Now for something different. I bought a cheap Honda tractor, not running of course. I managed to get it running but it has a wicked sound up front where the governor is, I’ve never really seen an engine like this so I’m not sure exactly what is making the sound. I looked at the governor and didn’t see any problem inside it, but found a spring from it to the carb was missing, so I rigged one, it seemed to reduce the sound you’re about to hear, but I’m not certain I have the problem isolated. Any ideas? This is the beast. And engine, the bump on the front center of the engine at radiator hose is governor housing.
Mystery solved about that noise..... luckily it's a Honda! I think the reason it sounded like it was coming from the governor is because the sound was bouncing off the hood. Earlier when I had looked at that joint between the frame I thought the shaft was fine, obviously it was just the end protruding slightly and I couldn't see until I took the cover off. Surprisingly little damage to all those parts down where the shaft is, especially the fuel pump which was right beside it! So I've got a new drive shaft on order for $130 - almost what I paid for the tractor.
