Q.—How would you key up, or adjust, the side rods of a ten-wheel engine?
A.—Would place the engine on a level and straight track, and on a dead center; then slack off all keys on that line of rods; would then key the knuckle on center brass first, leaving it sufficiently free on the pin to be moved laterally by hand. Then adjust the front and back ends in the same manner.
Q.—Why should you place the engine on exact dead center, and begin by keying the center brass first?
A.—In order to insure keying the rods of proper length, to allow them to pass the dead, or rigid, points without strain.
Q.—Can the side rods be keyed too long or too short when not standing on dead center?
A.—They can.
Q.—If too long or too short, at what point of the stroke will the strain be?
A.—While passing the dead, or rigid, points.
Q.—Should you slip the right back motion eccentric on the road, how would you reset it?
A.—Would place the engine on exact dead center on right side, place the reverse-lever in full forward gear, and make a mark on the valve-rod at the stuffing-box gland; then place the reverse-lever in full back gear, and turn the slipped eccentric until the mark on valve-rod came to its original position, being careful to see that the full or throw of the eccentric was in position nearly opposite the forward eccentric; then secure it there.