How a Governor on a Briggs & Stratton Engine Works
What a Governor System Is
The governor system on a Briggs & Stratton engine is designed to keep the engine that it is attached to from operating at too high of a speed. This prevents excess fuel usage, unnecessary engine wear and can also help to prevent accidents and injuries that can result from a lawn mower or other component using a Briggs & Stratton engine accelerating at too high of a speed.
How a Governor System Works
There are two types of governors used for Briggs & Stratton engines, a pneumatic "Air Vane" governor that monitors air speed from the flywheel fan and the mechanical governor which uses gears inside the crankcase to monitor the engine speed. Both governor system types are able to adjust engine RPMs as needed to control engine speed. When the governor system is in use, RPMs are held at a steady level to maintain a constant engine speed even if the engine itself is under a heavy load.
Problems Associated with a Faulty Governor System
A faulty governor system on a Briggs & Stratton engine can result in the engine running either too fast or too slow. An engine that runs too slow may have trouble starting or may stall when it begins to idle, while an engine that runs too fast may suffer from excess heat and a shortened lifespan. Both pneumatic and mechanical governor systems can be adjusted by mechanics or at home to bring the RPMs back in line with engine specifications.
- The governor system on a Briggs & Stratton engine is designed to keep the engine that it is attached to from operating at too high of a speed.
Adjust A Briggs & Stratton Governor
Briggs & Stratton are a manufacturer of small engines typically used in garden equipment, such as lawnmowers, snow blowers and garden tillers. But they also need to generate enough power to actually work. A governor is a device within an engine that allows it to consistently run at its optimum power. Not only does the governor make the engine safer, but it also protects the engine, meaning your Briggs & Stratton product will work better for longer. There are two main ways you can tell that your Briggs & Stratton governor may need to be adjusted. The first is if your engine is consistently running too fast or too slow. Your machinery must be unplugged while doing this. Once the throttle is fully opened, move the governor shaft in the same direction the governor arm traveled. Then, release the throttle and check if it can move freely.
- Briggs & Stratton are a manufacturer of small engines typically used in garden equipment, such as lawnmowers, snow blowers and garden tillers.
- Not only does the governor make the engine safer, but it also protects the engine, meaning your Briggs & Stratton product will work better for longer.
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Born in West Virginia, Jack Gerard now lives in Kentucky. A writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience, he has written both articles and poetry for publication in magazines and online. A former nationally ranked sport fencer, Gerard also spent several years as a fencing coach and trainer.
