JD X304

[KennyP]

Working on this machine for a customer. Has an issue with the governor. It's a Kawasaki FH491. When you start it with the throttle at low speed, it idles well. But once you move the lever, it goes to wide open until you shut it down. Governor lever will not back off when it's running like this, leading me to think it has an internal issue. You cannot get it to go back to idle at all, even tried pliers on the throttle linkage. Wouldn't budge. Is this thing about to self-destruct?

 

[MNGB]

" Is this thing about to self-destruct?" I think if you let run as it is it will I also think its and internal problem

 

[KennyP]

" Is this thing about to self-destruct?" I think if you let run as it is it will I also think its and internal problem

Me too! And I ain't going there.

 

[KennyP]

Guess I will be going there. Tried to do an adjustment on the governor externally as we do on engines and the shaft broke of due to someone over tightening the through bolt. Cannot find a service manual for this, suspect it's a JD secret!

 

[KennyP]

Now I'm really screwed as there is no parts or service manual for this FH491V engine. Guess I just bought a mower!

 

[4getgto]

Check this one out Kenny..

Kawasaki Fh491v Engine Repair Manual

book review title Kawasaki Fh491v Engine Repair Manual

pdflife.one

 

[KennyP]

Check this one out Kenny..

Kawasaki Fh491v Engine Repair Manual

book review title Kawasaki Fh491v Engine Repair Manual

pdflife.one

They aren't getting my financial info for a free manual.I can not find a parts listing anywhere for this engine. Even JD Parts has minimal listing. Can't even find the governor listed.

 

[olcowhand]

Sent a text message with link to a used governor shaft assembly on ebay.

 

[olcowhand]

The governor is a cup style that sits on end of camshaft much like Onans use. Likely the governor has blown apart.

 

[4getgto]

I know most use a plastic governor gear and not unusual to fail..

 

[olcowhand]

I know most use a plastic governor gear and not unusual to fail..

This governor tags on the end of the camshaft, so no plastic gears to fail. But oftentimes, this style of governor has plastic "fingers" that separate the steel balls in the governor, and they break, causing the balls to gather together and often jams the cup to one side and locks it in place.

 

[MFDAC]

I've got a Kaw engine in the back yard in a JD160, but I imagine it isn't the same as yours. It is a FB460V. Don't know if pieces might interchange. I plan on scrapping that engine one of these days and seeing if a B/S may work as a re-power.

DAC

 

[JDJake]

I've got a Kaw engine in the back yard in a JD160, but I imagine it isn't the same as yours. It is a FB460V. Don't know if pieces might interchange. I plan on scrapping that engine one of these days and seeing if a B/S may work as a re-power.

DAC

X304 uses a newer V twin, the one from the 160 is a single cylinder, and about 5 horsepower less.

 

[MFDAC]

X304 uses a newer V twin, the one from the 160 is a single cylinder, and about 5 horsepower less.

No parts will swap then! Tractor Data says 12 HP, and it is definitely a single cylinder vertical crank engine.

Thanks, Jake!

DAC

 

[JDJake]

No parts will swap then! Tractor Data says 12 HP, and it is definitely a single cylinder vertical crank engine.

Thanks, Jake!

DAC

I work on both, so I know the differences quite well. Kenny, if I remember tomorrow, I'll check out some info on that engine when I'm at work.

 

[KennyP]

I work on both, so I know the differences quite well. Kenny, if I remember tomorrow, I'll check out some info on that engine when I'm at work.

That would be a big help.

 

[KennyP]

Sent a text message with link to a used governor shaft assembly on ebay.

I bought that, Daniel. Also found a used camshaft with governor. Both will be here by Tuesday. I hope JDJake can get something so I know what to look for when pulling that bottom cover. Not sure what parts may come flying out.

 

[29 Chev]

Some engine parts illustrations shown here if that helps
ARIMain - WEINGARTZ

 

[KennyP]

Some engine parts illustrations shown here if that helps
ARIMain - WEINGARTZ

Thanks. Got the gasket & lower seal ordered.
Now I need a Service manual for this engine.

 

[29 Chev]

Now I need a Service manual for this engine.

Found a partial that covers torque specs and setting the governor in a John Deere manual that I could read on screen only. Sent you a pdf on the other site as this site won't let me attach a pdf in my conversations.