The engineer should keep all joints tight, the stuffing-boxes properly packed, and all bearings thoroughly oiled.
If the journal boxes or other working parts require taking up, remember that a little play is preferable to a close adjustment liable to cripple the engine at a critical moment. To insure perfect safety, always thoroughly test the apparatus after making such repairs, by subjecting the parts affected, to the strains usually encountered in actual service.
The principal requirement of the steam cylinders and slide valves is proper and constant lubrication. Let this one item be attended to, and its mechanism will practically take care of itself for many years.
The joints and connections in the suction must be perfectly tight.
Before laying the fire, see that the grate and fire-box are clean, also that the grate bars are fast, so they will not be liable to jar out, and that all the steam outlets of the boiler are tightly closed.
Lay on the grate some dry pine shavings—not too many—spread evenly over the grate, with a few hanging down between the bars; on the shavings put some finely-split pine or hemlock wood, then some a little coarser, and finally a quantity coarser still. It is well to put on the top some finely-split hard wood. These kindlings must all be dry and split—not sawed—and should be put in loosely, in layers, the layers being crossed, so that there will be a free circulation of air between them.
To light the fire: Apply torch (described in page 135) below the grate, never in the door; and while doing so move the torch around to insure thoroughly igniting the shavings.
When there is a pressure of 40 to 60 pounds of steam, begin throwing in coal, a little at a time, broken up in pieces about the size of a man’s fist. Bituminous coal should be used, the same as that from which illuminating gas is made. It should be of the very best quality, and very free burning.
Do not put the wood or coal all close to the fire door, but scatter it about and spread it evenly over the grate.