1. Q. What produces friction, and what is the result of excessive friction?
A. Friction as considered in locomotive service is produced by one body being rubbed across the surface of another when they are held in contact by pressure, and the result of excessive friction is heat more or less intense and the destruction of the journal and its bearing or the roughening of the sliding surfaces.
2. Q. What is lubrication and its object?
A. The object of lubrication is to interpose a film of oil, grease or some lubricant between the two surfaces that will prevent these rubbing surfaces from coming into too intimate contact.
3. Q. What examinations should be made by the engineer to insure successful lubrication?
A. See that all oil holes are open, cups filled and in good working order, the packing in cellars evenly put in and in contact with the journal. That waste on top of driving or truck boxes is in proper shape, also that grease cups are filled, and the plugs and jam nuts in good shape, and that the grease cellars contain sufficient grease for the next trip.
4. Q. How should feeders of all oil cups be adjusted?
A. To feed as small a quantity of oil as possible and regularly to give perfect lubrication.
5. Q. Why is it bad practice to keep engine oil close to boiler in warm weather?
A. The oil is thinned to such a degree by the heat of the boiler that it runs off as soon as applied, and very often a hot bearing is the result.