Adjusting idle on Vanguard motor

[Roger S]

The way you see it open up when it's shut off, is the way it should be at idle speed. Do you have any idea of the actual idle rpm.. otherwise could be something wrong with the clutch.

[katoom08]

I do not know the actual RPM. How can I check it and what should it be?

[Hey_Dan]

Idle Speed Exc...

Just a thought, check that your throttle cables aren't too tight. I like to set them up so the throttle lever moves 1/8" or so when you squeeze it before the slack is taken up and the engine speeds up. (This has to be checked with the engine running.) This way I know the tension in the throttle cable isn't holding the idle too high.

The only way to increase the engagement rpm of the clutch is to change the springs in the clutch. R.I. has high engagement spring kits for 450T - 600T models (14 - 18 hp Briggs), and for machines with the bigger clutch (25hp and up). 850Ts (23hp) use different weights, so there are less options for tinkering. Raising the engagement rpm may cost you some top end speed.

R.I. sets the idle around 1400 rpm. You can buy a speciel tachometer for small engines. They are about the size of a pocket calculator and you just hold them to near a plug wire to get a reading. I don't know where to get them, maybe someone else here does?