the cooling system, heats up to a point where these vapors cannot
condense. In addition, the rapid forward motion of the vehicle
aspirates these vapors from the crankcase road draft tube, causing
fresh air to be sucked into the crankcase through the breather tube

to further purge it. Conditions are at their worst with a cold engine
running at a slow speed, the exact situation found at Naval Base
Kodiak and other cold climate facilities. These acids and water soon
neutralize the alkaline agents found in all detergent oils, including the
9000 series Navy lube oils.

Mr. Bennett's suggested method involves two changes neither
of which is expensive. The first change is in the installation of a posi-
tive crankcase ventilator. This consists of a small 6 or 12 volt DC
motor-driven fan which pushes a small volume of fresh air into the
crankcase via the oil filler pipe, as shown in the sketch on the pre-
vious page. From the crankcase it is vented out through the road draft
tube taking with it the accumulated blow-by vapors which would ordi-
narily condense in the crankcase and on the cylinder walls. Sucha
ventilator is commercially available at a cost of approximately $12.00
wholesale and it can be installed for approximately $3.00.

The second change
is the installation of
L OF wa -~ PAS: a 180 degree F thermo-
stat to replace the
standard 140 degree F
or 160 degree F equip-
Or MSren ee sucnon SAO ment thermostat. In
1g0* Th ar TO Rl addition, a 3/8- or
 ctobr MO MASHED HEPLACE 1/2-inch by-pass tube
from the top of the
block to the bottom
cooling water connec-
tion should also be in-
stalled. A small vol-
ume of water will then,
. by-pass the radiator,
— retaining its heat and
tend to overcome the
excessive cooling
which takes place dur-
ing warm up periods.
The 180 degree F
thermostat will remain
closed for a longer period than the 140 or 160 degree F thermostat pre-
venting any flow through the radiator until the water surrounding the
cylinder head reaches a temperature of at least 180 degrees F. In the
meantime, as the water approaches this temperature, a portion of it is
recirculated to the lower part of the block, thus helping to even up the
temperature of the entire mass. This eliminates the cold lower cyl-
inder wall surfaces and reduces internal condensation to a minimum.
This change could be accomplished for a cost of about $7.00 a vehicle.

17



PREVENTING MILE POST DEFACEMENT BY BIRDS
(Suggestion R2-59-7)

The farm turnout headgates along the Delta-Mendota Canal,
Central Valley Project, California, are identified for operating pur -
poses by posts of sawed timber, painted white, and bearing on two or
more sides, stenciled numbers, in black, showing the mileage from
the Tracy Pumping Plant. Recently, luminous reflector plates, also
bearing the mileage number, were installed on the upstream faces of

the posts to aid in locating and identifying the headgates by ditchriders
working at night.

The mileage posts provide ideal perches for small birds and
are soon defiled by them, which not only makes the posts unsightly, but
defeats the purpose of the posts by rendering the stenciled numbers
illegible. Because of this, the posts must be repainted often. The
bird droppings were also damaging the luminous paint on the reflector

plates, and if not protected the plates would have soon needed to be
replaced.

The posts are shaped at the top by a bevel cut on all four
sides leaving only a small flat place on top of the posts where a bird
could perch, as shown in the sketch below. It was the suggestion of

H. L. Craig, Irrigation Operator,

Tracy Operations Field Branch,

Tracy, California, that a 16 or

20 penny box nail be driven into
€--- Nail Suggested the top of each mileage post,

leaving two or three inches of

the nail exposed.

The protruding nail makes
it impossible for a bird to come
=~ Reflector Plate to rest on the post. The nail is
also inconspicious and in no way
interferes with men or equip-
ment working on the canal. The
cost is negligible.

woere| 3

- Post
< The suggestion has been
tried and has eliminated the
bird problem. It is to be
adopted for all mile post
markers along the canal.

