I just replaced my governor spring with limited knowledge on how to do so. Now that I have everything put back together my mower is exerting random RPM's when I start it. I have adjusted the spring as mentioned, but I can't correct the RPM's. My air vane moves up and down freely while I'm adjusting the wheel below it. Is there supposed to be play between the air vane and the piece it sits on? The diagram I got off of the Toro website showed a pin on top of the air vane. I don't think mine has one, and I'm not sure if that's the problem or if I'm not adjusting the spring right.

It is possible that you have 2 different issues. It is hard to tell from your description if you are saying that the wind down noise is the noise of the starter running and if it is, is it running w/o the key switch activated. Solenoids are the most likely cause for allowing the starter to run on- but not the only one. They are not typically a fuse blower- but could be. On a 4 post solenoid one of the 2 small wires supplies a ground and the other 12 volts when the key switch is activated. If I am assuming something I shouldn't, please elaborate on what you believe the noise is.

I am really tired today running between all the big box stores. At the end, I didn't option the lawn boy because I really can't justify the extra cost vs sears promo today. Plus, a technician at Rona's service center gave me a friendly warning about the Tecumseh engine, the supply of the parts might be good for next 2-3 years but can't promise anything at long run. I still have a thought that a good mower should last me 10 years ironed in my head... However, I really like the design of the lawn boy 10684, everything seems very well design and build quality is better than others. If it's around $350CND range and none self-propelled model, I would pull the trigger, no question ask. I went back to Sears and ordered the Craftsman 36933 model (3-in-1 with bag, side discharge, mulching), which has B&S 850 platinum engine (8.5 ft/lb torque), no choke and no primer needed. The price is just what I am aiming for, 289.99+taxes. The engine seems pretty well build but the rest of the parts are very standard, a regular every week lawn mower...

I guess I'm the Dad in this case! I do remember having an el cheapo power mower (person propelled) when I was a kid (red and perhaps Western Auto) and using it for everything - a field at the rear of the house comes to mind... one day it was 3 feet high, the next it was "lawn". Anyway, everyone is always dumping on Craftsman tools and power equipment. I'm still using my Craftsman Eager One, 5HP, Tecumseh engine, that I purchased in 1984. I don't recall it ever failing to start except when the switch I installed to replace the dead-man handle died. It smokes, uses oil, but still cuts better than my $500 Troy-Bilt. At the beginning of the summer, I ran over a rock and bent the blade so that it was actually digging into the ground. Had to replace the blade plate and blade, but didn't faze the crankshaft or the upper crankshaft shear pins. The only maintenance I've ever done is occasionally replace the air filter, less occasionally replace the spark plug (do clean it annually), and change the oil. I think it is coming to the end of its long life and really hate the thought of getting rid of it. It really needs a total engine rebuild (chassis, etc. is still fine - no rust but lots of scrapes), but I just don't have the abilities. JimC