Todd wrote:

I have a Honda 3813 Lawn tractor that I got used about 1 month ago and just
finished putting new bearings in the mower deck, and I have a question.

How much does the average lawn tractor slow down when the deck is engaged?

When I engage the deck the engine slows down a lot. If it were not at full
throttle it would stall. When the deck is disengaged mower is strong as a
mule, and runs very well. It is a 13hp 2-cylinder water-cooled engine.
After I fixed the deck it turns easily by hand, but the engine seems to
strain.

How does your lawn tractor run??

Todd


Most all engines on lawn tractors or mowers are made to run (under
load) at one speed, full throttle. If it works OK there, nothing is
wrong. Of course if the speed govenor is screwed up, at full
throttle it could run too fast and blow the motor, or have too
little power when it needs it the most. Running it under a load,
like with the blades engaged, at slower RPM's will normally cause
the engine to overheat and fail prematurly.

Tono