RR OK &

11



Sketch 2

*K
a
Bs
i, Cg
i t | L.--Packing os
17 7 tp eer = 3 gs
Sr
. 7 <3 —,s
= a
— 136
L284
£8" "
— es
= ss

2-1" Inch corp.

stop
i

it oy,
tapped stee/ plate qo it / (Add this dist.
="

Pre-drilled and

welded to pipe | ne rod reading

{ *o a

1 Pip under Y KY K

! pressure r y

a. me “spo f° , |
/\ 4 Su 4 Kg'Brass rod /'
i : as) /
OQ, aie

aes

NOTE
All brass material. Match

mark companion parts. Not to sca/e

Sketch 2 - meter comparison tests
under pressure.

21



The very neat arrangement presents a pleasing appearance,
is functional and does not obstruct movement within the gate operating
chamber. The housing for the angle gears was constructed of steel
channel and this in turn was welded to the channel under the steel
deck plate.

HK KKK

REVERSE CURRENT PROTECTION IN BATTERY CHARGING
(Suggestion R2-59-203)

A silicon diode semi-conductor was recently installed in
the station battery motor-generator power supply at Folsom ,Power-
plant at the suggestion of Gene W. Buffum, Folsom Operations
Field Branch, Central Valley Project, California, to prevent reverse
current and minimize generator, battery, and contactor damage.
Vibration had made it difficult to properly and reliably set a plunger -
type voltage relay which had been provided to automatically disconnect
the generator on low voltage; and damage to the d-c contactor switch
had resulted under certain conditions.

The total installation cost was approximately $10--con-
siderably under the cost of a reverse current relay. Tests have


Mr. Bennett emphasizes that this suggestion is not supposed
to be a "cure-all" for all types of engine wear problems. It would
have extremely limited results if applied indiscriminately to military
installations in temperate climates. However, when utilized at cold
weather bases, it is estimated that a direct cost saving of about $75.00
per vehicle would result, with another result being fewer vehicles on
the deadline. This latter point has become increasingly more impor-
tant with a reduction in the number of vehicles available at each
station.

ORK KOK
GATE POSITION INDICATOR

Something a lit-
4 tle different ina
ie gate position indica-
tor is that shown at
left. The indicator

4 is being used on an
eet outlet gate to con-
H trol releases from a

regulating reservoir

\ on the Coachella Ca-

| nal, a part of the

All-American Canal

: System of the Boulder
‘ * Canyon Project, Cali-

fornia.

The indicator
consists of a stand-
ard type enamel gage
mounted on an upright
support and a pointer.
The pointer is made
of a small steel rod
which has been spot
welded to the top of
the gate stem.

The position in-
dicator was designed
and installed by the
Coachella Valley
County Water Dis-
trict, with headquarters at Coachella, California. The District
operates the Coachella Distribution System and a part of the
Coachella Canal, constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation.

2 RR Kk

18


Sketch |

Elect drill motor

Ay

LD

. aN
: &
S 5) v
sx AY : S
£3 y y a
wi X u
gs §
d > Q
vs &
AN) vu
&q
33 1 §
LE Sp] 3
$8 Sf
Q LY
wt ae A <
LS = G Qa
~ €
cBuyyoeg! Seyh
. Peas
ae ak
sou
LBLA
gas
qesk U<)
SEV
ove
nn
HS gS

Not to scale

under pressure.
20

Sketch 1 - meter comparison tests



3-inch angle iron vertical posts and cross pieces of 1-1/4-inch nominal
size, standard iron pipe, spaced 12-inches apart. The height of the
dozer blade is doubled by adding the rack, and this is important in
working the areas of limited vertical clearance, such as under bridges.
However, the rack is easily removed by one man in a few minutes.

It was also found that for close work, the breather stack of
the tractor may have to be lowered. It was found that with the blade
raised six inches above the ground the overall height of the rack should
be such that it would be the same as that of the breather, the exhaust
or that necessary to provide clearance for the operator when seated
in the tractor.

