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

Hi,

That looks like a classic case of de-zinc caused by exposing BRASS bushes and fittings to hot steam and water.

The bushes and all fittings, or at least the threaded portions of fittings, should be made from BRONZE.

The only way you can remedy this is to drill out all the bushes and fit new ones made from BRONZE and silver braze them into position.

I would not recommend that you steam it whilst in current condition since if one of the bushes gives way under steam pressure you will get a rapid expansion and ejection of very hot scalding water, which can travel a lot further than you would imagine and could well injure someone.

Where are you located?... if you are in the UK I may be able to make you some new BRONZE bushes.

I hope this is of some help.

Sandy.