18hp Vanguard wont idle down

[eightwheeler]

Hey fella's, i have an 18hp vanguard engine that will not idle down to where it should, it seems like the governor will not let it idle down, the engine came from a generator so i am wondering if the governor is meant to always make it idle high? any way to adjust the governor?

[jpswift1]

I had the same issue when I put in a brand new 627cc Vanguard in my Hustler 980. It seems like most Vanguards aren't set up to be run at up-down-up-down throttle like on an AATV. First, make sure the idle adjustment screw is turned down. Next, check for the two springs attached to the govenor linkage. There will be a large one, and a small one. They probably have a dab of red paint on them. Remove the smaller one completely. You will then have to remove and replace the larger spring with a green govenor spring which is available from Recreatives Industries for a couple bucks. Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511 While you are at it, I'd recomend cleaning the carb and the main jet and you should be all set and ready to go.

[fulleraviation]

All I had to do was bend a tap on the throttle linkage on my 18 HP, then adjust it with the screw. Spring tension is adjusted with the tap.

[eddieb1965]

If you are just getting the engine ready,Is the crankshaft threaded or keyed?I know pump engines are threaded(dont remember if generator engines are).You definitely need a keyed shaft to fit the clutch on.Best bet is a Briggs manual,it describes the procedure in depth.

[superherojohn]

Two holes on the governor arm set the idle speed

There are are two spring holes on the Govenor arm I think that moving the spring from one to the other varies the idle speed from 1300rpm to 1500 rpm. There are other adjustments for a generator. What model, engine do you have?

[eightwheeler]

Thanks for the help fella's, ill have a look at it and get it all figured out

[Swamper]

Hey Eightwheeler, I just finished installing a 16HP Briggs last week in my 83 6X6 and had the same problem as you. What I did was slightly modify one spring that is connected to throttle and to the shroud of the front head. I inserted a blade screwdriver between the coils of the spring and spread them slightly. this allowed the engine to idle down to about 600 RPM. no grabbing and spinning the belt, so no grinding gears in the trans when shifting.
Cheers
Al

[Bw6]

Cure Idling Down Problem

As everyone knows sometimes its hard to idle down these engines. A company called CV TECH that makes the Powerbloc and other CVT's has a very good idea to eliminate that problem. They simply insert a loose bushing over the driver clutch shaft. It doesnt interfere with its normal operation, but when idling the belt rides on the bushing, and the belt isnt moving with the engine idling high. This simple idea could be applied to any driver (engine) clutch. I have one on my Hoot, which doesn't need one because there is no transmission gears to grind. Go figure!

[Swamper]

Hey BW6,
Have you had a chance to fix that pulley that got broke last weekend?
It was great seeing you and the gang again.
cheers,
Al

[Bw6]

All Fixed

Hi Al, yes I put another pulley in it as well as 2 bearings in the same swing arm. I did the other swing arm just before the ride, should have done both sides because I think that's what really caused the pulley to move. Cam called it a love/hate relationship, I love that machine when it's works well and hate it when it doesn't