D-32 Wilesco Left Cylinder

• D-32 Wilesco Left Cylinder
  Posted by Trainmaster on 17 Feb, 2023 18:28
• The left cylinder on my 1965 D-32 has a problem.  The piston freed itself from the piston rod and knocked out the back cylinder plug. 
  
  The piston appears to be pressed onto the rod, and of course the back cylinder plug is simply pressed into the cylinder.  I pressed it all back together and after fifteen minutes the piston again separated from the rod. 
  
  Before I go and break something, does anyone have an idea for a permanent fix?  Though it's 13mm, the left piston and rod are entirely different from the right side engine's and from (it seems) everything else Wilesco makes.
  
  Thanks for all the help this forurm's writers have given me.
  
  - Eddie, New York
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by Stoker on 17 Feb, 2023 18:47
• If the piston is simply a press fit on the piston rod, I'd consider a drop of Loctite on the joint, after a thorough cleaning and de-greasing of the mating parts. A dab of JB Weld epoxy would likely do the job as well.
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by St Paul Steam on 17 Feb, 2023 20:25
• Quote from: Stoker on 17 Feb, 2023 18:47

  If the piston is simply a press fit on the piston rod, I'd consider a drop of Loctite on the joint, after a thorough cleaning and de-greasing of the mating parts. A dab of JB Weld epoxy would likely do the job as well.
  

  My thoughts exactly Daniel, good quality loctite should do it , as long as its cured properly
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 17 Feb, 2023 20:32
• Would either Loctite 603 or 638 be a good choice?
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by Weedensteam on 17 Feb, 2023 21:29
• Tight fit use 603
  
  Looser fit use 638
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by tenniV11 on 18 Feb, 2023 01:59
• Loctite 603 would do the job perfect (piston/rod)
  Cylinder plug press fit only.
  Good luck
  Arnold
  
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• #6 Reply
  Posted by Trainmaster on 18 Feb, 2023 06:58
• Thank you for the recommendations, Gentlemen.  I thought of soldering it, but I'm not sure if I can get the rod out as it's thinner than the swivel joint on the end.  That may be pressed on too?  I'll clean it up well and try the Loctite.
  
  Thank you!
  
  Here is a photo of the left and right cylinders of the D-32, from AceSteamworks.com 's great site. (Left one's on the left).
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• #7 Reply
  Posted by Trainmaster on 18 Mar, 2023 15:37
• The Loctite 603 did a perfect job of reattaching the piston to its rod. I cleaned the parts with alcohol and let the Loctite set overnight.  There was a drip stain on the part from how the parts were originally joined with some type of adhesive.
  
  The engine runs perfectly now.  Thank you for all the help. 
  
  - Eddie, New York.
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• #8 Reply
  Posted by St Paul Steam on 18 Mar, 2023 20:51
• Good to hear another one was saved.😊
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