RK KK

DOORS RATTLE? USE SILICONES

(Reprinted from the BuDocks Technical Digest, No. 96,
June 1959. Publication of the Department of the
Navy, Bureau of Yards and Docks; further repro-
duction is prohibited.)

Annoying rattles and squeaks can often be eliminated from
automobile doors by applying a silicone base rubber lubricant to the
weather stripping. The sponge type rubber used to seal the interior
of vehicles from the weather also serves to absorb and cushion shocks
caused by movement of the doors when the vehicle is in motion. If
this rubber is permitted to become brittle and hard, it loses its
effectiveness as a cushioning agent and as a result, noises and shocks
are heard and felt throughout the vehicle.

The Transportation and Equipment Management Division of
the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Department of the Navy, recommends
seasonal applications of silicone base rubber lubricants as part of
scheduled preventative maintenance services. Periodic treatments
will keep the rubber in a soft, pliable condition and will prevent rubber-
on-metal squeaks and rattles, reduce wear on the weather stripping and
will preserve the rubber against weathering.

Rubber lubricants with silicone contents ranging from 1/2
of 1 percent to 88 percent depending upon the particular brand are
available for local purchase at automobile dealers and jobbers. They
are packaged in various sizes and cans, including the pressurized type
spray cans.

ORR KOK

15



The experience of the Strawberry Water Users Associa-
tion indicates that the mortar lining can be used in making various
types of repairs at a minimum of cost and with very good results.

The condition of the unreinforced pneumatically-applied
portland cement mortar repairs of the canal lining and the approach
to one of the tunnels is shown in the photographs below. The photo-
graphs were taken in the fall of 1958.

P27-D-18771
OK KKK

7


given location for deflecting the weeds and other trash from the
turnout inlet structure.

RRR KK

REPAIR OF ERODED CANAL LINING AND STRUCTURES

Winter operation of a power canal on the Strawberry Valley
Project in north-central Utah over a period of about 50 years resulted
in complete deterioration of a band of concrete lining located at about
the winter water operating level. The deterioration, as shown in the
photograph below and on the following pages, was so severe in some
reaches of the canal that the lining had been completely eroded.

Repaired with unreinforced pneumatically applied portland
cement mortar in 1950 and 1956, a recent examination of the lining
discloses repairs are holding up exceptionally well, with no apparent
deterioration of any kind. The present condition of the lining is shown
in photographs on page 7.

This article, prepared by the staff of the Spanish Fork
Project Office of the Bureau of Reclamation, Spanish Fork, Utah,
presents the problem faced by the Strawberry Water User's Associa-
tion after a survey in the spring of 1950 indicated that it would be
necessary to repair the deteriorated concrete in the canal and tunnel
linings as well as that in the diversion dam, and structures at the
head of the power penstock.

The Strawberry Valley Project, completed in 1916, was the
first project to be constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation in the


shown very satisfactory results. No annual maintenance is antici-
pated as no moving parts are involved.

KR KKK

PIPE WEED DEFLECTOR

The weed deflector shown in the photographs below was
constructed at the request of and in accordance with plans prepared
by Mr. Donald T. Mutch, Watermaster, West Branch of the North
Side Irrigation Field
Division, Minidoka
Project, Idaho. The
deflector is quite suc-
cessful in keeping
weeds and other float-
ing debris from enter-
ing the farm turnouts.

The deflector is
constructed of pipe
throughout. Two large
diameter pipes embedded
in concrete in the side
slopes of the canal serve
as supports for the five
horizontal pipe compo-
nents shown. The large
vertical pipes are drilled
to accomodate the larger
horizontal pipe which is
welded to the vertical
support for added struc-
tural rigidity.

