A. Because there is great danger of breaking the cock, thereby placing the engineer or fireman in great peril.
Q. What should be done in case a gauge cock is accidentally broken off?
A. Open the furnace door and if possible partially bank the fire, close the damper and allow the water to blow out at the hole until steam alone comes out. In the meantime get a piece of soft pine six or seven feet long and whittle down one end until it will about fit and jam it into the hole. Work it around until the jet of steam is stopped. Fasten the stick in temporarily and stop the engine if not already done. It will now depend on the condition of the break and the position of the surrounding parts as to the means to be employed. The stick should be cut off short and firmly driven into the hole and braced or tied securely. The engineer or fireman must use his own ingenuity for this work.
Q. Can a boiler be worked in this condition?
A. Yes, by the use of the gauge glass to determine the level of water.
Q. Should a boiler be run in this condition continually?
A. No. A new gauge cock should be supplied as soon as possible.
Q. When a gauge cock becomes stopped up what should be done?
A. After steam is down, the front or outer part may be taken off and a stiff wire run into it to open the clogged tube.
Q. Is it simply necessary to get the wire through?