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

Howdy from Brooklyn NY,

  About a year ago I bought a complete PM1 setup - vertical boiler,
water ram, and engine.  It runs but only for a couple minutes on
the steam supplied.  Creating the steam is not a problem and there
ought to be enough for a much longer run.  I used to think it was
too much engine for the boiler, but now I'm sure the engine is a bit
tight.

  The engine seems a bit stiff, so I isolated the crankshaft and that
turns easily.  The connecting rod big-end is also ok.  The valve linkage
is smooth.  The piston rod guides are ok.  That leaves it to something
I can't see and must be in the cylinder.

  So, when turning the flywheel SLOWLY a bit one way then the other
you can feel.....well, it reminds me of rubber catching and letting go
in tiny increments.  This was seconded by an experienced mechanic.
I should mention that the ram had 3 O-rings on it when the plan calls
for 1, so the builder was a 'more is better builder'. 

  I have the plans in hand and am ready to pop the cylinder-head to see
what is going on.  Will I be able to see the ring when the piston is at TDC?
At least rubber is black and TEFLON is white so it is easy to tell them
apart.

  Yours sounded like a nightmare - unfixable by me but it sounds like
you beat it into submission.  What is the least pressure yours needs
to run? 

  I've added a photo or two for good luck,
Wayne