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Author Topic: Dora fuel issues  (Read 878 times)

jerseysteam

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Dora fuel issues
« on: April 28, 2019, 12:23:26 pm »
My Dora runs well, but I'm having trouble fueling it consistently. Some days everything works fine. Other days it seems as if there is back pressure from the tank against the butane can adaptor nozzle. Fuel squirts back as if the tank is full, but it isn't. Sometimes it's still empty. I can then use the same can, adaptor and nozzle on a different loco (or multiple locos) and everything is fine. I've been through this routine multiple times. I've changed the Ronson valve several times and made sure there is nothing in the tank or fuel line. I've also let a little fuel escape through the loco fuel valve for a few seconds and then closing off before filling up. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

It seems as if the really Dora's small tank can't accommodate the pressure from the fueling system. I've used the same fuel for a year (Coleman). Nothing else has changed.

I'm not sure what to try next.

Thanks,
Dave

jerseysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2019, 12:25:48 pm »
...
Dave

jerseysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2019, 12:26:28 pm »
... sorry, kept quoting myself.  :-\
Dave

starfire

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2019, 01:36:22 pm »
I have had the same problem on my Telford have just changed Ronson valve which has sorted it but like you said you have changed it so no help sorry.

jerseysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2019, 05:35:06 pm »
I guess I'll take it all apart and change the valve again. Thanks.
Dave

starfire

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2019, 06:00:45 pm »
Worth a try the other thing I have had problems with is the gas can adapter, when I have had a problem filling tank I have tried a different one that came with another engine.

jkbixby

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2019, 07:41:59 pm »
I've got a similar problem with my Roundhouse SR&RL #24 - I solved it by using a different adapter that I bought from Forest Classics for a TE. That shouldn't make any difference as it works the same but it does so it is now specially marked and no problems.
Regards,
Larry

MrandMrsferrysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2019, 03:40:26 am »
I've had the same problem with different engines. It seems to be the adapter, probably slight variations in the construction of the Ronson valves.

                                                             Allan.
Helen and Allan of the Frog and Ferret railway.

Belugawhaleman

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2019, 05:01:05 pm »
I don't know if this will help but I always chill my butane tank before filling and it helps fill the tank
Better ( more full) than without chilling.
PAUL
Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.

KNO3

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2019, 06:13:41 pm »
Did you notice if the problems occur with variations in temperature? Cooling the gas tank might help. Don't hold it in your hand while filling, as this would heat it up.

jerseysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #10 on: May 02, 2019, 04:31:57 am »
Thanks for all of the replies! I prep Dora in my basement (consistent temp +/- a couple of degrees) and then bring it outside. I'll try chilling the tank to see if that helps.
Dave

MrandMrsferrysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2019, 07:33:35 am »
Try standing the gas  canister in warm water for a few min's before filling the gas tank on the engine.
Helen and Allan of the Frog and Ferret railway.

jerseysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2019, 08:08:40 am »
Try standing the gas  canister in warm water for a few min's before filling the gas tank on the engine.

Will do. Thanks.
Dave

jerseysteam

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #13 on: May 11, 2019, 10:37:30 am »
I did my bi-weekly inspection and reassembly. Works fine now. I wish it was more reliable as I wanted to use it with my 4th graders this week, but don't want to take a chance on it not working. Guess I have to bring the Bertie.
Dave

Chris Cairns

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Re: Dora fuel issues
« Reply #14 on: May 13, 2019, 02:39:18 pm »
Sounds like you may have the dodgy Accucraft gas filler valve fitted.

Accucraft UK had lots of problems with the Chinese sourced filler valves failing, so switched to a UK sourced filler valve (do not know if Accucraft USA also used them). These UK sourced filler valves suffered an even greater failure rate (over 75%) so they switched back to a Chinese sourced filler valve.

Unfortunately this was not widely discussed online at the time, so I ended up buying several of those faulty filler valves (with a nice removal tool) off the original manufacturer through eBay UK. I've had 2 of these faulty valves fail so far, and will continue to work through my remaining stock until they've gone.

The faulty valve style is the one in the middle, the one on the left has failed (the plunger dropped down with the bottom fitting & spring ending up in the gas tank. The one on the right is the current style sourced from an Accucraft UK service agent.

I have not run my pre-owned Dora much. I get about 8 - 10 mins on one fill of gas but do need to use a goodall valve to put in some water during a run so it does not boil dry. Unfortunately is loses pressure quite a bit with just a couple of pumps.

Chris Cairns

PS - Cannot seem to post an inline image?