1541 w/Kohler M-18s governor problem

[gladiator801]

Got my Dad's old 1991 Cub Cadet 1541 [920 hours]when he bought a new tractor. Had multiple problems. Starter would not engage, steering moves 1/4 turn before wheels move, hytran level low , brakes weak. Fixed those problems and the drive shaft cv joints were dry and O-rings gone. Got deck cleaned and painted and degreased and pressure washed the tractor[was never cleaned up before]. put it back together and mowed my grass with it, the governor does not seem to work [slows down when going uphill and when under more load]. looked down the oil fill hole after unscrewing pipe off and saw some white plastic pieces laying around. Was the governor gear nylon? Thanks Jim

[aagitch]

I believe it is pieces of the gear

[bocephus1991]

That would be my guess too. Surprised it will run. Looks like tear down time.

[RR1862CC]

If it has been overheated the gov can pull out of the case and drop down. It will either chew the gears up or fly apart and one of the rods knock it out the side of the block. The case will have to be split and a new gov gear installed. There is a service bulletin out that tells how to pin the gov so this does not happen but it sounds like it is too late for yours. The gov is about $45 but getting someone to repair it will depend on the shops in your area. The more you run it the better the chance it gets thrown through the side of the block.

[gladiator801]

Where is best place to get governor for kohler M18S ? I have some Toro HMR 1600 , that were made in 1989 with the kohler MV16 motor [ one has 2760 hours on motor with only fuel pump replaced]. Was the governor changed between 1989 and 1991 ? Thanks Jim

[gladiator801]

Well I figured those metal weights moving around in the motor might chew it up and I would have to scrap it, and the motor does not run well without a governor. Has anyone else done a governor replacement and have tips on doing it? Pulled motor out today and removed tins. That's all for today, will pull clutch off tomorrow and start splitting it to see the damage. Wish I had known about the governor problems when I had the motor out on the bench the first time. Have found governors on e-bay and on amazon and kohler site[$45.25 + shipping]. Thanks Jim

[olds45512]

Make sure you buy a governor with a metal gear.

[RR1862CC]

Good luck finding one with a metal gear the M18 did not have a metal gear anyway. If you do not have an engine manual get one because it gives the step by step procedure for replacing the governor. Be careful when you remove the closure plate not to lose the little metal ball and spring that regulates oil pressure. You can remove the jugs without disturbing the rings by sliding the piston down just far enough to remove the wrist pin.

If it were mine and you intended to keep it I would ring,it do the valves and seals since you were going this far. That is just my opinion and I don't know how comfortable you are doing small engine work.

[j4c11]

Originally Posted by RR1862CC

If it were mine and you intended to keep it I would ring,it

Are you referring to replacing the piston rings? I was under the impression that's a fools errand due to the bore wearing out of round.

[olds45512]

Originally Posted by RR1862CC

Good luck finding one with a metal gear the M18 did not have a metal gear anyway.

I was under the impression that the governor is the same as the k series engine, I got that info from another forum member that builds engines.