So I have a 1 of 1 steam engine that was made in the mid 1800's by my 3x great grandfather. He had a patent for it but I have no info on what one it was. He did something different to it but I don't know what. Can anyone tell what is different on this compared to other steam engines of the time? Or anything else that you may know? Any ideas on what to do with it? Anything is appreciated. Take a look at the pictures attached if you want. Request more if you want more.
(Also the new pipes on top are from my grandpa so he could run it of compressed air, and yes it runs)
My guess is that it would be the holes on the valve linkage which would allow you to adjust the stroke of the valve based on which hole you were using on this linkage. The lowest hole would give you the longest valve stroke, and the top hole would give you the shortest stroke.
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Jim in Minnesota
so what would that change?
The amount of time that the valve would admit steam into the ports that lead to the cylinders. Also probably how much of the port is uncovered by the valve.
Ok great to know! Any ideas on what to do with it?
Jacob,
Your engine is pretty rough. As Nick suggests, you should, or could try to run it (using an air compressor, not live steam). Before you attempt this however I would at minimum make sure that everything that is supposed to rotate actually does rotate, and everything that is supposed to slide actually does slide. A minor cleaning and oiling of moving parts etc. In addition, it appears as if the valve rod from the eccentric to the vertical link (the part with the 4 holes) is quite bent and bowed. You may have to straighten that up. I attempted to do a patent search on anything resembling this engine without success. Could you share your great grandpas name? This would improve search chances.
If you wish to search for yourself, the search terms "Steam Engine variable valve cutoff" would probably give you the best results, although technically your engine is not variable because it can't be adjusted while running so maybe "steam engine adjustable valve cutoff" would yield better results. I really don't see anything on this engine that would have been patentable unless it was very early 1800's. Engines were quite technically advanced by 1840's and 1850's with governable variable valve cutoff for engine speed control.
Jim in Minnesota.
^^^Very good advice from Jim
Just curious, what part of the world are you in? One of us may be near you and might be able to help get it in running condition. As for going any further with the cosmetic condition, that might be something you want to think on before going too far as with too much restoration it will no longer be the engine that you remember from your great grandfather.
My great grandfather's name was Jacob Kilian, and I live in Minnesota. (Also just a note that I am 14 not sure that means anything though)
I believe I have seen you comment on my YouTube channel a few times Jacob ( I remember your last name) welcome to the forum.
