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

Hello s3bolt, I have the same D405/1 and mine does not rub but does make the clang ringing sound and I hope to improve this in the future! You may be able to improve your setup by adjusting the engine bolts, they are slotted. Do make sure your gear mesh is good before running. I will have another look at mine to see what could be done.
  Also if you would like to avoid the cost and aroma of Esbit, you Can run your engine on fuel gel, there are many types. I have some used to start pellet stoves and charcoal grills. It is Mostly Alcohol with a thickening agent and I can only smell faint steam oil aroma when I run fuel gel. It's a good idea to line your fire tray with Aluminum foil as the gel is thin enough to oze out the holes. I can post a photo of the brand fire gel I am using. Do let us know if you get her quieted down.