I have a 16HP B&S Overhead Valve Engine. I installed it in my golf cart which previously had a Honda 8hp OHV engine. Salisbury belt drive torque converter system.

The new B&S engine doesn't seem to idle slow enough to keep the driver clutch from starting to engage. With tension on the belt, I can't shift the transaxle into gear without forcing it. I don't want to damage the transaxle. The old Honda engine did idle slow enough.

The B&S engine, when I back out the idle speed screw all the way will not idle slow enough. Curiously, turing the idle mixture screw in all the way won't stall the engine. (but does have some minor effect on engine speed)I put pressure on the throttle plate to force it all the way and the engine still runs. I would have thought the engine would die.

My questions
1. Backing the idle speed screw all the way out and turning the idle mixture screw in all the way doesn't seem to affect the engine too much. Makes me wonder if there is a problem with the carb dribbling in fuel?

2. What is the normal idle speed for the B&S 16hp OHV Vanguard Horizontal Shaft engine vs the Honda 8hp OHV engine?

3. It was suggested the B&S has a higher idle speed than the Honda. And that I would have to install stiffer springs in the driver clutch if I can find them.

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Marty
Mesa, AZ

This engine should idle down until it dies.check your throttle shaft on the carb sounds like there's something keeping it from coming down.

this engine should idle down until it dies.check your throttle shaft on the carb sounds like theres somthing keeping it from coming down.

Thanks, that's what I would have thought. I'll wait to hear of anymore replies... I will double check though.
Marty

The factory suggest 1100-1400 for a briggs.
For most hondas is 1000-1200
Sounds like the gov.needs to be reset
Luck