[screamineagle66]

I have a 1988 Ingersoll 446, Onan engine. The throttle tends to drop what seems to be 200 - 300 RPM's over a few minutes. You can bump it back up, few minutes later it settles where it wants to - a few hundred less.

Is there a fix to this, or is this a governor issue that isn't easily fixed ?

Thanks.

 

[Bob MacGregor]

Look high inside the throttle lever area on the left side and see if it has a small detent that is sticking out. If there is a detent, with the engine shut off, readjust the throttle cable at full throttle at the lever and holding the governor at full throttle.
You may need to replace the throttle lever pivot rivet with a bolt and locknut so you can increase throttle friction. I know that this is not easy on a 400 series tractor, but if cable readjustment doesn't work then this may be your only option. Some folk suggest removing the throttle lever assembly and hammering the rivet but if you have the throttle lever assembly out then replace the rivet with a hex head bolt and locknut then you can readjust as needed with wrenches. Some rivets are 3/16" and some are 1/4", there are hex head bolts available in # 10-32 but they may not be available at your local hardware store.
Mad Mackie in CT :mowlawn:

 

[99flhr]

You may need to replace the throttle lever pivot rivet with a bolt and locknut so you can increase throttle friction. I know that this is not easy on a 400 series tractor, :

It`s fast & easy if you leave the lever set in the tractor. 15-20 min. Remove the battery and saw one end of the rivet off with a hacksaw blade. Install the bolt, fiber washers and nylock nut. You`re done. Future wear can then be compensated in 5 minutes tops

 

[screamineagle66]

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll work on the fix this week.

 

[geeco1]

If you need a quick fix.... I found that if you take one half of a spring-type clothespin, you can wedge it in the slot under the throttle lever and that will hold it in place. This will get you by until you have the time to make a more permanant fix.

 

[Gregad511]

I just use a pair of vise grips and pinch the rivet at the bottom of the lever under the dash. Has worked every time for me. In fact just tightened mine up a week ago as it was doing the same thing.

 

[bryanaw40]

Have the same issue with my 446. Thanks for the suggestions...maybe I can take off the bungie cord now!

Thanks again...great forum.

Bryan
Ortonville, MI