@BartolomeiAlberto]

Thanks Steve for your video... I have been looking how to adjust RPM on my 12 year old Honda engines mower and this was a life saver... I tune the mower every season and noticed loss of speed after years of usage. Bit adjustment did a great difference.

[@philliplawerence5784]

As usual, good video. But a word of warning for those who increase the operation speed of their engine: the faster it runs the faster it cuts, but also the faster it wears out. And, it's not a linear relationship between speed and engine life ! For example, you may increase engine speed 5%, but in doing so, you may reduce engine life by 20%, increase speed 10% may reduce engine life 50%. A similar relationship holds true for engine operating noise level, whereas a slight increase in speed may yield a large increase increase in engine noise. So before you go making any changes, consider the advantages versus drawbacks.

[@jasona8964]

Check your oil It's a Honda Let her rip!

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

Does increasing engine speed make cutting more better? As the reason I am listening to this video is my mower is tearing the lawn even with new and sharpened blades

[@loganoliveira7329]

@@jasona8964could not have been said any better haha 😂

[@john24gold1]

Hard to kill a Honda engine with oil in it . More for the guys with bent arms or stretched springs to adjust

[@EddieEducation]

Higher engine speeds will increase wear, but with regular oil changes (and the right oil) and correct carb tuning, it should be minimal. Motorcycle engines aren't that different, after all. If you over-rev, then you get damage to pistons and valves, but within tolerance and correctly tuned/maintained? Shouldn't be a problem.

[@Rastameister]

I viewed Honda's official governor and speed adjustment and all it said for spee was bend the governor arm. It didn't explain anything about the lower spring tension. Your explanation was spot on! Thank you. Now I'm going to watch your governor adjustment to see if I screwed that up too.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@keyMotionStudios23]

I've watched plenty of people mess with the governor and ruin their engine and I've always wanted to turn up some of my lawn mowers, but I don't want to blow the engines on them. This video was so helpful! I appreciate how you clearly state how to do it and how to still be safe about it.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@brianpage7569]

I actually did this yesterday to two of my work mowers to make them run like they should have from the dealer, both 18 year old Honda Mowers. Thank you for showing us how it's properly done Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Colt3854]

You know you have a KEEPER when she hands you a beer when you are working. April is a champ.❤

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Agreed!

[@duff8402]

Steve, I wasn't even searching for your help, this video just randomly popped up in my recommended feed. I've now watched about 20 of your videos in the last couple of days and you have single handedly taught me how to make all of my home lawn equipment run like they're better then brand new of the shelf. I can't thank you enough, man! You've got a life time subscriber! Cheers, buddy! 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Welcome aboard!

[@Mark-nj8hq]

Lol me too I was having this problem today

[@arielban1]

Thank you so much.. What I found was the spring between the governor and throttle cable was very loose. All I did was shorten the spring by bending the wire around the governor connection. This shortened the spring and made it tighter. Now am able to increase the power on the mower. Thank you for teaching me.

[@marlonl.jackson4137]

I usually don't post on KZbin but this was the fix for my lawnmower that has been running abysmally before stopping several times. Turns out the arm on my mower must have gotten bent. The spring on the governor arm had no tension in it. Thanks so much!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@johnabelljr1997]

I used to repair small engines years ago. I'm a truck driver now. Any how, very good video. You are straight forward and great at demonstrating the repair process. Two thumbs way up!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@bubbafudpucker397]

I drove truck for twenty years and do small engines/lawn care now. Too funny.

[@lookitsyou]

OMG.. thank you so much, I have been reading through the manual how to adjust the revs, and nowhere does it tell you or give any indication on how to do it, your video explains it so simply, thank you, my mower is running slower now with that simple adjustment :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@jpsvideos3125]

I didn't even knew there was a digital tachometer. Every video you do,i pick up something i needed. You are the man!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@blueeyemanthatsnotsad2733]

Lol I love you man.. lol I’m a auto mechanic! I was I had bad surgery with six pins and a plate.. it feels better.. but I can’t work on cars or trucks anymore! And man you know what I mean! Duck I have to get dirty.. and man you help me do that!! Thank you sir!! And the beer store!!

