When there is excess slack or the cable is too tight, this can cause intermittent delays in throttle response relative to pressing down on the accelerator pedal. This can cause more throttle to be applied unintentionally, creating a dangerous situation.

Listen carefully to the engine and twist the idle adjustment screw slowly counterclockwise. You should hear the engine speed begin to fall. Continue twisting the screw counterclockwise until you hear the engine begin to hiccup or pop. When this occurs, twist the screw a 1/2 turn clockwise.

How to Adjust Throttle Cables on a Honda Lawn Mower

1. Turn the lawn mower off.
2. Slide the throttle lever into the “choke” position.
3. Locate the Phillips-head screw that holds the throttle lever to the engine bracket.
4. Grasp the throttle cable and pull it toward the lawn mower handle until it is tight.

Running lean can give you more power but to lean will blow your engine. Running too rich can also hurt your motor. Think of it when you are mixing gas for your weed wacker. It is always safe to add a little more oil than not enough to the mixture.

Running rich is not good for the engine as it builds up carbon deposits on valves and pistons that destroy the engines performance. Running rich is typical for cold start ups, but quickly ceases once the oxygen sensors warm up because the engine closes the fuel loop and burns fuel to air in the right proportions.

Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor It is responsible for measuring the air that enters the engine. The sensor determines the amount of air to fuel mixture needed after each combustion. If it is blocked or faulty, your car engine will run rich.