If your engine is fitted with both cross head pump and injector, you use the injector for pumping water when the engine is not running.  The injector heats the water almost as hot as the heater.  If your engine is running and doing no work, use your injector and stop the pump, for, while the engine is running light, the small amount of exhaust steam is not sufficient to heat the water and the pressure will be reduced rapidly.  You will understand, therefore, that the injector is intended principally for an emergency rather than for general use.  It should always be kept in order, for, should the pump refuse to work, you have only to start your injector and use it until such time as you can remedy the trouble.

We have now explained how you get your water supply.  You understand that you must have water first and then fire.  Be sure that you have the water supply first.

THE BLOWER

The blower is an appliance for creating artificial draught and consists of a small pipe leading from some point above the water line into the smoke stack, directly over the tubes, and should extend to the center of stack and terminate with a nozzle pointing directly to top and center of stack; this pipe is fitted with a globe valve.  When it is required to rush your fire, you can do so by opening this globe and allowing the steam to escape into the stack.  The force of the steam tends to drive the air out of the stack and the smoke box, this creates a strong draught.  But you say, “What if I have no steam?” Well, then don’t blow, and be patient till you have enough to create a draught; and it has been my experience that there is nothing gained by putting on the blower before having fifteen pounds of steam, as less pressure than this will create but little draught and the steam will escape about as fast as it is being generated.  Be patient and don’t be everlastingly punching at the fire.  Get your fuel in good shape in fire box and shut the door and go about your business and let the fire burn.

Must the blower be used while working the engine.  No.  The exhaust steam which escapes into the stack, does exactly what we stated the blower does, and if it is necessary to use the blower in order to keep up steam, you can conclude that your engine is in bad shape, and yet there are times when the blower is necessary, even when your engine is in the best of condition.  For instance, when you have poor fuel and are working your engine very light, the exhaust steam may not be sufficient to create enough draught for poor coal, or wet or green wood.  But if you are working your engine hard the blower should never be used; if you have bad fuel and it is necessary to stop your engine you will find it very convenient to put on the blower slightly, in order to hold your steam and keep the fire lively until you start again.