Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Notes on the Tank's water pumping. 

It's seal was also bad and most of the water would pump up / out of the shaft.  I tried various sizes of O-rings but the seal ended up being a bit of my Silicone ZerksPlus High Temp Silicone Tubing 3/16" ID x 1/4" OD - pretty much the length of what I used in my sight glass for my No.32.  I did leave a 3mmx1 on first, rather I left it on from my previous tries.  Then I put a bit of teflon tape on the threads.  I think it is also important not to get the set nut on to tight.

I did take the pump off the tank but the check valve spring & ball (brass I think) was in great shape.  I cleaned inside the valve area a little bit but it wasn't nasty at all.  I didn't undo the shaft / pump lines, not sure if there is anything inside but I saw no reason to disassemble any further.

I only get a few drips from the shaft now and I keep the shaft lubed with my silicone grease pen.  When I was testing pumping water into the tank, after about two shot glasses it stop moving water.  I thought well, that didn't last long!  Then until I realized I had built up pressure in the tank (because the throttle was closed tight).  I bumped the whistle lever and it very faint whistle came out.   After that I was able to pump water into the tank again :-)