Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Automatic Altitude Compensating Device
Governor is equipped with an altitude compensating device to control emissions at various altitudes. On turbo models, this is connected to the intake manifold to also sense boost pressure variations.
As altitude increases, air pressure decreases. The push rod in the compensator moves downward and pushes the main rack, slightly decreasing amount of fuel injected (lean mixture).
When turbo is operating under boost, rack is pushed in other direction and more fuel is injected. Injection pump and governor operation are affected by the compensator when vehicle is operating near sea level or idle RPM.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.