Rick wrote:

Nav wrote:

Often HP steam was bled to the LP cylinders to start big marine steam
engines? Do you do you do that on your tug?


Steam was admitted directly to the condenser via a "snifter valve" in
order to raise vacuum enough to allow smooth starting, never heard of
admitting drum pressure steam to the LP, it would sure jerk the poor
engine around.

Well it was bleed only. I looked and found this description:
http://www.johnforester.com/Maritime/SEB2.htm

"When the engineer needs to start the engine, and it won't start just by
opening the throttle valve, he can open either of these bypass valves to
let a little steam into the valve chests of the other cylinders just to
get the engine moving. Once it is turning, he then closes the bypass
valves to stop wasting high-pressure steam in the low-pressure cylinders. "

Cheers