I have a brand new 2008 Greyhound 6.5hp engine I just put on a go-kart for my grandkids. I took off the govenor linkage, then changed my mind, afraid the grandkids might launch into a tree. I put the linkage back on, triple checked the linkage, adjusted the govenor. Here is the problem, with the engine off the carb butterfly will not automatically return to idle position. When started it's full throttle. I'm not sure about the govenor shaft coming out of the engine, it moves freely when not running, moves about a 1/4 turn, should it have some drag? I'm not understanding why the butterfly won't close, I can push it shut with my finger. when I move the throttle the butterfly does not change position.
Old man needs governor help clone 212cc
- Thread starter Kablooie
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Hellion
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Believe it or not, with the engine at rest, the carburetor butterfly is wide open. When the engine starts, the flyweights in the governor swing out immediately (or even when you’re pulling the recoil), the center button goes up and presses against the paddle arm and it slams the butterfly closed (via the linkages), to idle *or wherever the throttle is set.
Supposed to be that way. Guess it’s one of those quirks.
—> However, it is not supposed to stay at full throttle. Something is wrong. Please post some photos so our team of experts can diagnose your engine. Some here can do it blindfolded.
Congrats on owning an old Greyhound.
to DIYGK.
The governor is not a rev limiter, it is a rev maintainer for when the engine bogs down and such. Governors can be tweaked and adjusted for higher maximum RPM, it’s just that most engines are factory set to keep +/-3600 revs
Supposed to be that way. Guess it’s one of those quirks.
—> However, it is not supposed to stay at full throttle. Something is wrong. Please post some photos so our team of experts can diagnose your engine. Some here can do it blindfolded.
Congrats on owning an old Greyhound.
to DIYGK.The governor is not a rev limiter, it is a rev maintainer for when the engine bogs down and such. Governors can be tweaked and adjusted for higher maximum RPM, it’s just that most engines are factory set to keep +/-3600 revs
Last edited:
Master Hack
Well-known member
You could rig a throttle limiter quick and easy. Next week you'll be removing that when the kids get bored going slow. You'llbe amazed how quick they learn. Make sure all the saftey equip is in good condition, seat belt, helmet, gloves, nomex fire suit etc.
ya might not need the last one...
ya might not need the last one...
Whitetrashrocker
Inmate #952016
This is a predater 212 stock linkage set up for the governor.
Minus the spring on the far right.
Minus the spring on the far right.
Wow, thanks a lot. Clearly stuff I did not know, and thanks for the pic. I'll give another run at it tomorrow. The setup in the pic is how I had it hooked up, so I must have another problem, as suggested. If I can't make it work I'll post some pics. FYI, videos that I watched online show the butterfly closing, go figure? I'm sure you are right regarding the learning curve.
panchothedog
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Welcome! So how old are the Grandkids? For the last 6 or 7 years, I've done nothing but remove governors and add speed parts trying to make them go faster. Now 4 of the 5 Grandkids have moved onto full sized cars. What Hack says in post #3 is truer then you could ever imagine. Because they are having a blast, they adapt faster than you can keep up with. Shouldn't be hard to fabricate something to limit throttle pedal travel.
Master Hack
Well-known member
You might want to rethink this. My grandbrat started driving this thing @ 8 YO.
It took about 2 hours for him to find WOT and he hasen't let up since.
Now @ 11 YO he wants mo power. Evidently 45MPH ain't enough.
It took about 2 hours for him to find WOT and he hasen't let up since.
Now @ 11 YO he wants mo power. Evidently 45MPH ain't enough.
Hellion
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Well that’s good, a good instinct. No one feels good about reckless children, always pushing the envelope for a thrill. Maybe they’re good to go and won’t end up like Hack’s grandbrat?
Show us photos not just of the engine, but the kart. We have expert fabricators, small engine gurus and airplane mechanics that can spot mechanical error from miles away (across the information superhighway). Upload the photos right to the site.
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Using WTR’s pic, the curved arm on top furtherst to the right, connects to a vertical rod that goes into the engine crankcase. If you took that all apart, the relationship of the vertical rod and the curved arm may no longer be “clocked“ properly to work. Correct me if I am wrong fellas, but you should loosen the horizontal “pinch screw” on the arm and then put a wrench on the vertical hex-head bolt and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance. Hold it there and tighten the pinch screw. You may need three hands, not sure.
Then connect the linkages, et voila.
Whitetrashrocker
Inmate #952016
Hellion is correct about the static adjustment.
Here's a video that shows and explains it well.
Here's a video that shows and explains it well.
More pics.View attachment 20261029_090131.jpg
Hope the pics made it to the forum. I think the go-karts are "Invader" brand from the 70s or 80s. I took everything off and put it back together, see pics. No change WOT when engine starts. I can slow it down manually, but thats the only way. I'm starting to believe the govenor has come apart inside. I have done a little nuckle dragging over the years, it does not feel like brain surgery, 2 springs and a rod. Cannot see anything getting in the way of the linkage.