H Fluctuating Engine Speed

[Doug Kieta]

I have a 51 H. Runs well most of the time. This morning I was shredding pasture. A few times the engine would idle down, then after a few seconds it would speed up back to normal. Am wondering if I have a governor problem. Does the governor require periodic lube. I have never done that. If not, what would be next option to check out?

 

[Janicholson]

I have a 51 H. Runs well most of the time. This morning I was shredding pasture. A few times the engine would idle down, then after a few seconds it would speed up back to normal. Am wondering if I have a governor problem. Does the governor require periodic lube. I have never done that. If not, what would be next option to check out?

Poor fuel supply is my bet. The governor is lubed automatically no issue. check the fuel delivery by taking the plug out of the bowl of the carb and draining into an open can 1 pint in 2 minutes is ok, a rush, then dribble is not. Jim

 

[Farmalldude45]

Poor fuel supply is my bet. The governor is lubed automatically no issue. check the fuel delivery by taking the plug out of the bowl of the carb and draining into an open can 1 pint in 2 minutes is ok, a rush, then dribble is not. Jim

Agree with Jim. Also check fuel tank vent.

 

[used red MN]

FYI, the fitting that screws in the carb that the fuel line attaches to has a fine strainer screen that can plug, see link. YT Farmall H carb strainer If you find that you have low fuel flow that needs checked. When you have the line off check the fuel flow from the open line. If the flow is low there you have to determine why, the sediment bowl should have a screen in top of the glass bowl. That is what stops the majority of the dirt from flowing to the carb. The small strainer in the carb is on a safety catch to prevent dirt from going in the carb.

 

[rustred]

I have a 51 H. Runs well most of the time. This morning I was shredding pasture. A few times the engine would idle down, then after a few seconds it would speed up back to normal. Am wondering if I have a governor problem. Does the governor require periodic lube. I have never done that. If not, what would be next option to check out?

Well that all depends on what u mean by idle down. Does it slow down and keep running ? Cause if it’s a fuel problem and the bowl runs out of gas the engine will shut down the same as killing the spark. What happens when u pull the choke out ? Are u stepping on the clutch when this happens ? You need to confirm your fuel flow. Remove line at carb and make sure you have a full glow of gas running out of the line. Plus check the inlet screen. If it’s good then you remove the carb drain plug and confirm the flow there.and catch the gas in a clean can to see how much junk is in the gas. With a dirty gas tank the sediment bowl stand pipe will collect rust pieces and restrict the fuel flow. Just opening the carb drain only is not much of a fuel test as you can have a fuel problem higher up and your sure not going to tell that from running gas through the needle and seat.