Can anyone identify this?

[Heath]

Hey fellas, just ran across this Model A for sale on on Craig's list and in this picture of the right side of the engine I noticed the timing gear side cover was replaced with something? Looks like there's a wire connected from a lever on it to the choke rod. what is this? Just curious....... Thanks!

 

[SteveB31]

That is a governor, often used on farm equipment, combines, and industrial engines.

 

[160B]

Could be a governor

 

[Heath]

Thanks guys! Would this have been to limit speed? or maintain RPMs under load?

 

[Fullraceflathead]

Maintain Rpm's under load.
There is a knob on the end that increases or decreases rpm's depending on the speed you need.
These are common on the Air Compressors that used the two center cylinders to pump air and the two outer cylinders ran as normal on gasoline.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Not sure of the benefit in this application.

 

[Keith True]

I think it's probably just hooked up wrong,not doing anything.What interests me is the way the distributer is installed.I noticed that before the governor.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I wuz once the "Chief Governor Overhauler" , on the Hercules QX-D3 engines in John Deere Cotton Pickers. The innards are QUITE INTERESTING!
I've fixed a LOT of WEIRD stuff!
Bill Jackofalotofstuff

 

[100IH]

May be cruise control !

 

[CHuDWah]

May be cruise control !

Nah, that's what the throttle lever is for.