Product Description
The Woodward A8516-038D0 is identified as a TG-13 mechanical-hydraulic turbine governor designed for speed and load regulation on small industrial steam turbines. It uses a centrifugal speed-sensing mechanism, an internal hydraulic oil pump, and a servo-operated output shaft to regulate turbine steam-valve positioning.
The TG-13 operates with speed-droop control rather than isochronous constant-speed regulation. This makes it suitable for steam turbines driving pumps, compressors, generators, and other industrial equipment where droop-based speed control is appropriate.
The governor features a self-contained oil sump, an internally driven oil pump, and a hydraulic relief-valve and accumulator arrangement. Its 2400 rpm speed-range configuration is intended for applications within the corresponding rated operating range.
The exact A8516-038D0 configuration, including drive rotation, speed-setting arrangement, and factory calibration, should be confirmed from the nameplate and serial number before installation.

Product Parameters
Brand: Woodward
Model: A8516-038D0
Governor Type: TG-13
Series: TG Turbine Governor
Product Name: Mechanical-Hydraulic Steam Turbine Governor
Control Principle: Centrifugal mechanical-hydraulic speed-droop control
Rated Speed Range: 1100–2400 rpm family range; verify the exact unit configuration
Listing Speed: 2400 rpm
Speed Regulation: Droop control
TG-13 Output Torque: 16 N·m (12 lb-ft)
Internal Oil Pressure: 1034 kPa (150 psi) at specified operating speed
Oil Sump Capacity: 1.7 L (1.75 US qt)
Recommended Oil: SAE 10–50, selected according to operating temperature and viscosity requirements
Steady-State Speed Band: ±0.75% of rated speed
Terminal Shaft Travel: Up to 40° maximum
Drive Rotation: Clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on configuration
Case Material: Die-cast aluminum for the standard aluminum-case version
Operating Temperature: Continuous oil temperature 60–93 °C; ambient temperature -29 to +93 °C
Place of Manufacture: Confirm from the product nameplate
Product Status: Confirm actual condition from the supplied unit
Dimensions: Confirm from the outline drawing and physical measurement
Weight: Approximately 7 kg (16 lb) for the aluminum-case TG governor specification; verify actual configuration
Country of Origin: Check the product nameplate
Power Requirements: No external electrical supply required; mechanical drive shaft powers the internal hydraulic pump
Discontinued: Check current Woodward lifecycle and service availability
Daily Maintenance
🔧 Check the oil level through the governor sight glass and maintain the specified level.
🔧 Inspect the governor housing, seals, fittings, and mounting surfaces for oil leakage.
🔧 Monitor oil condition and replace contaminated or degraded oil according to the approved maintenance schedule.
🔧 Inspect the drive coupling and shaft for wear, misalignment, and abnormal vibration.
🔧 Check the terminal shaft and turbine valve linkage for free movement and mechanical binding.
🔧 Monitor turbine speed response during startup, normal operation, and load changes.
🔧 Record speed settings, droop settings, oil condition, and maintenance history.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
- Unstable Turbine Speed
Check the governor oil condition, drive speed, droop adjustment, and turbine valve linkage. Verify that the load characteristics are suitable for droop control.
- Slow Valve Response
Inspect the internal hydraulic system, oil viscosity, pump condition, and terminal shaft linkage. Check for contamination or sticking in the hydraulic components.
- Governor Oil Leakage
Inspect the housing joints, seals, fittings, and oil connections. Replace damaged sealing components using the approved service procedure.
- Incorrect Operating Speed
Verify the speed-setting adjustment and confirm that the governor’s rated speed range matches the turbine application. Do not exceed the specified drive-speed range.
- Speed Hunting or Oscillation
Check the droop adjustment, hydraulic oil condition, turbine load fluctuations, and valve linkage friction. Adjust the governor only in accordance with the applicable service manual.
- Insufficient Output Force
Check the internal oil pressure, governor drive speed, oil level, and terminal shaft loading. Confirm that the turbine valve mechanism is not exceeding the governor’s rated output capacity.
Installation and Safety Precautions
⚠️ Verify the complete A8516-038D0 part number, serial number, drive rotation, and speed-setting configuration before installation.
⚠️ Confirm the governor mounting position. The TG governor can be mounted vertically or horizontally, with the breather cap facing upward.
⚠️ Check drive coupling alignment and ensure that the turbine drive speed remains within the governor’s specified range.
⚠️ Use the recommended hydraulic oil grade and viscosity for the actual operating temperature.
⚠️ Record the original speed and droop settings before making adjustments.
⚠️ Isolate the turbine and prevent unintended startup before removing or servicing the governor.
⚠️ Verify turbine valve travel, shutdown behavior, and independent overspeed protection before returning the equipment to service.
⚠️ For hazardous-area installations, verify the certification and special operating conditions on the actual governor nameplate. Do not assume every TG-13 variant has identical certification.
Recommended Woodward Models
- 8516-038 – TG-13 Screw-Speed-Setting Governor, 2400 rpm range
- A8516-038 – TG-13 Governor, 2400 rpm configuration
- B8516-038 – TG-13 Governor, 2400 rpm configuration
- C8516-038 – TG-13 Governor, 2400 rpm configuration
- 8516-039 – TG-13 Governor, 4000 rpm range
- 8516-040 – TG-13 Governor, 6000 rpm range
- 8516-041 – TG-13 Lever-Speed-Setting Governor, 2400 rpm range
- 8516-042 – TG-13 Lever-Speed-Setting Governor, 4000 rpm range
- 8516-043 – TG-13 Lever-Speed-Setting Governor, 6000 rpm range
- 8516-044 – TG-17 Screw-Speed-Setting Governor, 2400 rpm range
- 8516-045 – TG-17 Governor, 4000 rpm range
- 8516-167 – TG-13M Motor-Speed-Setting Governor
- 8516-175 – TG611-13 Governor, 2400 rpm configuration
- 8516-176 – TG611-13 Governor, 2400 rpm configuration
- 9904-814 – TG-13 Preferred Item Number, 2400 rpm configuration
Note: These are related Woodward TG and TG611 governor models. Different versions may have different drive rotations, speed ranges, output arrangements, and certifications. They are not automatically interchangeable with A8516-038D0.
