Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants

nd polished surfaces such as the shaft of the engine, the distributing cam-shafts, the levers, the connecting-rod and the like, should be kept in a condition equal to that when they were new. Th

t running, but also on the power developed and on the consumption. As we have already seen in the chapter on lubrication, a special quality of oil should be employed for the lubrication of the cylinder. The feed of the lubricator supplying this most vit

n, the valves, and their joints, and the ignition devices whether they be of the hot-tube or electrical variety. In order to prevent leakage at the piston, the rings should be protected from all wear. It is of the utmost importance that the surfaces both of the piston and of the cylinder, be highly polished so that binding cannot occur. In cleansing the cylinder, emery

ted not to introduce a candle or a lighted match either in the valve-chambers or in the cylinder, without first closing the gas-cock. Furthermore, a few turns should be given to the engine, in order to drive out any explosive mixture that may still remain in the cylinder

gas-engines on account of the sharp explosions, tends to unscrew the nuts and to hasten the wear of the brass, which is the result of frequent tightening

the conical pendulum type operated by centrifugal force, it is well to lubricate each joint without excess of oil. In order to prevent the accumulation and the solidification of oil, the governor should be lubricated from time to

or in other words, to increase the number of admissions of gas in a given time, all that is usually necessary is to tighten up the spring, or to change the p

posing special joints. In other words, the surfaces are themselves sufficiently cohesive to insure perfect tightness. In engines whi

hey rest in the engine. On the cap side they are dusted with talcum or with graphite. Treated in this manner, the joint will adhere on one side and will be easily released on the other. Joints that are liable to come in contact with the gases in the explosion-chamber should be free from all projections toward the interior of the cylinder; for during compression the

these conditions the cylinder will be cold and the explosive mixture will be badly utilized. A suitable temperature of 140 to 158 degrees F. is easily maintained by adjusting the circulation of the water. This can be accomplished by providing the water-inlet pipe leading to the cylinder with a cock which can be opened more or less, as may be necessary. The temperature of 140 to 158 degrees F., which has been mentioned, may, at first blush, seem

y with each city, it is evident that an engine adjusted to develop a certain horse-power with a gas of a certain richness, may not fulfil all expectations if it is fed with a gas less rich, less pure, hotter, and the like. The altitude also has some influence on the e

ll cause a considerable loss in useful work. From this it would follow that gas-engines should be periodically inspected in order that they may operate with the highest efficiency and economy.

nt and the interpretation of their records to study perturbations by their means. For this reason the advice of experts should be s