Need help with Coles Corliss

[Wayne j]

I bought a Coles Corliss engine on the weekend. Prior to this my only experience was with building Stuart type engines. The Corliss valve gear is quite different and I’m having problems wrapping my head around how it works. The covers on the back side of the valves are missing and I really have no idea how to set the timing. I really need the original plans for this engine and any info available on setting of the timing if anyone has them. Someone sent me some instructions for setting the valves but I can’t also figure out how to move the eccentrics on the crankshaft. Really happy to have found one of my “bucket list” engines. Just need to figure out how to get it running as I don’t think it has ever run. Thanks for any help!

Wayne

Here are some pictures with a Stuart 9 for size comparison.

 

[steamin]

I bought a Coles Corliss engine on the weekend. Prior to this my only experience was with building Stuart type engines. The Corliss valve gear is quite different and I’m having problems wrapping my head around how it works. The covers on the back side of the valves are missing and I really have no idea how to set the timing. I really need the original plans for this engine and any info available on setting of the timing if anyone has them. Someone sent me some instructions for setting the valves but I can’t also figure out how to move the eccentrics on the crankshaft. Really happy to have found one of my “bucket list” engines. Just need to figure out how to get it running as I don’t think it has ever run. Thanks for any help!

Wayne

Here are some pictures with a Stuart 9 for size comparison.

Hi Wayne, I do believe I have what you are asking for. I have a complete set of drawings and timing instructions For the Cole’s Corliss engine. I will be out of town until the 8th of March. I will get back to you when I get back home. Larry

 

[Wayne j]

Oh wow thanks Larry that would be fantastic. I would really appreciate that.

wayne

 

[plipoma]

Larry, I've built the Coles Corliss and have it running. I didn't have a procedure on setting the valve linkages and valve timing and am in the process of developing/documenting the procedure I developed and used. I also, would like to see or have a copy of the timing procedure you have. Maybe simpler than what I used.
Thx., P.

 

[steamin]

Larry, I've built the Coles Corliss and have it running. I didn't have a procedure on setting the valve linkages and valve timing and am in the process of developing/documenting the procedure I developed and used. I also, would like to see or have a copy of the timing procedure you have. Maybe simpler than what I used.
Thx., P.

I will be glad to send you a copy.. PM me with an address and I will send out towards the end of th week.. I am out of town right now.. Larry

 

[plipoma]

[email protected]
Thx., P.

 

[steamin]

Oh wow thanks Larry that would be fantastic. I would really appreciate that.

wayne

Hi Wayne, here is what I have. I have many large sheets of drawings, I have the construction articles that ran in the early 90’s of “Live Steam” magazine that consist of 80 page of single sided 8-1/2 x 11 sheets of paper. Then there is 7 pages of single sided 8-12 x 11 that has the timing instructions, history and other information. What would you like to have copies of ?? Please note that the construction articles has all the necessary drawings for making the Corliss..

 

[Wayne j]

Hi Larry, I could really use all of that if it’s not too much trouble but I do understand that is a lot of work to copy. Will you send them electronically or paper copies? Thanks again very much!!

wayne

 

[plipoma]

Larry,
I'm only interested in the 7 pages that you said discuss the timing of the valves. Earlier I posted my e-address, is it possible to email them or do you need my street address.
Thanks,
Phil

 

[Richard Hed]

Hi Larry, I could really use all of that if it’s not too much trouble but I do understand that is a lot of work to copy. Will you send them electronically or paper copies? Thanks again very much!!

wayne

I too would like an electronic copy

 

[steamin]

Hi gentlemen, sorry for dragging my feet on the info you are seeking. Been pretty sick the last few days. I will get a cost estimate together for you on the copy work an postage.

 

[steamin]

Ok, here is a cost break down for the copy wok.
10 sheets 36”x48”. $60.00
40 pages 8-1/2”x11” printed double sided. $14.00
shipping and handling. $20.00.
The 10 sheets will be folded and put into a Priority Mail envelope with the printed pages unless other wise specified. There would be an extra charge for a mailing tube and postage. Just let me know what you would like Me to do for you. Larry

 

[Wayne j]

Thanks Larry. Sorry for the late reply as I was away for the week. Let me know how to send you the money and I will get it to you. I’m in Canada so shipping may be a couple dollars more. Thanks.

wayne

 

[Wayne j]

Hi Larry let me know how to do this. I really would like to get this thing running. If sending to Canada is a issue you can send to my parents in Florida. They are coming home next month. Thanks again.

wayne

 

[steamin]

Hi Wayne, send me an email at [email protected] and I will give you the details on how to do this for you.

 

[LaFrance4]

Hi Wayne, send me an email at [email protected] and I will give you the details on how to do this for you.

Hi Wayne, I have your copies in hand. I have a question about them. Please email me at:
[email protected]
Thank you. I have not been able to get into the preview email account. Long story !!

 

[dsenechal57]

Larry, I've built the Coles Corliss and have it running. I didn't have a procedure on setting the valve linkages and valve timing and am in the process of developing/documenting the procedure I developed and used. I also, would like to see or have a copy of the timing procedure you have. Maybe simpler than what I used.
Thx., P.

Hi. I posted separately elsewhere, but saw your post. I recently bought the engine that Wayne (above) was trying to get running a couple of years ago. Obviously, he was unsuccessful. I've been fiddling with it, and believe I have the valves set correctly, but it won't run. I cannot see a reason why, so obviously, I'm doing wrong. Since you HAVE been successful, I would welcome any guidance that you could provide - maybe send pictures of what I have or even talk via telephone. Appreciate hearing from you. Dave

 

[LaFrance4]

Hello, first, I have not completed the Corliss Engine. My father gave me the drawings and castings. He had finished the governor and was very aggravated with himself that it was taking many redo’s on the pieces. He failed to realize that he was 81 years old and not as sharp as he use to be. I have started the main frame and cylinder block. Then I realized I need to finish my LaFrance project.
Anyway, back to your. request. I have two sources for timing the Corliss. The 4 sheets that came with the drawings and a sheet that was part of a magazine article. I can take a picture of each sheet and email them to you. They will be in a jpg file format. Send me a pm with your email address and I will be glad to share what I have. Larry