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Author Topic: Weeden #3 first run after refurbish  (Read 183 times)

komet163b

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Weeden #3 first run after refurbish
« on: February 04, 2021, 03:55:04 pm »
Good afternoon from Brooklyn...Really good!

  I purchased a Weeden #3 from a seller on Ebay, a dirty non-runner.
The engine casting and S/V casting were loose and unsealed to the boiler.
An o-ring worked for the S/V and a custom flat washer was cut for the
engine casting.  JB RTV sealant was used as a sealant for both items.
I gave it 24hrs to cure.

  In addition, the inlet steam-port in the engine casting was blocked and
needed to be cleaned out.  I used a tiny drill and expected mineral dreck
to come out, but some casting metal bits came out and then there was a hole.
I think it may never have run properly.

  Finally, I polished the boiler as it really needed it.  The engine castings,
painted/coated with stove blacking were pretty darn clean and unscratched.
The S/V was also in nice shape, and amazingly, has the little lead stopper
that sits in the S/V fitting.  The original weight is missing, darn.

  The chimney and whistle parts are missing, but I'll come up with originals
or apropos replacements.

  The base has a bit of the original paint and is not rusted, so it stays as-is.
The firebox had a 1" square bit of surface rust and was generally nasty, so I
vigorously rubbed it smooth and relatively clean.  Since it was still pretty
black, it stays that way.

  Finally, I loaded it with water, set it over one of my home-made alcohol burners,
listened to it steam up, and away it went.  Pretty good runner.  On you tube now
but it will be replaced with one of my highly-produced 'What we have here' videos.
Very happy results, and the proof is on video!



Happy steamer,
Wayne

 



St Paul Steam

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Re: Weeden #3 first run after refurbish
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2021, 04:47:09 pm »
Very nice Wayne,  you certainly have that looking and running well.
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
"Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind."
  Nikola Tesla

txlabman

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Re: Weeden #3 first run after refurbish
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2021, 06:35:17 am »
Nice job Wayne.

These early Weeden Engines are devils to get running again.

komet163b

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Re: Weeden #3 first run after refurbish
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2021, 10:46:54 am »
  Thanks for the compliments.  The engine almost started by itself.
The flywheel moved a bit, I pushed a bit, and there it was, purring
along.  Now for a chimney and whistle-cap.

Keep on steamin',
Wayne