The smaller hori-
zontal pipe components
are of such diameter
that they fit into the
larger horizontal pipe.
The smaller pipe must
be of such length that
it can be telescoped
outwardly into the
canal as required to
provide for adjust-
ment and the best
possible setting at a



EXTENDING ENGINE LIFE IN COLD CLIMATES

(Reprinted from the BuDocks Technical Digest, No.
96, June 1959. Publication of the Department of

the Navy, Bureau of Yards and Docks;

reproduction is prohibited.)

further

As a result of observations made during a tour of duty in
Alaska, Mr. D. R. Bennett, former member of a Naval Staff, sub-
mitted a Beneficial Suggestion intended to prolong the life of engines

operated in cold climates.

Mr. Bennett discovered that on installations, such as Elmen-
dorf Air Force Base, Naval Station Adak, and Naval Base Kodiak, it
was frequently necessary to overhaul engines of sedans and pickups

INSTALLATION OF POSITIVE _GRANKASE VENTILATION

MOTOR DRIVEN VENTILATION

QC. MOTOR

CONNECTING TUBE

SPECIAL OILFILTER CAP

ROAD DRAFT TUBE (CRANKASE VENT. PIPE.)

986890

16

after 15,000 and
20,000 miles of use.
A preventative main-
tenance program,
which included oil and
filter element changes
at prescribed intervals,
was in effect at these
bases. The frequent
overhaul and replace -
ment of engines was
attributed to the for-
mation of sludge and
corrosion caused by
the presence of acid
products of combus-
tion which blow by the
rings and condense in
the crankcase. These
acid vapors, along with
water vapor from the
combustion process,
condense and form
aqueous acid solutions
that are highly corro-
sive to pistons, rings
and cylinder walls.

In addition, these
blow-by products also
form resins, gums and
sludges. When an en-
gine is operating for
extended periods at
fairly good speeds, the
entire engine, including


The deteriorated lining, which in some instances as shown
below, had been completely eroded, reduced the carrying capacity of
the canal and it was evident that repair or replacement of this eroded
and deteriorated band was necessary. After a study of methods of
making the repairs to the lining and the deteriorated concrete in other
structures, the water users entered into a contract with an experienced
con nator for the application of the shotcrete as well as the related
work.

Under terms of
the contract the con-
tractor furnished all
materials, prepared
the surfaces includ-
ing the removal of
deteriorated con-
crete, placed the
shotcrete, cleaned
up and removed all
waste materials re-
sulting from the opera-
tion. However, in
the filling of large
pockets, such as
those shown in the
photograph at left,
rock and broken
concrete were

furnished by the water users to fill the voids.

Specifications provided that the portland cement mortar mix
consist of one part portland cement to four parts of sand for canal
lining repair. For work in the tunnels, the sand content was increased
to four and one-half parts. It was required that the sand be washed,
and that it be durable and evenly graded from fine to coarse particles.
It was also required that the moisture content of the sand prior to mix-
ing with the cement be maintained at between three and five percent.

In the fall of 1950, repairs were made on the diversion dam,
concrete structures at the head of the penstock, the tunnel sections
and the most critical sections of the canal. A total of 9,530 square
feet of lining was placed in the canal at a cost of $1.18 per square
foot; 4,770 square feet of tunnel lining was replaced at a cost of $2.06
Per square foot; and 1,570 square feet of surface on the diversion dam
and intake structures were repaired at a cost of $2.70 per square foot.

The balance of the canal lining was repaired in 1956, when
the same contractor was engaged to place 14,350 square feet of
deteriorated concrete lining at a cost of $1.10 per square foot.


PIPE THREADER OPERATES LARGE VALVES

A pipe threading machine has been modified and is being uti-
lized for operating large valves on the South Coast Conduit of the
Cachuma Project, California. As shown in the photograph below, the
machine is used par-
ticularly at control
stations by the Ca-
chuma Operation and
Maintenance Board,
which operates and
maintains the works
constructed by the
Bureau of Reclama-
tion.