[@greggforbes6902]

Unreal, I'm the most un-handy guy in the world and was ready to get another mower but checked this video after i noticed the spring was not connected. Connected the spring and runs like a champ. No need to bend the piece as it was running smoothly now. Thanks so much.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rabaloo6549]

I only THUMBS UP when I like your choice of beer, so that's every time. Thanks Steve, great format, perfect lessons, amazing price!

[@ianrobinson9565]

Steve your videos on small engines are the best. You do the fuel, I do the spark. I have learned so much from your videos. Here in Australia we run a lot of Honda, Briggs and other engine types. I come back to your videos as a reference to keep all my engines running well. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@tallbikercat]

I watched one f those bogus videos that said to fine tune the governor. I took about 5 minutes for a Honda mower to self destruct. Fortunately it was a free mower...but it ran great prior to me destroying it. Great work Steve.

[@chrisgarcia5462]

I just happened to buy a 4pk of Grolsch pop up bottles when i came across this vid on how to adjust the idle on my Honda mower and how to clean the carburetor. This saved some time,money and frustration! Thank's🍻

[@claudiamcbride9746]

Your videos are great. I've learned so much from you. I have a small farm and I'm always needing to adjust, repair or just service the small engine equipment we use. You've made my life easier with your detailed information on small engines. Thanks so much!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@DP-hy4vh]

You can also put an s-shaped bend in the straight section of the governor spring so you don't damage the governor arm by bending it. A governor spring is a lot easier to replace than the governor arm.

[@imcalm3415]

Just found you,Steve. So much good information. Made fixing an old Toro push mower, two others passed on to me because they didn’t know how to fix it, easier than I thought. Watched a few of your vids (cleaning carb and how to check for fire). It’s running great now. You are now my go to guy for all my small engine answers.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@tonym6920]

I have a Honda HRR216 that was running on the low side, about 2750 RPMs. Like you said, I saw a lot of videos which implied that adjusting the governor was the way to go, I wasn't convinced, then I found your video. I did as you showed, only a very slight adjustment, checked it in my tach and if was 3000 RPMs 3100 is the upper limit for this machine as noted in their operators manual. What a difference in performance! Thanks Steve! 👍👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@michaelbrickett1046]

Gotta agree w/ the previous commentaries: straightforward teaching; layman's terms and no unnecessary verbage/side-bars. Have watched several of these videos for application(s) on both my chainsaw & mower... Appreciate the "helps," Steve! * [Most important note: "Make sure U keep those soldiers standing erect!"] *

[@theredcabin]

Unbelievably helpful! Had a Craftsman mower that was slowing and slowing down. Knew it could safely rev higher. One bend of that bracket and it was back up to speed! Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped!

[@markgoostree6334]

I needed this video! This week I was griping about how sluggish my mower was running! Perfect timing.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@billcoley8520]

You are probably the most useful video maker on KZbin. I’m guessing you have saved people thousands of dollars over time

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...I hope so...

[@beaustjohn2342]

Ahh yes! The "messiah" of mechanics. I have actually been told by a multitude of people about hundreds of dif ways to do this..this is the first method that proves how simple it really is! Thnx steeve😁

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@brucemagarvey4371]

I needed a handle for my mower and bought another whole mower for 20 bucks just for the handle. I think where going to fix the 20 dollar one now. Thanks . your like a magician who gives away how the tricks are done.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@Cacheola]

The majority of these small engines are quite happy at 3600 and that's where I'd shoot for. My honda lawnmower under revs, likely close to those specs. If I regularly cut longer, thicker, or wet grass - like Steve does at 8am lol, then I'd surely be bumping it up higher than spec

[@marshallborder9089]

Thanks Steve and all the other gentlemen on utube for helping us little guys out here in the real world .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tomfueler666]

As always, Steve is a my go to source for all of my small engine info. Get explanations and easy to understand and who doesn’t love a beer!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome!

