OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Slowing down a Sprint 375

Hi

I have a Sprint 375 on a Snapper 21 self propelled base. Ever since new this engine has wanted to scream and won't slow down to a reasonable speed. In its current there is a lot of rocks around and I would like to slow to not much above an idle for safety. How do you go about it. I can only see the little spring on the governor but am not keen on stretching springs

I'd there an adjustable way of controlling the speed.

Jeff

Hi Jeff

I usually just bend the metal arm that holds tension on the spring ,bending the arm will
decrease or increase the rpm ,depending on which way.



Cheers
Max.

Max is exactly right on the bending of the tabs/arms, however depending on the blade mass underneath, it can be fairly critical to get the small anti surge spring dialed in correctly

The briggs factory correct way is to release tension on the small spring, then get 200rpm below desired top speed with only the big spring.

Then start tensioning the little spring until top speed

Worth pulling the cowl off and checking how freely the governor vane moves. I have seen several that have swarf left at the bottom from the factory - means it is sticky and will make the engine scream.

If so, make sure the flywheel magnets aren't near the coil (rotate past TDC), take the bolt out (coil bolt), slip off the governor vane and sand a bit off the bottom of the plastic vane. Lube with silicone grease and put back on

If that doesn't work it might be a cracked manifold allowing too much air in but definitely do the spring adjustment first.