“Captain” Thomas’s Safety and Guidance for using your boat.

DON’TS FOR MOTOR BOATMEN.

Chapter XXVI, pgs 283-287, MOTOR BOATS- CONSTRUCTION and OPERATION,
Thomas H. Russell, M.E., LL. B.; The Charles C. Thompson Co, Chicago, IL, c1910.

• Don’t fill gasolene tank by artificial light.
• Don’t put gasolene in tank without straining.
• Don’t try to run engine without gasolene in tank.
• Don’t try to start the engine with gasolene valve closed.
• Don’t try to start engine with worn out batteries.
• Don’t try to run engine with soot fouled spark plugs.
• Don’t go without tools in the boat.
• Don’t cast off until engine is started.
• Don’t start without lubricating oil.
• Don’t neglect opening lubricators.
• Don’t allow base of motor to get out of oil.
• Don’t put too much oil in base.
• Don’t fail to observe if water pump works.
• Don’t neglect to oil clutch.
• Don’t adjust clutch unless it needs it.
• Don’t let batteries get wet.
• Don’t let wires run through bilge water.
• Don’t let wire connections get loose.
• Don’t stop motor until boat reaches mooring.
• Don’t stop motor and leave charging switch in contact.
• Don’t forget to close lubricator and gasolene valves when motor is stopped.
• Don’t hesitate to write or ask for needed information.
• Don’t use lighted match to examine contents of gasolene tank.
• Don’t pack stern stuffing box with asbestos.
• Don’t let bare wires come in contact with the motor.
• Don’t let wire connections and terminals get loose.
• Don’t blame the manufacturer or the motor for every little thing that happens.
• Don’t forget that you are a factor in the successful running of the motor.
• Don’t get nervous or excited-sit down and think a minute.
• Don’t forget that the builders are as much interested in the performance of the motor as you are.
• Don’t forget that eighty-five percent of motor failure can be traced to electric trouble; either in the battery or the coil or the wiring or the plugs.
• Don’t try to start the motor with any “lead” on.
• Don’t run at too high speed just to show off, as you might burn out bearings.
• Don’t fool with adjustment of spark coil. The vibrator is properly adjusted at factory and seldom needs readjustment.
• Don’t take engine apart unless absolutely necessary and if you have to do so to get at inside of crank-case, simply tip cylinder over, not removing piston.
• Don’t expect to get best results from an engine working on a shaky foundation.
• Don’t forget to turn down grease cups every hour or so, forcing grease upon your bearings. Be sure there is plenty of grease in the cups.
• Don’t forget that extra can of oil if you are going on a long trip.
• Don’t try to start engine with the draining plug out of the bottom of crank-case or with drain cock open.
• Don’t try to use batteries after they are played out; it is a good plan to purchase an extra set of batteries after the ones you are using have been in service about two months. We have seen batteries that will run for six months and still be in good condition; but we have also seen them played out in a few weeks.
• Don’t forget to open seacock to pump, if you have one.
• Don’t try to start without first making sure that the spark lever, timer or commutator is retarded.
• Don’t try to start without the switch turned on.
• Don’t try to start an engine which has a reverse gear or clutch without making sure the lever is set neutral.
• Don’t screw the spark plug in too tightly but only just enough to prevent leakage and hold firmly. You may want to take it out again.
• Don’t put your wrench on upper nut on spark plug when plug is in cylinder. You may destroy it.
• Don’t use other than the best gas engine oil. The best steam. engine oil will not do.
• Don’t think that because too much oil is bad that too little is better.
• Don’t forget to throw out the switch or pull the button and put in your pocket when not running.
• Don’t run engine unless the pump is working.
• Don’t expect engine to run if wire connections get loose, batteries weak, spark plug dirty or wire poorly insulated.
• Don’t put your face close to an opening in gas engine when switch is on, or to see the spark take place.
• Don’t run an engine if a hammering or knocking noise is heard; find the trouble.
• Don’t forget to turn on gasolene cocks both at tank and engine before starting.
• Don’t think it waste of time to clean the ignition points occasionally.
• Don’t wear yourself out cranking an engine; if it does not start after three or four turns after priming something is wrong.
• Don’t think that a thump, pound or thud about your engine is always due to some trouble in the cylinder or connecting rod.
• Don’t put a check valve between carbureter or vaporizer on a three-port engine.
• Don’t use 90-degree els, when possible to use two 45-degree, especially on exhaust pipe.
• Don’t forget that a union on each pipe as near to end as possible is good practice.
• Don’t try to start with carburetor throttle “entirely closed or entirely open.
• Don’t adjust the carburetor as soon as the engine works badly; it may be poor ignition, poorly seated valves, poor water circulation, etc.
• Don’t expect gasolene to run up-hill.
• Don’t expect an engine installed below the waterline with underwater exhaust to run, unless the exhaust pipe is carried above the water line, before entering the water line, and an air valve or relief cock placed at highest point.
• Don’t think a dirty, rusty engine will run as well or last as long as a well-kept one.
• Don’t forget that success or failure depends upon yourself.
• Don’t forget to turn off the gasolene cock when not running.
• Don’t forget to fill gasolene tank.
• Don’t forget to draw water out of cylinder in cold weather.
• Don’t wipe engine while running.
• Don’t use too much gasolene; more power is developed with smokeless mixture.
• Don’t pile anything on batteries.
• Don’t be afraid to fix your engine.
• Don’t get excited, but go carefully.
• Don’t trust wire screen strainer, but use chamois skin, and save trouble. If chamois skin is not handy, use a handkerchief.
• Don’t look for the opening in your gasolene tank or a leak with a match.
• Don’t reduce the size of pipe after leaving the engine.
• Don’t have any more turns in exhaust pipe than possible.
• Don’t see how close you can run to another boat.
• Don’t cut in ahead of a ferry boat or any other boat just because you have the right of way. They may not respect any rule except the rule of might.
• Don’t forget that all sail craft, big or small, have right of way over power craft.
• Don’t forget to offer assistance to a boat in distress, and always ask it or accept it when offered when in distress yourself.

  *Chapter XXVI, pgs 283-287, MOTOR BOATS-
  CONSTRUCTION and OPERATION,
  Thomas H. Russell, M.E., LL. B.; The Charles C. Thompson Co, Chicago, IL, c1910