[@sdavey10]

OMG!!! Three times I have stripped and cleaned my carb, emptied and cleaned the fuel tank, I've used so much bad language and cursed my darned mower so much, I reckon I've used 10 years worth in just 3 weeks. Then, I watch this video, and F*** me!! all I had to do was adjust the freaking governor spring to stop this poxy B&S mower engine from stalling when under load. Thank you Steve, thank you sooooo much. I reckon you're the only guy in the world that knows had to do this (and maybe me, along with the 386,483 viewers)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help buddy!

[@johncollins8304]

"Stalling under load" -- that's what my Honda GC 135 is doing. It's on an Eliet Primo shredder and it stops when you put a branch in. The only tachometer I have is the so-called Briggs one (YREYSIT) which isn't easy to interpret. According to it and my usage of it, I've only got 1900rpm (31 cps on the other scale). It's supposed to be 3,500!! I've checked out the non-contact tachometers and there isn't one that doesn't have a lot of bad reviews.

[@gl35]

You not only saved me frustration, you saved me money. Thanks. You are among the best.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@johngraves1216]

i remember when lawn machines had a throttle cable...man i miss the good ol days

[@frogz]

so, i literally just re-added a throttle to my cheapo current briggs model lawnmower, before that i just had the spring over-stretched to always run hot

[@johngraves1216]

@@frogz yeah i went electric sick of working on this junk every time i need it

[@markothevrba]

Still have one of them puppies. Engine is probably close to 30 years old and it still starts first pull. Had to change the actual frame twice because it rusted out, but the engine just won't give up!

[@davedammitt7691]

@@johngraves1216 well then you'll get REALLY sick of spending as much for a battery as you would for a new mower every couple years.

[@Cakin]

@@davedammitt7691 depends on the manufacturer most batteries have like a 3 year warranty now

[@timflowers2933]

Question, before bending the governor arm why not simply move the sping to the other hole that is further away and then seeing how that works, then if any adjustments are needed they should be smaller thus putting less tension and stress on the arm?

[@SA-iw4ci]

Why make extra work by moving the spring from hole to hole then make adjustments when adjusting the arm only one time can solve the problem?

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

@@SA-iw4ci theres times when you want to move the spring but theres times where you want to adjust the arm Really depends on what the engine is powering But with push mowers i have found theyre really isnt a need to adjust the engine speed if engine is bogging try raising the cut height or or let the grass dry out maybe dont allow the grass to grow so tall before cutting it

[@captainjack8823]

I thought the same thing. I just commented that when I bend mechanical things they usually break, and I've an old mower. I've just cut the spring, hold it with vise-grips and reshape a hook using the needle nosed pliers I cut the spring with. Saves time trying to find a part for an old mower's engine and you could always measure the spring first before cutting it and find a spring replacement st any hardware. Steve is the boss of small engine diagnosis (real quick), repair and maintenance though, that's for sure.

[@muntee33]

@@SA-iw4ci Cause you could bend it too far and fuck the spring? Cause you could need to bend it back and cause the arm to crack. Cause the spring and hole settings are designed so they don't exceed the recommended operational parameters of the other OEM engine/mower components. If your wife/child is using it and it lunches itself, very seriously injuring them, are you happy to accept that you are accountabe for it happening? (Eg, foot can't be saved and is amputated, after months of being incapacitated at home and in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, battling serious infections, enduring ongoing stress trauma from increasing financial difficulties and accumulating medical costs.....) Not saying you shouldn't do it but consider what it is you are doing, and do it well. What's the extra few seconds cost, are you that busy? Maybe you just need a better suited mower....

[@corneilcorneil]

@@SA-iw4ci Because the hole is there and you don't have to bend something that is not designed to bend?

[@mikegeer3508]

Thanks for all the videos, you make easy to understand. Hello from ALABAMA.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad you like them!

[@robpapandrea]

This was very helpful. Neighbor asked for help fixing his mower and thanks to your detailed overview I realized he was missing his spring coil.

