Installing Operating Rods

PURPOSE OF OPERATING RODS

Operating rods are installed after the deck stands are in place. The operating rod is
the connection between the deck stand wheel and the valve in the hull of the ship.
See Fig. 201 and Fig. 206.

STRAIGHT OPERATING RODS

Sometimes the rods hang straight, and sometimes they are offset to clear an
obstruction. When the rods hang straight, they are "stepped" where they are joined
together, and a straight coupling is placed on the operating rod at the step joint.
See Fig. 202. On new work, brackets and supports are welded to the bulkhead to
hold the split bearing, which is usually brass. See Fig. 203. On, repair work,
because of the possible presence of gases, permission must be obtained from the
plant chemist before welding or burning.

OFFSET OPERATING RODS

When the operating rods are offset and do not hang straight, the valve is installed
in the hull at the proper place; the deck stand is welded to the weather deck at the
proper place; and then lines are run to determine the position of the offset in the
operating rod. See Fig. 200. which shows deck stands and valves in place with the
operating rods installed between them.

INSTALLING OPERATING RODS

Figure 203 shows part of an operating rod hung on a corrugated bulkhead by a

brass bearing held in an angle clip and supported by steel flats welded to the
bulkhead. Figure 204 is the angle clip, which is slotted to allow the operating rod
to be slipped into place; it is drilled to match the bolt holes in the brass bearing.

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 Fig. 201--Operating Rods Installed on a Bulkhead

Figure 201 shows an operating rod installation with the two rods on the left
equipped with universal joints. Notice the extremely long space between the
universals and the brackets which support the rods. This is very poor practice and
should be avoided. It is considered good practice to place the support bracket as
close as possible to the universal or coupling. See Fig. 206
at "a".

Standard length rods are used wherever possible, but

certain conditions make it necessary to use rods that are not
standard length. In some instances the top rod is the one
that departs from the standard length because it is fitted last
and therefore must be cut to suit the distance between the
top end of the last rod installed and the end of the deck
stand stem below the weather deck. In other instances the
bottom end of the bottom rod and the end of the fork that
connects with the valve yoke is fitted last.

The supporting brackets (Fig. 203) are welded to the

bulkhead corrugation which is nearest to the jointed ends
of the operating rods. (Fig. 206) Sufficient space must be
left between the end of the coupling, or universal and the
Fig. 202-A Stepped Joint top of the angle which supports the brass bushing to enable
the workman to insert the operating rod through the hole in
the clip (Fig. 204) and then drop the split brass bearing (Fig. 205) into place in the
clip.

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Fig. 200--Typical Installation of Operating Rods

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TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Portable air drill

2. Open end or adjustable wrench 1/4 to 1"
U.S.S.
3. Taper reamer for #6 taper pin
4. Drill for #6 taper pin (See Chart)
5. Six-foot steel tape
6. Fifty-foot steel tape
7. Chalk line
8. Center punch
9. Machinists' hammer
10. 10-inch dividers
11. Punches and wedges
12. Pliers
13. Level
14. Declivity board Fig. 203-Details of Operating Rod and
15. Calipers Bracket
16. 6" scale
17. Hack saw
18. Stillson wrench
19. Plumb bob
SUPPLIES

1. Soapstone pencil
2. Blue or white chalk

PROCEDURE

1. Hang rods on deck stands and connect with

valves.

2. Pin and bolt rods together through sleeves

Fig. 204--Slotted Angle Clip or universals.

NOTE: If straight rods are used, no universals are necessary. Universals and
couplings are placed as close as possible to the bearing bracket and bearing to
support the rod and prevent "whip".
3. Install brass bearings and line up. See Fig. 201.

4. Have brackets welded to corrugated bulkhead.

See Fig. 203.

5. Check line-up of bearings and tack bearing angle-

clip to brackets. Operating rod must turn freely.

Fig. 205--Lignum Vitae or Brass

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6. Have angle-clip and bracket support welded when the operating rod turns freely.

7. Inspect all bearings and brackets to be sure the joints are free. Check with the
leader.

8. Install indicator slide on deck-stand screw and mark-deck stand for OPEN and
CLOSED positions. The instructor will explain how to do this.

Fig. 206--Operating Rods Installed Correctly

QUESTIONS

1. For what purpose are operating rods used?

2. Why are some operating rods fitted with universal joints?

3. At what point in the installation are the bracket supports welded to the
bulkhead?

4. What is the purpose of the stepped ends on operating rods?

5. State the type pin used in the couplings and explain how these pins are installed.

6. What supports the operating rods up and down?

7. When are the indicator slides installed?

8. Explain the purpose of the indicator slides?