There is something I did not consider. Cast will fracture [I am picturing like glass] when exposed to rapid changes in temperature. Interesting. Thanks for your insight
I am not sure. I came upon this thought while thinking about positioning the cylinders in the exhaust stream to help keep them up to temperature. Doing so would perhaps aid in the need for less robust lagging. That led me to, why not heat the cylinders directly and use them to flash the system...
I am working on a model steam engine and was considering building a flash boiler. Question arose in my mind, why not heat the cylinders and flash to steam inside them? I am sure someone has thought of this before, but I cannot seem to find any discussions on the subject. The cylinders and...
Methusalah was a whipper snapper. I turned out the new pistons today, I made them from cast this time [ it was in the scrap bin] so far, I am liking the results. Waiting on the graphite packing to arrive to turn out the rod seal seats and nuts. I am still pondering the valve setup and whether to...
Well, it looks like you have talked me into changing to the labyrinth seals. I will also try the hacksaw blade tooling that was mentioned. Always game to learn something new. [Even at my age]
Thanks for all the information. It just so happens that the cylinders I am utilizing are hydraulic brake cylinders. The last model I made had no rings, cast cylinders and brass pistons. It was a much smaller model and was built just as a learning experience. I will try this with the Vitron...
This build is almost completely scratch built. The cylinders are repurposed from parts of a vintage backhoe that I own. Hardwar will be store bought for the most part. It is to be used in a radio-controlled sternwheeler approximately 7feet in length. This is not my first scratch build motor nor...
I believe I bought that very package [although a different size] from a local ACE hardware store. I tried using it on a previous build but had some issues with it. After cutting the material, and stuffing the gland, I applied a drop of 3+1 oil to the shaft. [figuring it would be exposed to the...
I am working on a 2-cylinder steam engine build. both cylinders are double acting. Stationary cylinders with crossheads. The bore of the cylinders is 1.250 inch, and the stroke is 2 inches. I am looking for a source to get some packing for the connecting rod fitting and to use on the valve...
Thanks for the info. I will need to grind a tool, [like a parting tool] to cut this. Would there be any advantage to making the groove with a rounded bottom to match the O-ring? I think I remember reading somewhere that a O-ring has to have some lateral movement to work properly. I do not think...
Thanks again, I bought some Vitron O-rings, but now I am looking for a chart or calculator to determine the groove dimensions in the pistons. Any leads on one?
Thank you for the reply. I will do some research on Viton O-rings. As I think this over another piston questions came to me. Is there a formula, or ratio for the thickness of a piston? My last engine was a smaller wobbler type, and I did not give this topic much thought. This engine will have...