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The steam pressure almost immediately rises above the bypass point, the water regulator bypasses the water supply,
and the temperature rises again causing the thermostat to close the fuel valve. This is a full cycle and these cycles
follow each other in routine at regular intervals when the car is working. This regulation maintains a constant
temperature, but not a constant pressure. For instance, if the generator is entirely empty of water the temperature will
rise to a point where the thermostat will close, cutting off the fuel, and still there will not be a pound of steam
pressure. In the other hand if the generator should be entirely full of water we will get an excessive amount of
pressure before the temperature is high enough to shut off the fire. These are the two extremities, but when running on
the road the pressure should not vary more than one hundred pounds at the most, unless the running speed is suddenly
changed.
OVERHEATING
On the "Old Regulation" the thermostat is usually directly responsible for any overheating. For setting thermostat see
directions, Chapter Four. Any condition, which would prevent the needle valve from closing at the proper time, would
probably cause over-heating. If the seat on the needle valve is poor causing leaks it will cause the temperature to
continue to rise. Be sure that the needle can work freely in the guide, as it depends upon its own weight to cause it to
seat. A particle or dirt lodging on the seat would give the same result. By inserting the finger into the opening when
the cap is removed one can ascertain whether the bell crank is binding. This should move perfectly free and fall with
its own weight.
WET STEAM
The causes enumerated here are all discussed under the same head "New Regulation." The symptoms of a dirty
vaporizer are as follows: The fire sounds weak; and seldom shuts off. It burns a considerable time after closing hand
valve. With a clean vaporizer and full flow of fuel the fire should have a deep powerful sound. Usually with a dirty
vaporizer the sound possesses more of a hissing quality and the color of the flame is of very light blue. To find a
clogged place in the fuel line, always begin at the vaporizer and work towards the gasoline tank. In the large section
of the fuel line where the pilot light line branches off from the main line is placed a strainer composed of candle
wicking. This should be cleaned occasionally. Care should be taken in replacing it that the ends of the wicking are
away from the direction of flow, otherwise it might bunch together and cause a chokage.
LACK OF POWER, BUT DRY STEAM
All these items have been discussed under the "New Regulation." A quick way to prove whether the generator is
getting enough water is to give a few strokes of the hand pump while running. If the pressure begins to pick up
immediately it is almost conclusive proof that the water supply is at fault. Usually in a case of this kind the fire keeps
shutting off without raising the steam above the bypass point, and the steam pressure is at all times subnormal. For
other items see "New Regulation".
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