Should I run full throttle ?

[drglinski]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

I have been running lawnmowers and cutting grass since 1952. Reel type walk behind, rotary walkbehind and finally in 1972, got my first CC.

The ONLY time I ever ran any of those engines full throttle was when I was either showing off or I wanted to get maximum lift and/or discharge from the mower deck. I have tillers and snowblowers. Don't run them fast either.

I run them just fast enough that I don't want to hear anymore racket out of the equipment which is usually about 3/4 throttle.

I have 100's/thousands of hours running small engines and I've never torn up or worn out any of them.

Your experience may vary.

PS. The Cub dealer here has always advised cutting grass at WOT but I suspect that was the older decks would cut better when run at a faster speed. I've found the newer decks aren't that rpm sensitive.

I mow at 3/4 throttle and have for years, no problems. When I'm pushing snow, driving around or pulling a cart/stuff it's 1/2 or less, depending on my load needs.

[Dave R]

I know this isn't comparing apples to apples....but, we had a 1948 old Red Cub my father bought when it was less than a year old. There was a decal on the back of the gas tank from day one that said "Run your engine only fast enough to do your work"

I have always adhered to that, and in my 70 years if I ever damage done, it didn't let me know it.

My theory is to each his own.
Dave in SW Missouri

[sawdustdad]

I always mow at WOT, I think it's actually better for the engine to be run this way. at WOT, the governor controls fuel flow to maintain engine speed. When there is little load (dry grass spot/short grass area) the throttle closes some and the engine is not heavily loaded--loafing along at 3600 rpms. Then, when you hit heavy grass, the throttle opens and the engine loads up but largely maintains speed. At least that's the idea. If you run at lower throttle setting, say 3/4 throttle, then when you hit heavy grass, you don't have the throttle to maintain engine speed, so the engine will lug down. That is bad. Lugging an engine is much more harmful than running it at a higher speed.

So if you run at reduced throttle, be sure you are not lugging the engine if you want max engine life.

[clint]

sawdustdad I also run at WOT when cutting grass which is about the only time I do run wot, but I think the governor works throughout throttle range. I know I have heard the governor engage at low rpm when engaging pto, or idling up a hill at low rpm the governor will also engage. I have seen the question of what rpm to run engine I think this is truly a each to his own... in my opinion I like WOT when cutting grass to get as much blade speed, vacuum, etc other than that I may play it by ear.

[J-Mech]

For the record. A governor does not "kick in". It is always "engaged". It does not take any certain RPM to make it work. The governors job is to maintain the engine speed that the operator commands. So, whatever position you set the throttle to on the dash, the governor maintains that speed. ALWAYS. The carburetor's throttle plate should never be open all the way, unless the engine is under EXTREME load, and the governor is trying to maintain the RPM that is being called for.

[clint]

I guess I was referring to the governor "engaging" the linkage/spring to maintain engine speed. I don't know the correct way to explain when you can hear the governor working, but J-mech the kick in and engage is two ways I have heard it said. What would be the correct way to explain the governor changing the engine speed ?

[Yosemite Sam]

Originally Posted by clint

I guess I was referring to the governor "engaging" the linkage/spring to maintain engine speed. I don't know the correct way to explain when you can hear the governor working, but J-mech the kick in and engage is two ways I have heard it said. What would be the correct way to explain the governor changing the engine speed ?

If the engine is running the governor is working. The governor maintains (or try's to maintain) a constant engine RPM under varying load conditions.

Most of the time, it's movement is so slight that is isn't really detectable. Other times (turning on pto, starting up hill, hitting a heavy load) it is very noticeable.

It works very much like a cruse control on a car or truck (except you can't turn it off) going up hill - more throttle, down hill - less throttle, riding along on relatively flat ground, you don't notice it so much.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Yosemite Sam

If the engine is running the governor is working. The governor maintains (or try's to maintain) a constant engine RPM under varying load conditions.

Most of the time, it's movement is so slight that is isn't really detectable. Other times (turning on pto, starting up hill, hitting a heavy load) it is very noticeable.

It works very much like a cruse control on a car or truck (except you can't turn it off) going up hill - more throttle, down hill - less throttle, riding along on relatively flat ground, you don't notice it so much.

[clint]

I understand how it works it keeps the engine from running away/ very high rpm(if something goes wrong with governor shaft etc the engine runs wide open), when the engine speed decreases (not by throttle) the flyweights move causing the linkages/spring that is connected to throttle to regulate engine speed . It's hard to explain hearing the governor working describing when etc.. engage or kicking in I reckon are pretty good slang terms for describing the governor, but way off on how it actually works.

[OldAndInTheWay]

Should I run full throttle?



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