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How to Adjust the Governor on the Craftsman Lawn Mower Model Number 917.377561

The Craftsman lawn mower model number 917.377561 runs at a governed speed in an effort to keep the mower safe for all riders. It is possible however to adjust the governor and deactivate it in a way that allows the Craftsman mower to run faster. Adjusting the 917.377561 mower in this respect does not require the aid of a professional repairman or any innate knowledge of lawn mower engine parts. You must keep in mind that adjusting the governor may void any warranty your Craftsman mower has.

Power off the Craftsman mower.

Locate the iron flywheel on the top of the Craftsman mower's Briggs & Stratton engine. The flywheel has a distinctive, wheel shape. This flywheel is covered with a "shroud" that is held in place by a several bolts. Take out each bolt using a socket wrench.

  • The Craftsman lawn mower model number 917.377561 runs at a governed speed in an effort to keep the mower safe for all riders.

Remove the flywheel's shroud.

Find the Craftsman mower governor's plastic flap. It sits beside the engine's magneto, which is on the side of the exposed flywheel. Remove the bolt from the flap here with a socket wrench.

Find the Craftsman mower's carburetor on the left side of its engine. It bears a distinct, bowl shape that is easily recognizable compared to the rest of the engine. The governor's rod extends into an eyelet on the carburetor. Pull the rod out of this eyelet. This will adjust the governor and allow your Craftsman mower to run at a higher, ungoverned speed.

  • Remove the flywheel's shroud.
  • Find the Craftsman mower's carburetor on the left side of its engine.

Reattach the flywheel shroud to the flywheel using the removed bolts and your socket wrench.

Governor Off A Lawn Mower

If your lawn mower has trouble cutting through thick grass, or does not seem to have the power to cut tall grass on a regular basis, you can remove the governor. Turn the mower off and allow it to cool if it was recently used. Push it onto a level, sturdy surface. There will be between six to ten bolts, depending on the make and model. Unfasten each bolt with a wrench or matching-sized socket. Pull the hood or engine housing off the mower and look for a plastic arm or flap with two springs: one spring attached to the throttle, the other spring attached to the carburetor. Place the hood or engine housing back into place and refasten the bolts. Your lawn mower will now run at higher R.P.M.s and be able to cut more efficiently.

  • Reattach the flywheel shroud to the flywheel using the removed bolts and your socket wrench.
  • Pull the hood or engine housing off the mower and look for a plastic arm or flap with two springs: one spring attached to the throttle, the other spring attached to the carburetor.

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