I am working on this model steam engine I picked up a while ago. Today was the first time I actually tried to run it on steam after successfully running it on air a while ago. I had expected there would be a valve to open in order to pump more water into the boiler, but the fitting going into the boiler did not have one so then I thought that maybe it was a one way flow valve so I pumped the water to the 3/4 way up the sight glass and fired it up. As the water heated there was some slight leakage at green fittings around the sight glass and a couple other fittings. I left the sight glass alone, tightened a couple of the fittings but before I got enough pressure to run the engine I noticed that the handle on the boiler pump had pushed back and there was nothing preventing the boiler pressure from back feeding the pump. I am suspecting that I need to take the valve apart and clean it. I am attaching 3 pictures, one of the boiler feed valve, one of the pump and one of the engine. Thank you for any help or thoughts on this.
Hi Ken,
I think you've assessed the situation correctly. While I'm not familiar with that specific check valve ("clack valve" in the UK), there should be a ball which needs to seat correctly within.
Also, if the pump piston is being forced back, you have the same situation with the pump's discharge valve. Should take a look at that one too.
Paula
Thank you for the response. I took it apart and There is a small steel ball and it seems quite dirty so I am going to clean it up and get a small brush to clean the valve out.