my 13.5 hp. yard machine riding mower runs wide open even if you move the throttle control to it's lowest setting. It will only idle down if you pull back on the brake pedal with your foot. I have had this problem ever since a friend of mine borrowed it. He said that he did something underneath because it was running to slow. I can,t get a hold of him to find out what he did. What could be the problem and how can I fix it? What could he heve done underneath the mower that would cause the machine to run wide open? I don't want to burn the engine up.

Jeff J., December 2010

He may have incorrectly adjusted the throttle cable, undo the securing screw on the control plate and allow the cable to move back, check that you can see the the throttle control arm moving back to the idle position, if your mate has messed with the govenor spring or arm this will now be a shop repair.

ADW, December 2010