The engine on my '98 Cat 454 speeds up dramatically when it wams up. It Idles and runs fine for a while and then winds up to the moon which makes putting it in gear a real "experience".

Is this a carb adjustment? Any help appreciated.

Darwinkle

 

It is either an adjustment or a cleaning. Engines usually wind up some when they are leaned out.

So either your idle is too high. Idle speed changes slightly as it warms up OR you are having fuel restricted some how. (Blocked jet fuel line or kinked /plugged vent tube)

Swampy

 

I agree with swampy, also check the tube from the carb to the head, if it is cracked it will let air in and lean the mixture as well.

 

Time to take the carb of and clean it, and make sure the intake rubbers from air box to carb and carb to motor are air tight and clamped good.

A quick test is spray some ether starting fluid at the carb intake connections if the motor races then there is a air leak. a CV carb must have no air leak to run right.

 

I was doing some service on the beast and it took quite a bit of coolant. With the radiator topped off the engine winding up has dissappeared!

I hope that did it.
Thanks.