[@fernandomerino824]

Great video Steve. Working on my Craftsman lawnmower (Honda engine). I had replaced the carburetor. Didn't find the exact one, but was about 90% the same except for the choke shaft, so I swapped it out with the original that had peg sticking up to make contact with a lever. Acted like it wanted to start, disassembled it four times, then leaked gas. Well on another video I learned that the float when upside-down, it should be level. Gas leak fixed. Many more starts, I decided to look at the spark plug, sure enough it was flooded and dirty. Cleaned and it started. Then it was surging. Fixed by adjusting the governor arm! Now starts on first pull!! P.S. went with Blue Moon, no orange slice. Thank you Steve!

[@obxkoastie8170]

Steve...Thank you so much. I've wondered how to do this for years. The reason for the slower engine speed is because some government agency mandates the maximum blade tip speed. Remember when as a young mower of lawns (I'm 72) almost all mowers were 24-25". Well those engines running at 3000 rpm created really high blade tip speeds and would throw pebbles, sticks, etc and people sued. So they made the mowers all smaller and reduced the engine rpms.

[@williamjackson5942]

They made the mowers smaller? Baloney I remember reality mowers are larger not smaller.

[@n2n8sda]

Great video and to the point as always. My GCV engine (135) I have set to 3400rpm max no load (they all used to be set to 3600rpm before legislation reduced the max rpm to limit the speed rocks and debris could be ejected at) 3400rpm is a little under 3600 just to reduce the stress on the mower as not sure if these are built to run at 3600 all day like the old mowers were, cut an acre with mine every couple of weeks anyway and not had any issues in the last 5 years with it at that speed, any slower and it was more prone to clogging and bogging down.

[@georgepruitt637]

Engine speed is supposed to be set according to blade tip speed of 19,000 FPM. Ergo , the longer the blade, the SLOWER the engine needs to run. I don't make the rules, but I try to live by them.

[@Ppp-kk6hw]

Thanks Patrick Swayze your the man

[@TheReelblack]

I think thats Don Swayze

[@MKD-dd6ng]

And here I thought he sounds like "The Dude!" 😂😂

[@jeffbodinus9466]

Hilarious.

[@MadDogHoek23]

Sounds like Jeff Bridges. Lol

[@jasonm1690]

You're*

[@RoscoPColetraneIII]

As an exceptionally intelligent individual, I adjust the rpm’s on my John Deere Z930M as fast as I think it can handle. And then, I push it just a bit further. Like an old alcoholic once told me, “I drink as much as my body can tolerate, and then I drink a bit more”. What’s the worse that can really happen??? Emphasize the sarcasm in this statement before replying. Thanks for the video. Grolsch beer has a very, VERY special place in my heart. Good man!

[@MrKeithsplace]

Great info, I was just looking to this on a yard sale Husqvarna with no throttle/speed control. I would note that just a little is very significant, no where near the amount you showed. I judged by feeling spring with engine off it had just a little slop or slack, I bent just enough for it to actually have no slop just barely tension, probably wasn’t even a 1/4”, raised the RPM about 200-300 RPM was all that it needed. Before starting up and running I changed oil, drained fuel, cleaned carb, sharpened blades all of which it badly needed. It cut good but felt it was quit slow on RPM as it would struggle in taller grass. Mower cut good on even tall overgrown grass, excellent after adjusting, doesn’t struggle with anything good and strong.

[@natem4179]

That was an insanely easy fix. Thank you. Other videos made this type of adjustment way too difficult.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@thisislargemouth5566]

I've been cranking mowers at 38-4200 for years and it's worth it. I've had 1 cheap mower blow up after years of use and you get so much more power there's no reason not to.

[@JasonHeil-xj1kr]

Thanks for all your help! You have been really helpful in my understanding of how small engines work. I do so appreciate what you’ve taught me.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help!