The threading
machine is powered
by a 1/2-horsepower,
universal electric
motor. The project
advises that the ma-
chine has been very
useful and calls at-
tention to the fact
that similar portable
power drives are ob-
tainable from several
manufacturers.

Many manufactur -
ers include power drives
of the type needed in
several sizes. One is
equipped with a 1/2-
horsepower universal
reversible motor to
operate from any 115
volt or 230 volt source
as desired. Another
includes an adjustable
safety device with set-
tings permitting the
chuck to slip at various overloads. Another light-weight unit with a net
weight of 33 pounds is available commercially for use with either a 1/2-
horsepower universal drive electric motor or with an air motor.

For further information, write the Cachuma Operation and
Maintenance Board, Santa Barbara, California, or the Regional
Director, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, California.

RR KK

22 GPO 834881


Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
RELEASE NO. 30

October, November and December 1959

= |} CONTENTS

Extensions Simplify Valve Operation

Pipe Weed Deflector

Repairing of Eroded Canal Lining and Structures
mB, Drain Outlet Rodent Control Screen
—_ Clogging of Pump Bearing Cooling Water Lines

Preventing Mile Post Defacement by Birds

An Oil Stopper

Power Crosscut Saw Guard

Push Rake for Dry Weeds

Doors Rattle? Use Silicones

Extending Engine Life in Cold Climates

Gate Position Indicator

Making Meter Comparison Tests Under Pressure

Pipe Threader Operates Large Valves


CLOGGING OF PUMP BEARING COOLING WATER LINES
(Suggestion R1-56-157)

The original design of the pump bearing cooling water lines
for volute pumps on the Roza Division of the Yakima Project in Wash-
ington, resulted in frequent and sometimes severe clogging of the lines
with silt and debris. Originally the bearing cooling water came from
the discharge side of the pump, through a globe valve, an elbow, the
bearing cooling housing, another elbow, and finally to the suction side
of the pump. All piping was 1/4-inch in size.

In the original design, there was much clogging of the bear-
ing cooling water lines at the globe valve and the elbows. If an at-
tempt was made to remove the lines for cleaning, the pump usually lost
its prime and had to be shut down and restarted. In the past it was
not unusual for at least two lines a week to become clogged with as
many as four stoppages a day being not uncommon. The difficulty has
been alleviated by a suggestion by Floyd M. Schmidt, Pumping Plant
Mechanic on the Roza Irrigation Field Division, Yakima Project,
located at Sunnyside, Washington.

At Mr. Schmidt's suggestion, the bearing cooling water on
practically all of the Roza Division pumps is now taken from the dis-
charge side of the pump and passed through a gate valve, a pipe tee,
the bearing cooling housing, another pipe tee, and a second gate valve
to the suction side. (A diagram of the revised cooling system is shown
on the facing page).

There is considerable less clogging in the line, the gate
valves and the tees. If the line does clog, the gate valve on the suc-
tion side of the pump can be closed, the plugs removed from the pipe
tees, and the foreign material blown or rodded out. The clearing of
the line in this manner requires very few minutes and the pump need
not be shutdown.

The suggestion not only saves considerable time, but less
"down time" means steadier water deliveries and better irrigation
service.

KR OK KK



DRAIN OUTLET RODENT CONTROL SCREEN

A wire screen is being used on the outlet end of closed
drains on Riverton Project, Wyoming, to prevent access to the drain
line by rodents. As shown below, the screen is constructed of stand-
ard 1- by 2-inch, 14 gage, electric welded wire fencing material and
is pushed into the end of the corrugated metal pipe drain outlets. The
screen has been very useful and satisfactory, and its publication in
the bulletin was at the suggestion of D. B. Woltersdorf, Chief, Regional
Drainage Branch, Billings, Montana.

