A. Yes, and it can only be cleaned by raking out from underneath.
Q. How should such difficulties be avoided?
A. A good engineer will always have on hand at least two or three extra grate bars.
Q. Should a boiler be forced beyond its normal capacity?
A. Never force a boiler beyond its normal capacity, as such excessive firing distorts the fire sheets and results in leaks and fractures.
Q. Should intense fires be started in or under boilers?
A. Never build an intense fire in or under a boiler until the shell is well heated. Hot fires in or under cold boilers hurry their destruction.
CAUTION.
Never blow out the boiler under high steam pressure or fill it again with cold water when the boiler is hot, as either one of these is likely to fracture the transverse riveting and is dangerous.