For a broken main crank-pin, the above method of stripping the engine will do with the addition of taking down both side-rods. An accident which disables one side-rod, requires that the other one shall be taken down also, or there will be trouble when the engine is attempted to be run with one side-rod. The rod might go all right so long as no slipping happened. But, if the engine began to slip while passing over the center, the side-rod would have no leverage on the back crank to slip its wheel; and a broken rod or crank-pin would almost certainly ensue.
A broken side-rod, that is not accompanied by other damage, requires both side-rods to be taken down. All the inconvenience arising from this is, that the engine is more liable to slip. But, with dry rails, an engine can get along very well without its side-rods.
THROTTLE DISCONNECTED.
Any accident to the throttle-valve or its attachments, which deprives the engineer of power to shut off steam, is very dangerous, and calls for prompt action. Lose no time in reducing the head of steam to fifty or sixty pounds, or to the pressure where the engine can easily be managed with the reverse-lever.
With the aid of a power-brake, an engineer can get along fairly with a light train, after an accident has happened which prevents the closing of the steam from the cylinders; but constant vigilance and thoughtful labor are needed.
OILING THE VALVES WHEN THE THROTTLE IS DISCONNECTED.
The greatest difficulty will be experienced in oiling the valves, unless the steam-chests are provided with the automatic feeders, which work with steam on.
If he is running on an undulatory road, an engineer can oil the valves from the cab, by letting the steam down at the top of a hill, and running down at a high speed. It can also generally be done on a level track, by letting the fire burn low, getting up the best speed the engine will attain, then putting the feed full on. As the steam drops suddenly, put the reverse-lever in full motion; and the chances are, that the valves can be oiled.