Fig. 2519.
The straight-edge should also be applied to test if the surfaces of the bars lead true one to the other; thus, in [Fig. 2519], a and b are the bars and e the straight-edge, which by being pressed firmly to the surface of a discloses that the surface of a is not in line with b, because if it were so the straight-edge would meet the face of b as in [Fig. 2519], where the straight-edge f pressed to the surface of c leads true to the surface of the bar d. All four of the bars require testing in this manner. If the seatings for the bars or the liners are not made flat and of equal thickness, or if from any other cause the bars do not bed properly upon the liners, then bolting up the bars will spring them as shown in [Fig. 2520], in which, at a, is shown a bar sprung in the bolting up, because the liners fit at the ends b c only; while at e is shown a bar sprung or bent because the liners fit at the ends d d only. In either case the cross head would be forced to travel in a curve, bending the piston rod, and inducing much friction. The way to test the bars in this respect is, after the above operations, and before loosening the bolts, place a long straight-edge lengthwise along each bar and move it laterally at one end. If it swings from the centre the bar is rounding, while if it shuffles across first at one end and then at the other the bar is hollow in its length and we must find at which end of the bar this spring exists. To do this, slightly slacken the bolt or bolts at one end and again apply the straight-edge, if the spring is removed the error lies in the bedding of the liner at that end. If not removed, retighten the bolts at that end and slacken those or that at the other end, and again apply the straight-edge, and thus may it be determined how much of the spring is due to each of the liners, and this must be remembered and allowed for in filing the liner to its final adjustment. Before putting the liners in a second time it is better to give them a light coat of marking to show where they bear. At each trial of the bars the spirit-level and straight-edge should be applied and the cross head should be moved back and forth to show by the bearing marks how the cross-head guides fit to the bars. These marks are a great deal finer test than any spirit-level adjustment, hence the last part of the fitting should be performed with strict reference to the bearing marks upon both the bars and the cross-head guides as well as upon the liner, the cross-head flanges being adjusted and fitted at the same time as the face fitting.
Fig. 2520.
To set the top bars place the cross head in the middle of its stroke, and place them upon the cross-head guides. Then, with the wedges applied as before, ascertain the required thickness of the respective liners one at a time, leaving them, as previously, a trifle too thick, and testing them while fitting by marking placed upon their faces. The top bars may be entirely adjusted from the contact marks left by the cross-head guides when moved along the bars, thus dispensing with the use of the straight-edge and spirit-level.
As the bolts supporting the bottom bars often require to be loosened to get the top bars off, pieces of wood may be placed beneath the bottom bars to retain them in position when the bolts are loosened. These pieces must be removed during the testing, for if left so as to wedge the bars they may spring them, and thus mislead in the adjustment. After the top bars are adjusted the whole bearing surfaces should be oiled, and the cross head pulled back and forth by hand without the use of a lever, providing the size of the piston does not exceed about eighteen inches diameter. The bars when set true should be clamped to their seatings and the holes reamed out to receive the proper bolts, and, finally, mark each bolt, bar, and liner to its place.
When the bars, tested with the straight-edge and spirit-level as described, show true, if the gland will pass freely in and out of the stuffing box with the cross head at any part of its stroke, the guide bars are set.