High Idle after mule has warmed up - rough shift

[Baldwin Buck]

I have a 2005 3010 trans 4x4 gas Mule. The engine starts up fine. A little choke needed when it has been sitting for a while/cold temps. But she starts up and idles down real good (very quiet). But, I have noticed that as the engine runs for a while, at a stop or when I go to change gears, the idle creeps back up making it a little rough to shift the transmission. I get a clicking and resistance on the shift lever. I have found that taping the gas throttle pedal will sometimes idle the engine down. And the idle does not stay high all the time. Just some of the time. Could this be a sticky throttle cable? Is there anything I need to adjust or do to make the idle not so high after it has warmed up? Thanks for the help.

[RCW]

I would first suspect the throttle cable needs lube, and the engine vibration and fluctuations in the governor arm are allowing the idle to creep upward. Most motorcycle dealers sell an adapter that lets you inject use spray lube made for cables in the housing.

It could also be sticky linkage in the components named the "control" in the parts diagrams on Kawasaki.com. Also, check the linkage link between the choke and the throttle shaft, if they get sticky the high idle cam does not properly release and can vibrate to faster speeds.

Another thing it can be is a loose intake manifold or carburetor gasket. That can best be tested by using a can of spray oil on the intake as the engine is running. If the idle changes, you know the area of the problem.

If you do not load the engine when using the Mule, you may also have carbon buildup on the pistons and valves. If you catch it early enough you can generally clear it out by using SeaFoam in the fuel tank and then really work the Mule. Sometimes it is necessary to pull the plugs and actually dump a tablespoon of SeaFoam in the cylinders, then install an old set of plugs and crank the engine over to distribute the liquid through the valves, let it set overnight, then install new plugs and start and run the engine.