The primary role of the governor flyweights is to actuate which element?

• A. the pilot valve
• B. the fuel injector
• C. the exhaust valve
• D. the throttle lever

Answer: (A)

In a mechanical governor system, the flyweights sense engine speed by centrifugal force and use that motion to move a control element that governs fuel flow. Their primary role is to actuate the pilot valve in the fuel metering unit. As engine speed rises, the outward swing of the flyweights pushes the pilot valve to restrict fuel flow, which helps slow the engine back toward the set speed. When speed drops, the flyweights retract and the pilot valve opens more, allowing more fuel to reach the injectors and raise the speed again. This metering action is what the governor uses to maintain a stable RPM. The fuel injector, exhaust valve, and throttle lever aren’t directly driven by the flyweights in this arrangement; the pilot valve is the direct actuator controlled by the flyweights to regulate fuel delivery.