GOVERNOR.
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.
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.