CHAPTER XVI.

CONNECTING-RODS, SIDE RODS, AND WEDGES 182

Care of Locomotive Rods.--Functions of Connecting-rods.-- Effects of Bad Fitting.--Striking Points and Clearance.-- Watching Rods on the Road.--Side Rods.--Adjustment of Side Rods.--Keying Side Rods.--Difficulty in locating Defects.--Pounding in Driving-boxes and Wedges.-- Importance of having Wedges properly Fitted.--Influence of Half-round Brasses.--Position of Boxes while setting up Wedges.--Necessity for keeping Boxes and Wedges Clean.-- Temperature of the Box to be considered.--Small Disorders that cause Rough Riding.