Dead Centre - Steam Engine

Steam Engine

As steam engines are commonly horizontal, the relevant terms are front dead centre and back dead centre rather than "top" and "bottom".

If a single-cylinder steam engine stops in either of the dead centre positions it must be moved off the dead centre before it will re-start. In small engines this is done by turning the flywheel by hand. In large engines the flywheel is moved with a lever or "turning bar". Both operations must be done with care to avoid the operator becoming entangled in the machinery. Even larger engines might require the use of a barring engine.

Steam locomotives normally have two cylinders with the cranks set at right angles so one piston will always be off the dead centre and no starting assistance is required.