The idle speed on my Yardman fixed-throttle push mower dropped when I pushed it into some bushes, and it has remained low ever since. I replaced the plug, and cleaned the underside and around the blower. Can it be the air filter? There is no carb adjustment possible on this model, so what to do?

Desperate houseboy, September 2008

No problem - remove the air filter so you can see what's going on.

You will see a long light-gauge spring. This is the speed govenor spring. At one end, it's connected to the throttle link. At the other (front) end, the spring is attached to a fixed point, which you will have bent by mowing under that bush.

All you have to do is bend it back to increase tention on the spring. Do this with the engine running - and bend until you get the correct engine speed back. Don't overdo it!

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, September 2008