Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a Briggs Stratton carb issue that has me stumped...

I picked up (for free) a 1960's Snow Chick (a baby brother to the Yard-Man Snow Bird) mini 2 stage snowblower with a Briggs Stratton engine model 80302 (3 hp). I cleaned out the carb & got the engine running, but the RPMS went to the Stratosphere! The governor arm moves the throttle to the full opening position when the engine is off, and arm appears to move (to lower the throttle) as the RPMs increase, but this has no effect on the engine speed - it just revs up to a catastrophic level. I have everything hooked up properly ("S" link & spring). I wonder if I set the idle & high speed needles correctly - 1 turn on the idle, 1.5 turns on the high speed? When I move the throttle down manually, I get a good low speed level but the engine speed is erratic & the exhaust smells rich. The carb is not flooding. No vacuum leaks. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Marty

 Hi,

Sounds as though a spring is missing on the  Governor allowing the engine to overspeed!!

                                                                                                               Fred   

AJ & Fred - this is sounding like a little further disassembly is in order. The Briggs website shows this engine possibly having 2 types of governors. Who knows whats inside this thing. I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow.

Thanks! - Marty

SUCCESS!!! I pulled the flywheel shroud & found a large nest surrounding the ignition coil and the governor's air vane! The residents even feasted on the spark plug wire! I cleaned it all out, wrapped up the coil wire with electrical tape, reassembled everything & she idles down now. After some high & low speed needle adjustments, this little guy can purr (SMOOTHLY about 500rpm) or scream at around 4000 RPM.

Thanks all!

Marty

You seem to have the problems, but it is usually the easiest fix for them.