Stondord Fence Wire 1"X2" 14ga. Electric Welded

ayer
\
y Laqr rR N
4 L-+—-~
a ~N
“N
NW \7 NI Mp IN
/ \
\

/| / / N \

Hye a
! \
{ |
} f 4
\ \ \ / / |
H yi /i
\ 7 |
\ \ 7 WA Vaan)
' NE TN 7 ‘aan
i! SJ rE io
4 SR 4 i |!
Por IN 4+itoe+ toad
' \
{ to! “Ld jh f H !
fot jl ryt
144 ry
\ 1 1 t 1 i]
bor | “” etd
| | T° Sereen cut for 10" pipe |
toy 14
hou ” 5) |

13

r Screen cut for /2"pipe -
I le -

Screen cut for /6"pipe

Scole 3"=/-0"

Push screen in end of corrugated
metal pipe drain outlets.

kK RE
8



State of Utah. Project features include the Strawberry Reservoir with
an active storage capacity of 270,000 acre-feet on the Strawberry
River, a 3-3/4 mile long transmountain diversion tunnel, a hydro-
electric plant, and over 80 miles of concrete lined canals and
laterals. S

The Strawberry Valley Project is distinctive in two respects:
It provided for the first large-scale diversion of water from the Colo-
rado River drainage basin to the Great Salt Lake Basin, and was one
of the first projects
in the history of the
Bureau of Reclama-
tion to develop hydro-
electric energy. Elec-
tric power from the
hydroelectric plant
constructed was trans-
mitted 25 miles east-
erly to the Strawberry
Tunnel and Dam for
construction use.
Since construction of
the project energy
from the plant has
been sold in the south
portion of Utah County.

For winter opera-
tion of the powerplant,
the Spanish Fork River
flows are diverted
through the power
canal. The Canal has
a capacity of 500
second-feet, and has
open lined and unlined
sections, cut and cover
sections, and two tun-
nel sections of 800 feet
and 749 feet in length.

The water surface
elevation in portions
of the canal fluctu-
ates up to about three
feet daily during winter
operations in the process of providing additional storage in the canal
for power peaking purposes. This fluctuating water surface coupled
with the frost action contributed materially to deterioration of a band
of concrete side slope lining of the canal, ‘which averaged about three
feet in width. The remainder of the lining, however, was in reason-
ably good operating condition and did not warrant repair or replace-
ment.

5


MAKING METER COMPARISON TESTS UNDER PRESSURE
(Suggestions R2-59-24 and R2-59-26)

During the irrigation season it is necessary to make Sparling
Meter comparison tests on turnouts from the Delta-Mendota Canal of
the Central Valley Project, California. These tests must frequently be
made during the time the discharge line is in use for long periods of
time. With check valves installed in the discharge lines to keep the
lines filled, it is impractical, if not impossible, to drain the lines.
Thus, they remain under pressure.

Making a test required that a hole be drilled and tapped in
the discharge line and that valves be installed for the installation of
a pitot tube. Also, it is necessary that the internal diameter of the
discharge line be accurately known. To drill and tap the line and de-
termine accurately the internal diameter of the pipe while it is under
pressure, James D. Clapp, Engineering Aid of the project's Tracy
Operations Fields Branch, made two suggestions that make the meter
comparison test possible.

Both suggestions are illustrated in the sketches on the fol-
lowing pages. The first suggestion, Sketch 1, illustrates the method
of drilling and tapping the discharge line. A piece of 3/4-inch steel
plate is machined to correctly fit the outside radius of the pipe, and
is drilled and threaded for a 1-inch corporation stop. If the discharge
line is of steel pipe, the steel plate is field welded to the pipe. If
the discharge line is of concrete, the steel plate is securely strapped
to the pipe.

With the steel plate in position, a 1-inch corporation stop is
screwed into the plate, then, with the adapter screwed onto the corpora-
tion stop, the discharge lines can be drilled by opening the corporation
stop. After the hole has been drilled, the drill can be withdrawn. The
corporation stop can then be closed without taking the line out of serv-
ice and keep the water confined to the discharge line.

