JD 240 Garden Tractor engine RPM's

[bjr]

The original single cylinder Kawasaki engine was replaced with a 18 hp twin B&S L head engine. I've installed a TinyTac so I know where the RPM's are. When first installed the tach. I was only getting 2300 rpm's. The governor linkage was terribly gunked up being between the linkage plate and motor block. I took the plate off and cleaned and lube the cables and adjusted governor arm full CCW with throttle wide open (engine off of course). So now I'm getting 3100 RPMs and the mower really performs. My question is even though the rpm's are under engine recommended (3400) settings is this to high for John Deere recommended settings. I'm not sure if John Deere has their own engine settings or not. bjr

 

[buickanddeere]

3600rpm fast idle is safe.

 

[bjr]

This engine is a B & S 422707 "L" 18 hp. engine. Well, since the last posting I've had a chance to put some hours on the mower and now if I'm goin' over some lumpy lawn it'll stutter some, smooth & flat, it has lots a power. I'm thinkin' maybe the float not letting the fuel to stay at the right height and with a load against it, it runs out briefly (I'm guessin' here). I've done what I feel is a pretty major tune up including cleaning/rebuilding the carb. and I did adjust the float to be level parallel with the top cover flange, that's according to the B & S manual. I'm gonna pick some more 1/4" gas hose on the way home with some small worm drive clamps and hopefully change out the hose goin' from the tank to the filter. I've read that back connection will let air into the carb or not let sufficient gas get to the carb. Any suggestions or helpful comments is much appreciated. bjr

 

[jenkinsph]

On my L130 it used to be difficult to start and suspected after a bit the fuel pump wasn't getting the job done. I disconnected the existing pump and added a small electric fuel pump. Starts every time now with a quick twist of the key and that was about 6 years ago.