I completed the model last weekend. Using solid-fuel tablets and distilled water, I heated the water until the pressure gauge reached maximum indicated pressure. I opened the steam valve and pushed the flywheel to start the engine. It attempted to run but would not continue, acting as though it was not getting sufficient steam pressure. I closed the steam valve, waited a few minutes, and repeated the start procedure. I received the same results. Does anyone have any idea why it will not run? Everything is oiled and turns freely.
Thank you…
Blockage in the steam line?
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I have this engine and have had a lot of fun with it from building it to running it.
I've used a multitude of fuels to bring the water to boil in the boiler, though solid fuel tabs not being one of them.
Is there enough build-up of steam that the safety valve is lifting and steam emitting from it?
Sorry for your trouble.....been there myself.
Now...to beat it into submission...
Did you check for steampipe blockages as suggested?
If none were found, then...
Is the slide valve set properly? If the timing
is off it will not work regardless of the pressure.
That is my best bet, unless there is some manufacturing
flaw that slipped through product inspection. Doesn't
seem to be a design flaw.
I'll be building mine soon,
Wayne
I did take the valve/oilier off and could blow air through it. I'm not sure if that is indicative of a valve with free flowing air???
Please help me out, I'm new to the steam business and I'm not familiar with the "slide valve set properly" you are referring to.
I had watched a YouTube video regarding the cotton substance in the fire chamber and discarded it. I have purchased 99% Isopropyl Alcohol as a fuel for the engine, however I'm unsure how to effectively burn it to achieve maximum heat.
No, I have not yet had sufficient pressure to lift the safety valve. I guess I was reluctant to try that.
Thank you all for your replays and suggestions and am looking forward to getting this very nice looking machine running.
Charles
Thank you very much, I'll give it a try this evening.
Charles
The hand sanitizer works very well and the boiler reached full pressure quickly. I did wait until the pressure relief valve began to spit, opened the steam valve and gave the flywheel a spin. It's still wants to run but fails to maintain momentum. I'm satisfied an adjustment is needed, I just don't know what that is.
Thank you all for your advice.
Charles
Charles, take all the connections apart again and just double check that one of those very small white O rings isn't folded over or somehow blocking the steam flow.
It's a shame you are having a problem, it's the first I've read of a problem like this with the SE-03.