Idle speed?

[Peterac]

I had my 23hp vanguard serviced a while ago. I’ve only just had time to get it back in. The isle is at 1200 rpm and I can’t put it into gear.
I’m no rocket scientist when it comes to the carby adjustments.
Help. ABAF8F25-742A-46F2-A908-79C6DF426123.jpgE22A290B-D1B3-4078-BE30-BD12446197C3.jpg3AAAF888-7087-46CF-86AA-CE546EAF08DE.jpg

[Laird]

Either take the machine back to the repair place ad have them lower the idle speed or Google how to set the idle speed for your engine. Plenty of how to videos. Could be as simple as turning out the idle adustment screw. Not to be mixed up with the carb mixture setting.

[Peterac]

Thanks, seriously I didn’t even think of google. Onto it.
Still chasing spec idle rpm.

[Peterac]

Idle speed screw is adjusted out as far as can go. Idle is 1200.

[Laird]

Probably have to adjust the tension on the governor spring. There is a tab sticking up with a spring in it. If you have tension on that spring the idle will stay high. You may have to bend the tab to take the pressure off of the spring. 1200 rpm is normal idle speed for a 23 hp Vanguard or so I have read. By adjusting the tab you can lower your idle down to nothing. You can then set your idle speed with the screw. At least that would be my method.

[Buzz]

agreed,
I know I’m probably stating the obvious, but you can always blip the throttle and slide it into gear when the engine rpms rise/then drop briefly. Or pull the choke briefly, then slip into gear. Or start in gear. All workarounds (a pain I know). Also high idle engine for a short period of time to warm it up, then try some of this stuff if need be.

[Peterac]

The idle was 800 before it went off to mechanic. I’ll try bending the tab. Yeah I’d rather avoid the work arounds.
It won’t shift into gear at 1200….. does that means there is a problem with the trans?

[Peterac]

I’ve now done a static governor adjustment, checked the governed idle tab, idle screw is backed out so governor linkage is fully extended (it can be screwed back further but looses contact with linkage!) governor spring is not in tension till throttle is applied.
I still sit on 1200rpm. The Argo dealer says idle is suppose to be 700-900rpm.
Only other thing I haven’t done is fuel/air mix. Will this help and how is it done properly?
It also has a crackle when I put on throttle (it doesn’t throttle up smooth but runs smooth on any chosen rpm or at idle.

[ARGOJIM]

Pictures look as if there is no slack at all in the throttle cable. Try to adjust a tad of slack in the cable, too tight and it can't return.

[Peterac]

Will try that. Thanks.

[scimanstev]

A couple of years ago I had a similar problem, but a different cause. I ended up putting a spring on the throttle linkage on the engine. It pulled the linkage back, and the problem went away.

[john swenson]

i agree with jim .... unhook the throttle cable from the carb and see if it still idles high . i also added a low tension pull spring to my vanguard to make sure the throttle was being pulled back to idle . good luck . j.boy

[Laird]

was playing with my 23 vangaurd today and the idle was at the 1200 mark. Did every thing to get the idle down but nothing worked until I lengthened the rod between the carb and the governor arm by staightening out one of the bends a little. Needs more work but I will get there.

[Peterac]

I undid the cable….no change. Got some slack in it……no change.
Everything has extended as far as it will go. It’s usually something simple I’m missing but I can’t find it.

I appreciate everyone’s input!

[Peterac]

I’m reluctant to bend that linkage but don’t think I have any other option.