K241 coming down to idle on its own

[skippymud 2]

Howdy

 

Re: 1979 Kohler 10hp K241AQS, Spec 46740d, Serial 9883128

Re: Jacobsen garden tractor model 1000 with M/N 53201 & S/N 13722

 

Curious problem.  Looking for feedback

 

So I'm mowing the lawn at full RPM with PTO engaged, and suddenly the engine RPMs drop down to idle and stays there until I throttle down then throttle back up again which gives me full 3600 RPM but just for a short bit.  Am I on-target by saying that the plastic Governor Gear is missing a tooth or teeth (P/N 47 042 02-S)?  This would mean that I would have to pull the K241 - Ouch!

[rmaynard 17,417]

I don't think it's a broken governor gear, but if you want to take the governor gear out, you must pull the engine, 

[skippymud 2]

Hello  rmaynard

 

Thanks for the feedback.  I hear you on having to pull the engine for this.  I've have had it on the table once to rebuild it some years ago.  Heavy thing

 

So if it is not the plastic governor gear, what else do you think it could it be?

[rmaynard 17,417]

I'm just guessing, but it may be the external linkage or the cross-shaft slipping in the governor arm.

 

[skippymud 2]

Hello rmaynard

 

Issue appears to be resolved, and thanks for your input

 

Removed the Carb, disassembled for inspection and cleaning

Checked spark which was intermittent per my finding

Put it back together and it started right and did the yard with no problem

MAX RPM on this Kohler K241 is rated at 3600.  I set mine to about 3200

 

All good now

 

Thanks

Ken

Edited Tuesday at 03:36 PM by skippymud
Update

[Retired Wrencher 6,774]

On 7/13/2026 at 6:22 PM, skippymud said:

Hello rmaynard

 

Issue appears to be resolved, and thanks for your input

 

Removed the Carb, disassembled for inspection and cleaning

Checked spark which was intermittent per my finding

Put it back together and it started right and did the yard with no problem

MAX RPM on this Kohler K241 is rated at 3600.  I set mine to about 3200

 

All good now

 

Thanks

Ken

That is good news Ken. I hope you enjoy this site.  

[adsm08 4,775]

On 7/13/2026 at 3:57 PM, rmaynard said:

I'm just guessing, but it may be the external linkage or the cross-shaft slipping in the governor arm.

 

 

Bob, which manual did this come from? I'm looking to check the governor adjustment on my own K241, but it doesn't look like this one.

 

[wallfish 20,186]

22 minutes ago, adsm08 said:

 

Bob, which manual did this come from? I'm looking to check the governor adjustment on my own K241, but it doesn't look like this one.

 

That illustration shows a smaller engine with the disk and spring behind the gov arm but the process is exactly the same for other K single cylinder engines.

There are Kohler manuals for all of them in the files section.