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Author Topic: when to install cylinder drains  (Read 522 times)

  • Newbie
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  • Posts: 17
  • Location: New York USA
when to install cylinder drains
« on: December 20, 2022, 07:18:21 pm »
Benn busy thinking about the next build and another question popped into my noggin. The steamer I am planning has a bore or 1-1/4 1n about a 2-inch stroke. The cylinders will be cast iron, and pistons aluminum with VITtron O-rings. question is at what size/displacement does one consider installing drains for startup condensation in the cylinders? I do not think this build will need it, however I am sure this will not be my last endeavor into the abyss of steam powered gadgets. I plan to post some pictures here as soon as progress starts. Thanks in advance for any replies, and Happy holidays to all 
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  • Jr. Member
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  • Posts: 124
  • Location: Minnesota
Re: when to install cylinder drains
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2022, 10:14:06 am »
Cylinder drain cocks are always good, I would say yes for your size engine.  I have some "automatics" on a couple of my locomotives, where there is a free floating steel ball in a horizontal chamber. The idea is it will pass water, but the steam will push the ball shut against the seat.  I find the performance marginal, as they get gummed up from steam oil.  You can find plans to make these on line.  I much prefer manually operated valves. This is somewhat difficult on a locomotive as a linkage needs to be run to the rear of the engine, the last one I did was 4 ft. to the back of the engine.  Also used on locomotives are steam operated drain valves, also problematic in small scales.
I buy the manual drain valves specific to locomotive use where the handle is offset to 45 degrees, on ebay. On a stationary engine you could use any configuration of valve.
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