CHAPTER V 



HANDLING THE ENGINE 



BEFORE starting the engine always see that the cyl- 

 inder cocks are open. Then if the crank pin be in 

 the right position (that is, past the dead center in 

 the direction in which the engine is to run) , open the throt- 

 tle just enough so the crank pin will pass the next center. 

 After a few revolutions, gradually increase the throttle 

 opening until the governor controls the speed. If the 

 crank pin be not in the right position to start, take the 

 throttle-lever in one hand and the reverse lever in the other. 

 Admit a little steam into the cylinder, reverse, and then 

 before the engine can pass that center throw the reverse 

 lever back, and the engine will start. Occasionally an 

 engine will stop on the exact dead-center, and when this 

 occurs it is necessary to turn it off by taking hold of the 

 fly-wheel. If on the road, releasing the friction clutch 

 will generally allow the engine to start because the strain 

 on the gearing is released. 



Never start the engine suddenly. Take sufficient time 

 to allow the water in the cylinder to escape through the 

 cylinder-cocks instead of forcing it through the exhaust. 

 If the engine be working in the belt, a sudden start is very 



59 