[@terryrust4973]

Thanks, Steve! That was great, I was having issues with a Briggs and Stratton engine, it was surging like crazy and running at very low rpm. I had cleaned out the primary jet, etc., and it still didn't work, watched your video and was able to bend the arm that holds the spring for the governor, it worked like a champ. I don't know how it had gotten so loose, but that definitely fixed it. Great channel!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@jp240z]

Perfect tip! I swapped out my pump on a honda powered pressure washer. Must have dinged the throttle arm when bolting up new pump. Engine speed low, this tip fixed my issue, thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tonymacdonald2870]

So simple i didn't know that. It will come handy. Got to get a tachometer. Another great watch, thanks Mr Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@todddwyer3738]

You're a legend, Steve. So glad I found your videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad you like them!

[@hog-boy-8843]

Steve, your the Man. Well done and keep them coming Bro.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks, will do!

[@tomsawyer9403]

He is, but it's "you're".

[@redtops5160]

Going to try this tomorrow. Notice my spring wasn't tight on my used older Honda lawn motor. So this is probably my fix. Cleaning the under carriage on the motor sure makes it easier to start. Thanks

[@xRocksaucex]

Hey I came across your channel and you've been a HUGE help in me replacing carburator, determining if blade/crankshaft is bent, and now adjusting the speed. Can't thank you enough, I know this videos 5 years old but just wanted to show some appreciation! Thanks for putting straight talking, no BS videos out in this sea of "creators" just looking for likes.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@racekar80]

Continued easy to understand instructions, thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@Compasscard]

This is what I call a good explanation ! Thanks a lot man and keep up the good work

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Good job , I was afraid to try anything on the linkage but I missed doing it that way , got one that needs it . Thanks as usual your right on , Cheers !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@pattybt]

Hi! I'm new to this deal with my lawnmower thing. My partner passed away so I'm learning a lot and this helps so much! Getting more and more empowered doing things mysrlf!

[@majorpayne5289]

👍wishing you the best

[@Afilliatezero]

Bad ass advice. Thanks. I was gonna shorten springs for days. That makes way more sense long term.

[@acampbell2662]

Great video Steve. This is a big help on getting my Husquvarna running properly.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@72superlead]

We were taught to tighten or replace the longer top spring to fix this but this is another, cheaper way to achieve the same result. Allt quicker too!

[@oneofthemodels]

Wow! What an awesome video there brother can't thank you enough for showing that information as to exactly what I needed to know I just scored one of these Honda lawn mowers and your video is exactly to the point excellent job man very well done you have a new subscriber for sure!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@imnotsquarey]

Amazing, thanks Steve, i watched two videos before this one, messed around with adjusting the gearage, looked inside to check all was connected after replacing the governor spring ect and was still running too fast, bent the arm very slighter and voilla, perfect, thank you so so much really appreciated.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped

[@johnsteele8382]

Steve, I've always taken such good care of my lawn mower that it just will not die. I've had it for 29 years now, a Sears with front wheel drive with the Tecumseh engine. I simply change the oil once a year, and the air filter. One year I had to change the oil pan seal and another year the magneto (because my kids play swing hit it) I would almost like to get a new one but I can't trash a perfectly good lawn mower.

[@francoamerican4632]

I have a 38 year old Sears lawn mower that's still running strong. I don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon.

[@multidimensionalexploratio3985]

Exactly what I needed to know! Perfect and thank you! Now it's time to fix my freaking chain saw.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tonyb7779]

I've been asking myself this question for a few years. My Honda is like a tortoise and my John Deere is like a cheetah. Now I can make my Hoda go almost as fast as my JD.

[@bucmeister7713]

I am guessing the "book" rpm figures actually are to remain in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines or rules blade tip speed. Have been told in the past that "consumer" grade mowers blade tip speed is regulated to one number while "commercial" grade machines are allowed a higher blade tip speed, higher speed=better cut. The person telling me this was a commercial cutter and we were discussing how much better his machine cut at a higher ground speed than my consumer lawn tractor even when going notably slower. Honestly, I see no reason that mower engine itself will not run at 3600 rpm since that is the speed all generator sets have to use in order to hit the required 60 cycles. Most are set a bit higher than 3600 unloaded so that when the unit is under max load it still makes the 60 cycles. When our backup gen drops below 60 the computer ups unit starts complaining, govern it up to 60 cycles under load and the ups unit quit up complaining. Point being I see no reason that vertical shaft Honda mower engine will not run 3600 rpm as easily as the horizontal shaft generator engine will.

