_The well-known pump expert, Mr. F. Meriam Wheeler_, writes us saying
that if the manufacturers of steam pumps would send out with their
pumps a card reading something like the following, it would probably
impress the men who run the pumps more forcibly than anything that
could be said or written in the ordinary way of giving instructions:
“_Please do not gorge me with oil, as it will give my steam chest
indigestion. What I like is a steady diet and thus enable my valves to
work smoothly and with durability. A very small amount of oil fed to me
steadily is the thing—it saves oil and repair bills._
“_Two or three times a year give me a good dose of kerosene, to clean
out any obstructions that may have accumulated in the passageways
of my steam chest, or on the face or working parts of the valve and
valve-seat, or on the chest piston._
“_Do all you can to help me make a full length of stroke, as it means
that I will use less steam and do better work. The adjustable collars
on the valve rod will allow you to regulate the length of my stroke to
a nicety._
“_By allowing me to make short strokes, you prevent my steam piston
from getting in its proper cushion, which it would do if it could
complete its full stroke. My steam piston is supposed to run up to the
end of the cylinder and pass across the exhaust port, cushioning on the
confined steam between said port and the cylinder cover._
“_The hand wheels on the side of my steam cylinder are for controlling
the amount of this cushion. For slow speeds these cushion valves should
be shut tight. When running at ordinary speed or a high rate of speed,
these cushion valves should be slightly opened._
“_Once in a while take a look at my water cylinder. See that the
packing of the water piston is not set up so tight that it makes me
grunt, producing unnecessary friction and wear. Or, perhaps the packing
is too loose a fit, or is worn out and needs renewing._
“_Please see that my water valves are seating properly, because if
they are not tight I cannot pump as much water as I ought to do for a
given speed. Sometimes the springs on the backs of my water valves need
renewing or looking after._
“_If you have not already provided a good suction air chamber for my
water cylinder, you ought to do it, because it will prevent the water
column in the suction pipe from slapping the face of my water piston at
the end of each stroke in a harsh manner and so produce ‘water hammer.’
A good suction air chamber, properly located, saves wear and tear, and
makes a pump quiet running._
“_Please keep me nice and clean. I may not be of as much importance as
your big engine, but there is no reason why I should not be kept free
from dirt and grease. I hate to have oil slobbered all over my steam
chest, or my stuffing-boxes left leaking._
“_You will find it pays to keep me in good condition, like a
well-groomed horse. Treat me well and I’ll serve you well and
long!!!_”—THE ENGINEER.