Cedge
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2007
- Messages
- 1,730
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The Elbow project nears completion. I managed to run it, after a fashion, this past weekend. Until I upgrade to a higher volume air compressor, things were about as good as they are likely to be. The small tank on my compressor simply won't keep up with the unsealed system of the air hungry elbow engine, beyond a few revoultions. Then it stops and I have to wait on the tank to refill. again.
The compressor is prone to moisture, even with a water trap, and the Elbow is definitely not water friendly, by any stretch of the imagination. The routine became a bit tiring. Run the engine for a few revolutions, unplug the airline and wait, then try to drain any line moisture before plugging air back in. If I missed, then it was WD40 to remove moisture, re-oil the engine and try again. My son-in-law is about to inherit a small 5 gallon capacity air compressor as I go in search of an economical replacement with a bit more reserve capability.
Bottom line...
This one has been one of the most enjoyable and educational projects I've had in the 3 years since buying my machines.
I would not recommend an elbow engine as a first project engine to anyone, but with a few easier projects under the belt, it would make for an excellent challenge.
I won't hesitate to alter plans in the future, having assured myself that the math doesn't lie, as long as you have all the required numbers plugged in.
If fumbled fingers like mine managed to build a workable engine, the more experienced hands I've seen on this board will certainly be even more successful.
Here are a couple of current photos of the engine(still no video capability here) , before it undergoes extensive hand polishing and the addition of a wood base surrounding the aluminum base. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it, but I'll have to admit I might have been premature to go after a project where the plans were junked coming right out of the gate. Admittedly, I'd still do it all the same way again...LOL
Steve
The compressor is prone to moisture, even with a water trap, and the Elbow is definitely not water friendly, by any stretch of the imagination. The routine became a bit tiring. Run the engine for a few revolutions, unplug the airline and wait, then try to drain any line moisture before plugging air back in. If I missed, then it was WD40 to remove moisture, re-oil the engine and try again. My son-in-law is about to inherit a small 5 gallon capacity air compressor as I go in search of an economical replacement with a bit more reserve capability.
Bottom line...
This one has been one of the most enjoyable and educational projects I've had in the 3 years since buying my machines.
I would not recommend an elbow engine as a first project engine to anyone, but with a few easier projects under the belt, it would make for an excellent challenge.
I won't hesitate to alter plans in the future, having assured myself that the math doesn't lie, as long as you have all the required numbers plugged in.
If fumbled fingers like mine managed to build a workable engine, the more experienced hands I've seen on this board will certainly be even more successful.
Here are a couple of current photos of the engine(still no video capability here) , before it undergoes extensive hand polishing and the addition of a wood base surrounding the aluminum base. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it, but I'll have to admit I might have been premature to go after a project where the plans were junked coming right out of the gate. Admittedly, I'd still do it all the same way again...LOL
Steve