Q. After sufficient steam is raised, how do you proceed to start the engine?
A. Before turning steam on the engine, go to the fly-wheel and turn it a few times to see that everything is all right and no obstacle in the way to prevent the engine from running when steam is applied, being sure to leave the crank-pin off the center to enable the steam to start the engine when throttle valve is opened. Next, open both the cylinder cocks, then the throttle valve just a trifle to allow a little steam to enter the cylinder, to warm it and expel the water of condensation. Then open the throttle gradually, and if everything is right, the engine will move off faster and faster until the proper speed is attained. After engine is thoroughly heated and is working dry steam, close the cylinder cocks and set the automatic oiler to work.
Q. How do you obtain the proper speed, and how is the engine made to run steadily with the steam pressure so varied?
A. The proper speed and steadiness in running is maintained by the use of the governor, which receives its motion from the engine shaft by means of a belt.
Q. Are the bearings of a new engine liable to heat when first started up?
A. Not if proper attention is given to them. When starting a new engine the first time, it should be stopped frequently and the moving parts and bearings carefully examined. Feel of all the bearings, the link block, the eccentrics, crank-pin, cross-head, etc., to ascertain if they are heating. If they are, slacken up the boxes a little, but not enough to make them knock or pound. Always be careful not to loosen or tighten bearings or keys too much; just a trifle at a time, but do it often, until the bearings and boxes run cool, but tight. If this is done carefully, the engine will run smoothly and quietly.
Q. After the engine is started, what should be done next?
A. Fill the tank on the engine with water and start the injector to work, so that the proper level of water may be kept in the boiler. The independent pump, if used, should now be fitted, connected and tried, to see if it is in proper shape to feed the boiler. If a cross-head pump is used, it should be fitted and attached to water supply with the suction hose. In this case when the engine is running, the pump can be regulated to supply the required amount of feed water.
Q. How is the boiler supplied with water while the engine is stopped?
A. By the independent pump or injector.