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Author Topic: Empire B30 first run  (Read 2671 times)

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Empire B30 first run
« on: September 04, 2020, 07:39:42 am »
I got my new/old Empire engine yesterday. Couldn't wait to get it running. It heated up and almost started on it's own! Anyway it leaks and it smells funky and I love it. The weekend will be devoted to renovation and restoration. Any and ALL comments, advice, input, or recommendations are appreciated. That's why I'm here.



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I don't feel like an old man, I feel like a young man with something wrong.

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #1 on: September 04, 2020, 11:56:59 am »
AWESOME!! I bet you’re hooked now  ;D

Apart from replacing gaskets, you should find a variac or make your own to reduce the voltage and get slow speed/long runs.

You will have to find some Empire accessories to belt up to it now  ;)
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Nick

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #2 on: September 04, 2020, 02:55:30 pm »
Good Show.

  Please be warned.....do not allow water to seep down
the sides of the boiler.  If you do it will reach the
burner element under the boiler, rot/rust it out, and
then burn it out.  Both my Empire horizontal engines
had ruined/burned heaters, one my fault.  I put sealed
cartridge heaters in place, and now, anxiety-free steaming.

Have fun,
Wayne
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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2020, 03:09:35 pm »
Nice solid running B30 there, and even an early one of those, carrying that solid flywheel.

Very nice show, thanks for sharing  :)
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Jan
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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2020, 03:15:17 pm »
Quote from: classixs on September 04, 2020, 03:09:35 pm
Nice solid running B30 there, and even an early one of those, carrying that solid flywheel.

I think they look better with that solid flywheel  8)  Have it’s vertical brother here with a “Quality Brand” badge.
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Nick

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2020, 05:21:11 pm »
Very mice B30 there. Keep the resto to a minimum & retain that excellent patina.
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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2020, 05:41:10 pm »
Quote from: Steam Technology on September 04, 2020, 05:21:11 pm
Very mice B30 there. Keep the resto to a minimum & retain that excellent patina.

This was a question I was going to ask. I've seen so many wonderful restorations/re-paints, I just thought it was the thing to do. A friend that runs full size steam told me not to do much, just clean and repair. What is the standard procedure?
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I don't feel like an old man, I feel like a young man with something wrong.

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2020, 05:47:52 pm »
Quote from: komet163b on September 04, 2020, 02:55:30 pm
...I put sealed
cartridge heaters in place, and now, anxiety-free steaming.

Have fun,
Wayne

I'd like to know more about these heaters.
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I don't feel like an old man, I feel like a young man with something wrong.

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2020, 05:49:24 pm »
Quote from: WillieBeard on September 04, 2020, 05:41:10 pm
Quote from: Steam Technology on September 04, 2020, 05:21:11 pm
Very mice B30 there. Keep the resto to a minimum & retain that excellent patina.

This was a question I was going to ask. I've seen so many wonderful restorations/re-paints, I just thought it was the thing to do. A friend that runs full size steam told me not to do much, just clean and repair. What is the standard procedure?

Empires are more often restored being they are so easy to color match and simple to restore. If you are undecided, keep it as is for now as it can always be restored in the future, but only original once.

A product many of us use is Ballistol, simply dry the engine down after a run and wipe it on. It can be ordered online as a spray bottle or aerosol, I prefer the first and pour a little on a rag. It will protect/feed the paint and keep away any future rust. I have also bought it at GunStop, their address is 14704 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345 (always test Ballistol before applying all over... had it remove some paint from an old accessory one time... other than that I love it)

As for polishing, I prefer Maas, cheap and available at many Wal-Marts and Ace Hardwares. It’s located by the mops and other cleaning supplies near the groceries at Wal-Mart.

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Nick

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2020, 05:54:16 pm »
Quote from: WillieBeard on September 04, 2020, 05:41:10 pm
A friend that runs full size steam told me not to do much, just clean and repair.
Gotta ask, does your friend belong to any of the area clubs? Does he have any engines?
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Nick

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2020, 06:36:31 pm »
Quote from: Nick on September 04, 2020, 05:54:16 pm
Quote from: WillieBeard on September 04, 2020, 05:41:10 pm
A friend that runs full size steam told me not to do much, just clean and repair.
Gotta ask, does your friend belong to any of the area clubs? Does he have any engines?

He belongs to the WMSTR (cancelled this year). I know he has a big 10x18 National Transit (Klien) and an Otto 40-50. Beyond that I don't know. He's been in it since '68 when his dad got the bug.
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I don't feel like an old man, I feel like a young man with something wrong.

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2020, 07:14:23 pm »
Willie.....be careful........these things are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE  :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #12 on: September 04, 2020, 07:17:29 pm »
Quote from: WillieBeard on September 04, 2020, 06:36:31 pm
Quote from: Nick on September 04, 2020, 05:54:16 pm
Quote from: WillieBeard on September 04, 2020, 05:41:10 pm
A friend that runs full size steam told me not to do much, just clean and repair.
Gotta ask, does your friend belong to any of the area clubs? Does he have any engines?

He belongs to the WMSTR (cancelled this year). I know he has a big 10x18 National Transit (Klien) and an Otto 40-50. Beyond that I don't know. He's been in it since '68 when his dad got the bug.

Yep, I usually make it to Rollag every couple years... Tell him to come down to Charles City, IA this weekend, that’s where I’ll be, shorter drive too!
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Nick

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Re: Empire B30 first run
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2020, 10:05:02 am »
  A question was put forward re the cartridge heaters.
I purchased mine on EBAY.  They come in various
wattages, voltages, lengths, and widths.  Just a
tube w/two wires coming out.  Figure the cartridge
that is right for you (wattage/dimensions), but most
importantly, you MUST place some steel strips to either
side of the cartridge to help the heat to 'get out' of the
cartridge.  I put two 3/16" thick bars the on each side
and they work well to help pass the heat to the boiler.
If you do not do this, the cart will go incandescent in
a few minutes and then burn out.  As for me, I used
wattages lower than the original heater - 200watts.
While the engine will never win a race, it runs real
well and is probably impossible to burn out.  I've used
this arrangement on two Empires and an Elektro and
they all heat well.  The Elektro, unfortunately, has a
loose slide valve (worn valve-seat, poor design) that
will not hold pressure and steam leaks out.  Pondering
on that one too, but it does heat really well.

Good Luck,
Wayne
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