Lister D governor question

Hi guys, new Lister D owner here

Bought recently as a fixer-upper project, it’s rough but running. I’ve seen it start and run, but I can’t seem to get it to fire

Not had much time to look at it in great depth, but one thing I have noticed, when hand cranking, the governor linkage doesn’t move. Should the little piston coming out of the governor housing at the bottom of the engine be moving in and out, or does this happen later once fired and turning quicker?

Sorry if this is a daft question, just finding my engine feet

Regards

No such thing as a daft question. Daft answers are more plentiful.

Woodsman wrote:No such thing as a daft question. Daft answers are more plentiful.

Haha, thanks Woodsman, I’m sure I can and will at some point find some daft questions to post

the throttle butterfly valve is kept open until the speed rises to push the plunger out and govern the speed, when you try and start it do you keep the sprung loaded plunger in the down position to choke the engine on start up and how far do you turn the fuel needle before you swing it over.

Maryalice

Welcome to the forum.  Just over a year ago I was a new D owner too and the good folks here have been both kind and helpful.

Apart from a leaky fuel pipe my Lister D is now running well.  I stripped the governor down and thoroughly cleaned the mechanism, checked the weights and springs.  I did notice on mine that the little piston you refer to was quite stiff.  I removed it, cleaned with wire wool, made sure the hole it moves in and out of was clean with a little lubrication and it worked well.

I do think, though, I am right in saying until it starts running the governor won't kick in properly.  I'd be inclined to check if you can pull the small piston in and out with your fingers - if so that is fine.  If not there is probably too much resistance and you should strip and clean.  Also, can you manually move the governor linkage or is it seized?  Mine was reluctant to move but a strip down, clean and repaint sorted it.

Hope this helps.

Thanks guys, yes that makes sense now. I’ve also found a YouTube video of someone running a d without the governor attached and showed the counterweights extending out as the engine sped up, so you’re spot on!
I’ve since managed to get it to run, a few tweaks, temporarily taped up the cracks on the HT lead and replaced a seemingly faulty spark plug and she lives!!
Thanks for all your help