Sketch 2 illustrates the instrument devised to measure the
interior diameter of the pipe. The device consists essentially of a
measuring rod and a cap through which the rod fits and which can be
tightly fastened to the corporation stop. The construction of the
instrument is apparent from the sketch. All parts were fabricated
from brass materials.

The suggestions have been used frequently on the Delta-
Mendota Canal and have proved to be very useful as well as suc-
cessful for the purpose for which designed.

Further information concerning the suggested devices can
be obtained by writing the Regional Director, U. S. Bureau of
Reclamation, Sacramento, California.

RK KK

19



EXTENSIONS SIMPLIFY VALVE OPERATION
(Suggestion R2-59-126)

The original mechanism for closing each of the three fixed
wheel gates at Folsom Dam in an emergency was installed on the dam
under a hinged deck place cover over the gate operating chamber. In
using this original equipment, it was necessary to first climb down
a ladder to the operating floor level of the chamber. This defeated
the purpose of the emergency mechanism installed.

Cecil Brown and James Cox of the Folsom Operations
Field Branch, Central Valley Project, designed and installed ex-
tensions which provided greater convenience and safety in the
operation of the fixed wheel control valves. The extension pro-
vided for control of the valves from the same location as the
closing mechanism as shown in the photograph below and consists
of steel rods, angle gears anda slotted sleeve. The latter slips
over the valve to be remotely controlled.

aN

pe thant
BEN NeweNos
Puan

The handles marked, 4, 10 and 12 shown immediately
under the deck plate in the above photograph are connected with and
operate the valves of corresponding numbers in the gate chamber.
The arrangement and method of mounting the control handles, ex-
tension rods and angle gears directly above the originally installed
control valves are shown in the photograph at left on the following
page. In the photograph at right on the following page additional
detail of the angle gear mounting is shown, as well as the notched
sleeve attached to the end of the extension rods, which slips over
the originally installed valve.


AN OIL STOPPER
(Suggestion R1-59-219)

An idea of Mark E. Spanogle, Head of the Maintenance
Section of the Palisades Field Branch, Palisades Project, Idaho, pro-
vides for removal of cracked and leaking oil valves on transformers
without lengthy service interruptions. Time and labor is cut from
days to minutes by not having to drain and filter the oil and the cost
of the tool used is less than $10.00. The "Oil Stopper" as the device
has been labeled by Mr. Spanogle, for changing valves on electrical
units in service, is shown in the sketch below.

Ve wut

ASSEMBLED UNIT \L st sponce

RUBBER Bait

T

--2¥e" FLAT WASHER

Kye" PIPE
r ~ WELDED To pire

WA" WeXnUT
WELDED TO PIPE -~ MAIN BODY

+

fosoooonoooongol i
WUVe" GOLD ROLLED STEEL ROD =o

CENTER ROD Cwexnut a 2%"

FLAT WASHER
WELDED To
ROD

_ TANK WALL

The tool was first used to remove a badly cracked and leak-
ing 3" gate valve on a substation transformer in 1957. In 1959 it was
used on another substation transformer and proved very successful
both times. The "Oil Stopper", as shown above is made of 1/2-inch
pipe, 1/2-inch cold rolled steel, several different size nuts and a 3-
inch sponge rubber ball. The latter can be purchased at any dime or
variety store. The size may be altered to fit the job by purchasing a

12


PUSH RAKE FOR DRY WEEDS
(Suggestion R1-58-182)

In the winter and early spring, tumble weeds create quite
a maintenance problem on the Columbia Basin Project, Washington.
The weeds which have blown into canals, accumulate around and under
bridges and other structures. Removal of the weeds by burning in
place is hazardous. Equally hazardous is an accidental fire which can
easily start in the accumulated mass. If the weeds are to be burned,
they must be moved a safe distance from the structures.

