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

Hi Hundojoe,

Here are some checks.

I have not tried running on lighter fuel but i think i remember other folks saying they use this.  I know they run fine on regular petrol or Coleman fuel, maybe try some petrol as a test?

Does it spin freely or feel stiff?  these need some oil in the fuel and bearings & piston lubricated. As there is very little power stiffness may stop it gathering enough momentum to run.

Is there compression?  If poor compression, check exhaust valve has some clearence between valve and rocker when closed, also it is quite common for some particles to get stuck in the valve seats and hold the valves open a little, sometimes flicking the valves open with your finger can free it.

Ignition should be timed to spark at TDC

Exhaust valve should just close at TDC before the inlet stroke

Hope this helps
Ade