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

  Thanks for the pictures and encouragement.
I tried CLR and I do not think it made any
difference.  I could pull the rod in and out
about 2mm, so I just kept pulling and fussing
to get it to a 4mm stroke, then a rest and more
of the same to about a 7mm stroke.  Not leaving
any stone unturned, it is now soaking in 30%
vinegar.  Twenty minutes didn't seem to do any
damage, so I'll check it again at an hour.  Then
more of the fussing.  Resistance is futile!  I
will prevail over this uncooperative Empire pump!

  I did discover that there is a second ball check
valve in the top portion of the lower tube.  That
one is working well.

Wayne