Running under Steam

Hi,

Just thought should share a couple of issues I had after running my engine under steam which had not shown up when running on air.

I fired my engine for the second time today and had a problem with the water pump. It will not keep up with the water needed to refill the boiler. Works ok below 15 psi but as the steam pressure rises less water is pumped in so I had to shut down as soon as I got a decent fire going. The problems is water is leaking out the return to tank port as the pressure rises. If I block the return to tank I get good pressure on the feed side. Appears to be the on/off valve leaking.

The second problem I had was the cylinder lubricator not pumping oil when things get hot. I think it is the one-way valve letting steam in with the oil causing an air lock. I have adjusted the valve hopefully it will work ok next time.

General the engine runs very well, very smooth although I haven't been able to get a good head of steam as yet because of the water pump. I am going to call STW tomorrow regarding the pump.

I must admit getting/keeping the fire going is a challenge at the moment

Phil

Are you using a chimney extension? I had trouble getting my 4" going and the longer chimney creates considerably more draft. I believe for 2" it is better to use a blower.

Alan,

Oh yes, I tried and 12" cardboard tube, no much help. So I tried a 3'6" tube that was better but in the end I had to resort to the blower with 24 volts go get a very nice draft. That worked well and got the fire going nicely only to have to shutdown due to lack of water.

Phil

Your water pump issue sounds as though its the bypass valve leaking as you say. I believe this is a taper cock valve? so may need bedding in. Does it not have an injector? You should have enough water in the boiler from first fill to raise more than enough steam to be able to use it.

As for the lubricator, did you prime the pipework when fitting it? Has the tank filled with water and blown all the oil out of the top? This would indicate steam leaking back. A strip and clean of the oil clack may be all that is required.

Thanks for your reply.

I checked the bypass valve and it apears to be a straight shank. It has a rubber "o" ring to stop water leaking out the end but i must admit I can see how it can seal properly in the case. I have been having trouble contacting STW, not replying to emails and I think the phones asre out again today.

I know what you mean I should using the injector but I am still having beginners problems lighting the fire and when I do get steam up getting the injector to work is a bit of a knack. By then I'm running out of water.

Phil

Hi Phil, I don't know if you missed it. Lynn at STW gave a pretty good account about the injector system in reply to my post about injector valve and injector a couple of weeks ago. If thats any help.
Mike

Sorry

Steam Traction World is having problems with phones again. BT has been called.

I have replied again to your email about the water pump and request it returned so I can figure out the root cause of the problem as it is a very simple item with 2 ball valves, a piston and effectively a gate valve.

Mike,
I'll have a look at that, thanks.

Lynn,
I have removed and boxed up the pump. Will post on Tuesday.
Many thanks for your replies.

Phil