tjcox6841, Tom, You did not state your engine or model #, so I will post some what generic answer. Sounds like the governor linkage may be stuck, broken linkage/spring. Look for dirt/debri around the governor linkage and wash/brush/blow any debri from linkage and ensure linkage mechanism is intact and hooked up and throttle cable is still hooked up and not broken/seized on. Links below may be of some assistance. Good luck. I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shgawgDT...
http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/110-small-...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIZtyw3...
https://www.google.ca/search?q=tecumseh+...
What model is your mower? Is it ride on?
- de George A.
tjcox6841 anything related to engine adjustments etc. will be in the Tecumseh manual. Let us know if you can find any model number or other indicator on the engine.
My cross reference shows that your mower should have a Tecumseh TVS840-8014B
- de oldturkey03