Idle issue on clone with governor

[shake this]

I'm having issues getting my clone to idle down low enough to disengage the clutch. I've searched and it seems the problem is caused by the governor. I also confirmed this myself by moving the governor arm back and forth but I'm not sure how to fix it.

I can get the engine to idle down just fine if I manually hold the arm that controls the carb by hand. How can I fix it and retain the function of the governor?

Thanks

 

[lewikenzie1]

Why not get higher engaging springs for the clutch

 

[shake this]

Because I really need to stop spending money on these karts or risk a wife not letting me back in the house.

 

[jandj]

Even though springs aren't all that expensive, that's a **** good reason!

 

[shake this]

Expecaily in the winter

 

[Doc Sprocket]

The governor won't let the throttle butterfly close all the way? Have you got the manual for the engine so you can go thru the governor set up procedure?

 

[shake this]

Yes, it seems that the governor is the culprit.

Just the cheesy one that came with it but it doesn't show anything more then starting and changing the oil.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

There are a few ways to address this. Probably the best would be to download and make use of the service manual, or one for a GX200

Or, you could try fiddling with the spring tension until it closes fully

Or, you could ADD a small spring that would replicate your finger holding it closed

Or, you could remove the governor entirely.

I forgot to ask if the engine is new. If it is, maybe do a warranty exchange. Secondly- if your foot throttle is already connected, amke sure that is not the culprit. Ensure there's a return spring on the pedal, and sufficient cable slack. I had exactly that problem at one point. Turns out it wasn't the governor.

 

[shake this]

I ran it prior to hooking up the throttle but if you think it might just be an issue with the motor, I can return it as I took out the extended warranty.

When I was searching, it seemed some had issues with the governor allowing the engine to idle down. Mine is at the point where adjusting the idle screw doesn't change the idle speed unless you turn it in to increase it or use a finger to help close it. If you use the finger then the butterfly will stop at the idle setting adjusted by the screw.

Is it possible to just remove the linkage from the governor to the butterfly on the carb or does it also control throttle operation and/or starting requirements because it seems to keep the butterfly open once the engine dies or you kill it?

Should I just return it and try another one?

 

[Russ2251]

Before returning anything, put everything back to original and see if problem goes away.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

If you've got a warranty, use it.
You could remove the governor entirely, but that's a desicion you need to make based on other factors, not a defect.
Personally (although I deliberately broke my own rule here) I usually suggest you keep your engine stock for the length of the warranty in case you need to make a claim. Mods like governor removal void the warranty.

One the warranty's run out, go nuts!

 

[shake this]

So this is not a common behavor for the clone? If so, I'll take it back. Nit much needs to be changed as its pretty much stock but I will check the throttle first. It'll be next weekend, way to cold to work out in the garage this week

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Pay no attention to the throttle position with the engine OFF. It will normally be open.

 

[shake this]

I figured it was normal for the throttle to change with the engine office, my b&s acts the same way.

I'll do some more invstigating next weekend and if I can't find the issue, will pack it back up and take it back.

Good to hear that this isn't a common problem with the clones.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

It can probably be sorted out with a spring tension adjustment, or possibly the arm position. But I have always been a believer in the warranty system. I shouldn't have to fiddle with something that's warranted to be "perfect" out of the box...

 

[shake this]

And it's very possible that my throttle mount that I made is catching under the plastic carb plate not letting the engine return to idle. It might have been ok when the idle was set higher but not now. I'll pull the plate off this weekend and make sure I don't have an interference problem. If not, back in the box it goes.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

my clone sort of does this. i have the throttle all the way back with an added spring (on top of the one there already) and sometimes when i let the bike idle with the kick stand down it creeps forward.

i was riding for a bit, came back, parked the bike in the driveway while it was idling, and by the time i was back with more gas, it was 15 feet ahead of where i originally parked it!! LOL

ill see if there is a screw or something to adjust, i really havent looked at it since its not a huge problem.

EDIT: do you think as a temporary fix you could rubber band the butterfly so it comes more closed?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

There is an idle stop screw. Right on top of the carb, usually back plastic. But that's no the OP's problem.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

well wouldnt that make the idle lower?

these engines are made to just run at a constant 36,000 RPM though, i would think that screw would turn it down. unless like he said something about, the governor keeping it open a little?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Here's how this works- The throttle stop screw is what adjusts how "closed" the throttle plate will sit when the governor allows idle (as set by the governor's throttle control). The throttle arm on the carb sits against the tip of this screw. You turn in the screw to raise the idle, or back it out to lower it, BUT- if the throttle arm is not being allowed to rest against the tip of this screw by the governor, then you can back it out 'till it FALLS out and the idle will not get any lower. THAT is the OP's problem.

EDIT 3,600RPM, not 36,000! And the idle stop screw has absolutely no effect on the governed speed, off-idle. And we have already established that it's being kept open a little. That's the whole problem!