For the lurkers PLEASE speak up, this forum is for everyone and I for one don't know everything and god help me if I have come off like I do because I don't
A question that has been on my mind a lot from the 4th patrol of the Silversides:
"Thus with a dangling torpedo with war head attached, a fuel and air leak, an explosion in a main generator and Cream of Wheat in the main induction, all within two hours time, it was decided to leave the area two days ahead of schedule unless leaks can be stopped."
In my numerous trips to subs, I have looked around for how this “box of breakfast food” could get lodged under the bell crank lever of the main induction valve. I even asked at the Silversides, but I think my question wasn’t clear enough due to my distraction of the sounds from the cooling engine.
My only guess is the huge valve in the overhead… but I’m drawing a blank as to how such a substantial lever could be stopped by a cardboard box… well… ok, yes – it needs to be completely seated to close… however (and this is starting to feel like a dumb question due to recently reading), don’t these valves close via hydraulic power?
Forgive the ignorance – I’m better with some things visually…
Update:
Since no one ever answered the last two questions, I'll take a stab at it. You asked for "main induction valves". I see two in the diagram that you posted. There are several induction valves, but only two "main induction valves". There is one in each of the engine rooms. There is a lever next to each one attached to the overhead that operates the valves open and shut.
Ok... Like I said before, there's a LOT of good information here... It just takes some time to get to.