Listed 1811; rpm/govenor issue

Detweiler · #1 09-09-2020, 11:21 PM

Looked at an 1811 to buy today. It was in good condition overall. Engine had 1463 hrs. 50 in. deck. Would of purchased except the throttle was way out of sorts. 1/4 inch of movement up from lowest idle position, had engine at an rpm ready to engage PTO. 1/2 inch up from lowest position had engine racing like I've rarely experienced. Was afraid to go to full throttle with owner standing there, expecting engine to blow. Governor issues I believe. Owner purchased 7 years ago and always just mowed with it on 1/4 throttle, he said. I'm not experienced at trouble shooting these issues, any advice would be appreciated. Could it be an easy fix/carb adjustment? Is it an internal engine issue possibly. Nice tractor, otherwise.

Oak · #2 09-10-2020, 04:17 AM

Sounds like a broken governor gear. If it is, you will need do a complete tear down of the engine to replace.

1711Cub · #3 09-10-2020, 07:25 AM

My 1811 had this very same issue. The engine was perfect otherwise.The fix was easy. I located a good low hour replacement M18S, and the issue was fixed in a couple of hours.

Detweiler · #4 09-10-2020, 07:47 AM

Seller wants $400 as is. Whats average price of a used M18S. Thanks for the feedback

ol'George · #5 09-10-2020, 09:30 AM

It could be as simple as small adjustment of the gov, or as extensive as removal of the engine and disassembly and repair.
if it has been running that way for several years it is hard to believe there are internal engine problems. but anything is possible.
I personally have a great liking for the old skool opposed twins,
and would not hesitate purchasing one if I were in the market for a garden tractor but not everyone is a mechanic or wants a project.
$400 is not a bad price if the tractor/deck otherwise are in good shape.
Pictures would help.

1711Cub · #6 09-10-2020, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detweiler

Seller wants $400 as is. Whats average price of a used M18S. Thanks for the feedback

I paid $600 plus a few bucks for fuel to meet the seller. It came with EVERYTHING attached, so it was plug and play. I have seen them cheaper, but as with anything this old, it is a total crap shoot.

1711Cub · #7 09-10-2020, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol'George

It could be as simple as small adjustment of the gov, or as extensive as removal of the engine and disassembly and repair.
if it has been running that way for several years it is hard to believe there are internal engine problems. but anything is possible.
I personally have a great liking for the old skool opposed twins,
and would not hesitate purchasing one if I were in the marked for a garden tractor but not everyone is a mechanic or wants a project.
$400 is not a bad price if the tractor/deck otherwise are in good shape.
Pictures would help.

The governor in my tractor had been inop for several years per the previous owner. You just had to be very careful with the throttle lever not to overspeed it and blow it sky high.

I too paid $400 for the tractor, which was in excellent condition and always garage kept.

aagitch · #8 09-10-2020, 09:03 PM

I'm thinking governor linkage needs reset may have come loose and maybe throttle linkage. If the chassis and deck are in good shape then 400 may be worth it anyway

Detweiler · #9 09-10-2020, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aagitch

I'm thinking governor linkage needs reset may have come loose and maybe throttle linkage. If the chassis and deck are in good shape then 400 may be worth it anyway

One other aspect when adjusting the throttle, was the rpm fluctuation. Rpms worked with a slight/noticeable delay of increasing or decreasing a few seconds before evening out to the constant speed indicated by the new position of throttle lever. Something to consider. I'm really not considering tearing into a internal rebuild of this engine if purchased; replacement or external fix, yes. Appreciating all coments!