Before connecting the steam pipes, blow out with steam pressure the
chips and dirt in the steam pipes. Always use the union furnished with
the pump. It has a gauze gasket in it to catch the dirt that may get
into the valve. Before starting pump, open air cock in delivery pipe
and turn exhaust lever back, away from the air chamber. Then open
throttle valve wide and allow pump to exhaust into the air until it
takes suction, when deflecting lever may be thrown forward toward air
chamber and cold water in the pump will condense the exhaust and return
it to the boiler.
If pump refuses to work, the difficulty is to be looked for in the
valve chest. Do not take off the chest. The valve may be taken out and
cleaned but _never_ filed. _The valve must be returned through same end
as taken from._ Before closing, be sure that the head is screwed tight
on the valve, using the socket wrench furnished.
When the pump is stopped, pull the exhaust lever back, so the condensed
steam from leak of throttle valve will not go into the pump. It is
safer also in cold weather to take off head of water end. Slight but
constant lubrication adds much to the regular working of the pump.
Be sure there are no leaks in the suction pipe, and when water is
raised more than 10 feet, a foot valve should be put in. Compress the
packings on piston rod as little as possible and yet prevent the escape
of steam. Before leaving the pump in cold weather, break the suction
and allow it to run empty for a minute with all the cocks open, then
be sure the throttle valve is closed tight. When necessary, pack the
joints under the steam chest, side plate and air chamber with manilla
paper or thin rubber.