=The Governor= contains a valve so constructed and connected with the
weighted balls that an increase of speed of the engine throws out the
balls, which raises the arms attached to valve rod, thereby closing the
valve and thus decreases the flow of steam through the governor valve
and reduces the speed of engine until the governor balls are again in
their true position. Now, when the speed decreases and the weighted
balls rise above their true position, the valve opens, allows more
steam to enter the cylinder and the speed of the engine increases until
the engine is again running at its proper speed.
[Illustration: Gardner Governor.]
Governors are used to regulate the quantity of steam required to run an
engine at a uniform speed under variation of load, and to run properly
they should be kept perfectly clean and free from the accumulation of
gummy substances caused by using inferior oil, which has a tendency to
interfere with the free and easy movement of the different parts.
Q. If you desire to run your engine faster or slower with the throttle
valve wide open, how can it be done?
A. Some makes of governors are provided with regulating screws at the
top; by turning the hand nut in one direction you lengthen the valve
stem and reduce the steam opening in the governor valve, which reduces
the speed.
To increase the speed of the engine the handle nut is turned the
opposite direction, which shortens the stem and increases the opening
in governor valve, allowing more steam to enter the cylinder and the
speed is proportionately increased.
The Gardner Governors are provided with a hand screw at the side for
regulating the speed, as will be seen by examining the accompanying
cut. It also has a Sawyer’s Lever for opening the valve to its full
extent, and a belt tightener.
Q. Will the handle nut stay in position after once being set to a
certain speed?
A. Not unless the check nut directly over the handle nut is screwed
down tight to prevent the stem from changing its position.
Q. Is a governor liable to cause trouble and fail to govern the engine
properly?
A. All governors are more or less delicate in construction and must be
kept clean and well oiled, the belt must not be allowed to slip, nor
must it be so tight as to cause the governor to work hard. The small
stuffing box that packs the valve stem should never be screwed down
steam tight, as it causes too much friction on the stem and prevents
the balls from operating it, and the engine will run unsteadily and
spasmodically. Always allow the stuffing box to leak a little, then you
know it is not too tight.
First class governors may sometimes be condemned for not regulating
the engine to a uniform speed, when a good cleaning, oiling or
loosening of the valve stem stuffing box nut would allow them to work
perfectly.