Adjustable speed Stirling/Aluminum flywheel update:
I assembled it finger tight and no joy...from other posts They said the glass tube need to be tighter than finger tight but I did not want to put much torque on this little model. There is an o-ring in the bottom that should seal on the face but not quite getting deep enough and not wanting to damage in case have to return so I sealed that thead with Teflon tape...now it sort of trys but still no joy...back apart and looking it over I noticed my displacer was quite stiff before it would move...thought it should be free moving but never had a glass tube Stirling...put it all back togather and tried running but still no joy...left the fire burning and was head scratching and starting to think about what a hassle return shipping would be...suddenly hear a small "pop" and the displacer plunger moved about 3/16 of and inch!! Forgot I left the fire running for close to 2 min!!
Well, gave it a flick and off she goes!!
It appears my engine is set up slightly tight...the heat must be expanding the glass slightly or soften the o-rings or both....but the more I run it the better it gets, my speed valve is working better than most videos I have seen, can get down to around 80 RPM and top speed looks faster than 2500! All estimated at this time. I still am slightly miffed at the loss of brass flywheel...but this little engine is staying with me!
It's a joy to run, at certain speeds it makes nice engine noises, then other speeds it sounds like a fancy sewing machine....still faster yet and is starts to make sort of whizzing sound yet very quiet and smooth. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]