I have a Honda izy powered mower, 2008 vintage. It has given me no trouble since new but has now started to act up. The mower starts first pull, still cuts the grass and the powered travel works OK. However, the speed control has started hunting. The speed falls off and then revs up, usually accompanied by a puff of black smoke from the exhaust. This goes on all the time I am mowing. It also does it when the mower is stationary and lifted off the grass, ie, no load.
Previous mowers I have owned have had the speed controlled by a paddle the cooling fan air stream, but on this one the controller spindle disappears into the mower casing under the motor and is not accessible without apparently a major dismantling job. While the engine is running, I can hold the speed control lever and the motor revs up and holds the speed constant while I am holding the lever.
Has anyone come across this problem and can suggest a solution without what sounds like an expensive servicing job?
Previous mowers I have owned have had the speed controlled by a paddle the cooling fan air stream, but on this one the controller spindle disappears into the mower casing under the motor and is not accessible without apparently a major dismantling job. While the engine is running, I can hold the speed control lever and the motor revs up and holds the speed constant while I am holding the lever.
Has anyone come across this problem and can suggest a solution without what sounds like an expensive servicing job?