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

Heya all, while attempting to run this engine recently I noticed my whole water system was starting to rust. Naturally galvanic corrosion is working quick in these engines, even if you are using DI water. What it looks to have killed was the inside bearing of the water pump, and then spread little ball bearings through the water system (that all turned to rust) one plugged my radiator exit so no water was flowing, so I am glad it had a separate ignition issue that got me looking it all over.

Not sure how I will keep the bearings from corroding, or if I should just plan to drain it every time. Might try to get some heavy grease and an oring

You know you are totally right! My only fear would be the pump having too much resistance for the oring drive belt, but that can be fixed.

To avoid rust in the cooling system, I filled all of my liquid-cooled engines with Glysantin antifreeze. In addition to stainless ball bearings, there are also ceramic ball bearings, which are a bit more expensive.

Ended up ordering 2 of:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLhbId8 they delivered quick and you only really need 1 for the water facing bearing. I got a second as a spare, but with how quick these shipped and delivered I don't think it was really necessary. Will be throwing it in someday soon.

...

What size did you order?
I will likely need to do the same.

Gil

You will want the 3x6x2.5