An engine control system for maintaining the operator-commanded speed setting of an internal combustion engine over a range of engine loads and for easy starting and improved efficiency over a range of ambient and engine operating temperatures. The engine control system includes a governor assembly driven by the engine, the governor assembly supplying an output to a sensor assembly through a mechanical coupling member operator. The sensor assembly provides an engine speed control signal which corresponds to operator commanded engine speed and actual engine speed. The engine speed control signal is provided to a throttle actuator to control actual engine speed is controlled to correspond with the operator-commanded engine speed regardless of loads imposed on the engine.