A push rake was designed and constructed by Gustav E.
Becker and Joseph E. Gabardi, of the Royal Field Branch of the
Irrigation Division, which permitted clearing and moving the accumu-
lated weeds a safe distance from the structures at approximately 10
percent of the cost of hand work.

A prefabricated rack, as shown above, was bolted to the top
of a dozer blade by overlapping the vertical posts of the rack to the
outside edge of the dozer blade. The rack consists of 5/16- by 3- by

14


OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES

Release No. 30

October, November ana December - 1959

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin, published quarterly, is circulated for the bene-
fit of irrigation project operation and maintenance people. Its prin-
cipal purpose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and
maintenance information. It is hoped that the labor-saving devices
or less costly equipment developed by the resourceful water users
will be a step toward commercial development of equipment for use
on irrigation projects in a continued effort to reduce costs and in-
crease operating efficiency.

To assure proper recognition of those individuals whose
suggestions are published in this and subsequent bulletins, the
suggestion number as well as the person's name is given. All
Bureau offices are reminded to notify their Suggestions Awards
Committee when a suggestion is adopted.

RR KORE

Division of Irrigation Operations
Commissioner's Office
Denver, Colorado



Cover - Pipe threader operates large valves on

the South Coast Conduit, Cachuma Project,
California.


REPLACE ELBOW.
WITH TEE AND PLUG

|

i
i

INSTALL om_t
VALVE

REPLACE ELBOWS
WITH TEES AND
PLUGS.

INSTALL GAT
VALVE

REVISED BEARING COOLING PIPING
VOLUTE PUMPS
YAKIMA PROJECT- ROZA DIVISION RI-S6-157

10



different size ball and changing the size washers used in compressing
the ball.

In using the Oil Stopper to change a flanged gate valve, a
3- to 6-inch pipe nipple should be added to the outside flange. The
ball can be placed in the nipple and expanded by holding the main body
hexagonal nut with one wrench and tightening the center rod with
another. After the first seal is made the gate valve may be opened to
the full opened position, the center rod loosened until the ball can be
forced through the valve opening into the welded nipple in the tank.

Care should be taken not to go beyond the opening into the
tank, or the ball will have to be withdrawn back into the nipple. This
may be avoided by making a stop in the field and controlling the travel
of the ball. Measure the distance from the first sealing position to
the second position. Cut a wood stop that will fit between the valve
flange and the 1-1/4-inch nut on the main body. After the second seal
is complete and the ball compressed tight enough so that it can not be
moved outwardly by pulling on the main body, the damaged valve may
be removed.

The new valve can then be installed and the ball released and
withdrawn in the reverse manner described for placing the ball into
position. Again care must be taken not to pull the ball completely out
of the outside nipple. This too may be avoided with some type of
mechanical stop.

OR OK OK

POWER CROSSCUT SAW GUARD

Even when not in operation, power crosscut saws make very
dangerous weapons. Not only that, it isn't too difficult to damage the
chain teeth or the steel extension plate on which the chain rides. Jack
C. Raftery, Assistant Chief Ranger, Crater Lake National Park, uses
a simple cover to prevent personal injury from these saws and at the
same time provides a degree of protection for the saw itself.

The protective cover, described in Grist, a publication
issued by the National Conference on State Parks in cooperation with
the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior, consists
of a piece of discarded 1-1/2-inch cotton jacketed rubber lined fire
hose long enough to go around the exposed chain. Mr. Raftery slits
the hose its entire length along one of the creases and then, in dead
center of its length, he cuts a V-notch. The notch will permit a custom
fit at the outer end of the blade. The guard is held in a wrap-around
position with two rubber bands cut from a discarded inner tube.

For the 2-man type of power saw, a similar cover can be
provided, except two lengths of hose long enough to cover the exposed
teeth, both top and bottom, are used. There is no need to go around
the outer handle. This cover also can be held in place by inner tube
rubber bands.

2K RK
13