Runs wide open
 

Have a 15 hp Command in my 1515 that I think has a broken governor. My girls were mowing and told me it started knocking and the shut it off quick. I restarted to see whats going on and it started to back fire the ran wide open. 1st I thought the the keyway for the flywheel sheered and timing was off but the wide open thing had me puzzled. Search online and found info pointing me in this direction and before I tear apart wanted other opinions

Have you checked to make sure the throttle cable is still hooked up and functioning as it should? It should still idle with a broken governor.

Started knocking and it runs wide open....... don't know that you can easily fix that. Check the linkage like Tim suggested, but sounds like the motor is done.

Yes, it was the first thing I checked. Moves like it should but motor just launches to the moon when I start it. Was hoping motor wasn't shot but was always in the back of my mind. Now to decide to rebuild or just buy another motor. Found a B&S 17 hp for $450 brand new.

Those cheaper lawn mowers really aren't worth putting the money into, your money would be better spent on a more heavy duty model Cub.

did the screws come out of the throttle plate in the carb ?

Update, decided not to mess around with the motor and found a 15hp "real" Kohler( no Cub Cadet on engine cover) on CL for $225. Cheaper option than junking this mower and buying another one. Pretty sure it was run with low/no oil. Prob my fault for not telling my girls to check oil everytime they start it.

Not sure but motor didn't sound healthy when it ran. Just replaced it with a used motor