28. Q. When the fire kicks and smokes, what should be done?

A. The atomizer should be adjusted. If this does not overcome the
trouble, the heater should be put in service, for, possibly, the oil is
too cold to flow freely. Another cause of the fire kicking and smoking
results from water being mixed with the oil. If this is the case, it
should be drained out of the oil tank immediately.

29. Q. How should the dampers be used on an oil burning locomotive?

A. They should be opened just enough to admit sufficient air to produce
perfect combustion, but not enough to cool the fire-box. The dampers
should be closed when the engine is drifting or when at rest and the
fire is cut very low or is out entirely.

30. Q. About how much smoke do you consider an oil burning locomotive
should make under adverse conditions, when the engine is steaming well,
but is being crowded by the engineer?

A. Only a light smoke should show at the stack.

31. Q. What color is most desirable at peep holes in the fire-box?

A. A white color is most desirable.

32. Q. What will produce the bright red color?

A. Leaky steam pipes, side seams, flues and improper combustion will
produce a ruddy color in the fire-box.