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

Is there a simple way to disconnect the governor arm from the carborator? I've removed the bolts that hold the carb on but it won't slide off (It needs cleaned big time) because the of the linkage to the governor arm (wire rod and spring).  The shop manual says to remove one of the two screws that hold it on, but I'm not sure which one should be removed or what will happen to the governor if I do remove them.  I have heard that governors are really hard to adjust and I was trying to avoid that agrevation.  I've labels the two screws "A" and "B"  (one of them is really a bolt).

Testing compression is very easy as long as you have the tester.  Canadian Tire sell a decent unit for around $50.00.  If you don't have plans to use it much, they might loan you one to use. 

Always test with a cold engine.  Take out spark plug, put in the proper sized fitting for the tester into the spark plug hole.  Using your electric start, crank the engine.  On each compression stroke the gauge needle will jump to the next reading.  Watch the needle until it no longer responds (increases).  Once it is at it's highest reading, that's what your compression is.  Make sure your compression tester connections are good and tight and try to use as few in line adapters as possible. That will reduce opportunities for leaks.   

Can I just assume that the reason the governor over-revs the engine rpms is because of a compression issue (pistons/rings/cylinders)?.  Does " changing the rings" entail a great deal of effort/work/experience?