There’s something hypnotic about an old hit and miss engine when it’s running smoothly, especially when you realize it is not firing constantly like a modern motor. Instead, it pulses with power only when it needs to, then coasts in silence as the heavy flywheel keeps everything moving. These engines were designed to regulate their own speed using a mechanical governor system. When the engine reaches a set RPM, the governor holds the exhaust valve open or prevents fuel ignition, causing it to “m