[@redlandsataredzone2299]

Great video. Very good explanation. Just started first time working on my mower. Cleaned out carb and lines, first time. This helps alot on slower RPM. Thanks.

[@WilliamsonRidge]

Nice video Steve! So simple, never thought of that.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

Well ... just last week did my first mowing and sweet lord all mighty I'm starting to hate my husqavarna push mower more and more. Last year when I bought it .... I liked that it wasn't so loud. However, this year ... still hating that it sucks at lifting the blades of grass cutting them and discharging them. So ... new about the governor for donkeys years , so I just actually just moved the spring to the other hole ... and it's a bit faster. Will have to look back again and see if it has the longer arm that your honda has, cause I still want it to run a bit faster. Best thing I got from this video .... the tach. Nice Great Vid!

[@tnblly24203]

I saw this video recently and tried this on a mower that was surging and we were gonna trash it. Now it runs great. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@RossCanpolat]

I'll give it a go. mine keeps surging as well.

[@FODVAPOR]

Thanks my dude, fixed my craftsman until I can order parts. If your after a new brew you should check out some of the Great Lakes Brewing beers...

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I'll check it out!

[@HellSolo]

A GOD amongst men: Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks Brutha....

[@flash1034]

I’d like to know how to raise the Rpms on a Briggs 675exi

[@simoncossettini9680]

Good one Steve. Check the air filter if your revs are down !!! A few years ago I had my honda mower running good then at one stage it was just running too slow so I embarked on a rev adjustment and carb clean mission. I put in at least an hour and was messing with the nut on the governer etc etc - as you probably can guess I could not get those revs up as I wanted so I passed to phase 2 the carb. Big surprise unclipped the airbox cover and pulled out the filter it was totally clogged - gave it a vacuum and air blow out put the filter back in and started it up - massive improvement, revved like it was new again. So if you run your mower over dusty lawn - dry leaves this can easily clog your filter.

[@dragan3290]

Top job you're the most informative with this sort of thing i had to subscribe

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@photog1529]

Interesting. Would have been nice to the the RPM before/after though.

[@mrBDeye]

The engine on my mower was running a bit low. My neighbor came over and suggested it was the Governor. So I called the local Governor and he had no clue what I was talking about. He suggested that I call the Mayor. 😮

[@martinlicea73]

😂😂,,,,,,,, call stupid Gavin Newsom😂😂😂

[@yzrippin]

You're all turned around in the wrong direction you need to call the city comptroller

[@SaleFaiva]

😂 good laugh 😂

[@keithhedges4965]

Googled all other stuff about low lawnmower running slow and your tutorial was very easy to understand and worked. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@LorenzoBlanco]

Thank you bubba that helped me out a lot because I had no clue on how to do it, I thought I’d have to take it to a shop but thanks to you I just had to visit my toolbox. So again thank you. And tell April where’s my beer?

[@edwardmacdonald5453]

Hi Steve, how do you adjust the idle of a B&S 4 stroke mower.

[@tomthompson7400]

i find it also helps in damp grass , better at filling the bag with a few more rpms

[@michaelholly88]

Why not just put the spring in the second hole that’s farther out than where it’s at shipped? That’s what I did with my HRX217, it raised the rpm a bit and seems perfect.

[@schlomoshekelstein908]

if you go over 20k blade tip speed it'll shatter and cut your legs off

[@williamfoster4268]

@@schlomoshekelstein908 Get out of here with that bullshit.

[@SARDOG]

I have this same engine. Cleaned the carb jet using your video... have this same issue with the idle and just figured the spring needed to be replaced. I will do this tomorrow. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@cretzu69]

My friend, you are the best teacher in the world. God bless you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thank you

[@gregwayne6785]

Hey Steve, How about sharing some Mr Grolsch with your viewers on the next video?