Adjusting the governor on a Kohler K91

Adjusting the governor on my Kohler K91t and K181 seemed a daunting task until I researched the subject and then put it into practice. It is very easy, here is what I do and it works. First loosen the nut on the arm that is bolted to the govern shaft. The arm is connected to the carb throttle by a short linkage. Do not remove the arm only loosen the nut. Then with a small set of vise grips lightly grab the governor shaft and rotate counter clock wise until it stops, don't force it. The shaft will only rotate a small amount, allow the weight of the vice grips to hold the shaft at its stopping point. now move the arm connected to the throttle until the throttle is in the full open position. With the governor shaft still all the way to left (counter clockwise) tighten the nut on the governor arm. That's it, I have done this on a couple Kohler single cylinder engines and had good luck. I am by no means an expert only a hobbyist passing on what works for me.

Thanks for the help on that, Motor. Will that reduce the issue of "surge" when you attempt taking off perhaps? I have tweaked on one of the K91's I have (on the RJ) and it runs perfectly, accelerates and decelerates correctly, but when I put the tractor in gear and take off, it wants to die. It is like the governor takes over or something. Not sure what to make of it. Thanks again!

Jeff

FMM I like the RJ, You got a good one..

When you take off are you just popping the clutch so it jerks forward. If so thats why it does it. The governor is trying to keep it at a constant speed but when you give it a good load it will do that. Its only what like a 5 hp or something? Its normal for an engine, especially that small, to "surge". Just let off the clutch slow and it will be fine. Its bad on those engines to give it a sudden load anyway. I've seen people even snap crankshafts in really bad cases because they do that all the time.

Motor, thank you. Always wanted one, and finally got it. Still have the little 60 Suburban that I picked up locally, and the few subtle changes are really neat on those. Hoping to locate an 854 at some point down the road, but no hurry on that. I am completely out of proper storage for these guys with all the other hobbies around here.

Justin, I never pop the clutch on it, but the nature of these darn things, that is essentially what happens. I can take off in first gear, second gear and reverse, but the "load" of third gear gets the K91 to hiccup and usually (not always) dies. Trying Motor's tip to get the thing tweaked properly so I can run around the yard a few times before she gets covered and stored for a while. Thanks for your input on the subject as well!

Well, I guess thats just how it will be. Of course you have to remember its probably a 400ish pound tractor with a person on it and its only what 5 horse.

I'll get it taken care of eventually. The 1960 Suburban has a K91 on it as well...not painted or restored in any way, but it runs exceptionally well, and can take off in any gear without dying. I'm certain it just needs some tinkering, and I am just getting accustomed to how this should occur