Engines that are used out of doors or are exposed to temperatures below the freezing point must be left so that steam leaks may not condense in any of the parts or pipes and burst them.
Leaky throttle valves may, for example, cause water to accumulate in the steam chest and freeze, perhaps bursting the steam-chest cover.
To prevent this let the engine stand with the crank just past the dead centre, so that the steam port will be open, and open the waste water cocks on the cylinder, and also on the steam chest if there is any.
If the cylinder is jacketed all the drain cocks for the jacket should also be opened.
A leaky check valve may cause the steam to condense in the pump and freeze it up solid or burst it or the pipes. To avoid this, open the pump pet cock.
Open all the drain cocks on the heater and water pipes.
If the water is left in the boiler all night it is liable to freeze.
To prevent this leave a well banked fire.
In extreme weather remember that on exposed engines the oil, if of such quality as sperm or lard oil, may freeze and prevent feeding until the bearings get hot and melt the oil.
To prevent this use a lighter oil, as, for example, a mineral oil. Or, in case of freezing, melt the oil in the cups with a piece of wire made red hot while getting up steam in the morning.