Hello everyone. This is my first repair question.. My small collection of steam engines is all low end. One engine that's really chinsey yet I really like the look of is a Line Mar.. Not rubust construction and no surprise upon investigation I discovered a good size hole in the boiler. See photo.. Can this be repaired? Can I make a new one out of copper pipe with caps in the same dimensions and unsolder the brackets, pipe and bungs off the old one and resolder them to the copper one?
I've never attempted anything like this and I'm just thinking out loud here. Any advice or warnings you can give would be appreciated. I know it's just a bottom line engine but I like the look and figure it would be a good one to
learn something on. Thanks fellas!
Billy [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Hello Billy, and a BIG WELCOME to the Forum from the Eastern Sierra!
First I'll say that virtually anything can be fixed .... even that.
But how long before it rusts through again, and how close is it to rusting through in how many other spots?
In a situation like this, it is often a better plan to build anew out of a superior material such as brass, just using the old parts for dimensional reference.
Funny. First thing I thought was, "Anything can be fixed."
And I suppose so, though this particular case seems to be a losing proposition.
I say, make a new boiler!
Absolutely, that boiler has many other pinholes ready
to pop thru, If you tried to grind the rusty area to clean
metal you would have, well, not much left.
Mine was a Vertical linemar boiler and I have a fix but
it is not apropos for a horizontal boiler nor mixed company.
Only for a madman like me.
When setting up a new boiler try and keep your imagination
in check. You probably need only a few pounds of pressure
to make it go so you won't need a boiler good to 60psi. Don't
knock yourself out. There may be something out there, ready
to go, for use as a low-pressure boiler.
Good Luck,
Wayne
Minimalism : patch the hole from the outside. Devote it to running ONLY on low air pressure. [Visibly label LOW AIR PSI ONLY for future reference]
An automotive or motorcycle tank sealer works good for this if you have leaky seams or numerous pinholes.
Thanks for the replies so far fellas. Dave your engine is similar to mine. That's a fantastic job you've done on reconstructed boiler. I'm hoping I'm skilled enough to achieve similar results!
Billy
Thanks for the replies so far fellas. Dave your engine is similar to mine. That's a fantastic job you've done on reconstructed boiler. I'm hoping I'm skilled enough to achieve similar results!
Billy
That is not my engine, Billy, I just put the link up for you perusal.
The owner of the engine is a member here but is not very active on forums.