Office of Steam Logo_1

Author Topic: Boiler Leak - Doll 365/1  (Read 1050 times)

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 66
Boiler Leak - Doll 365/1
« on: March 27, 2024, 09:28:50 pm »
The firebox/boiler and engine are removed from the plinth while I repaint it in a more original color. I took this opportunity to better clean the firebox. During this cleaning, I noticed soap bubbles coming from the rear boiler cap as I flushed the boiler. I didn’t notice this leak running on air or the one time the engine ran on steam. The pictures show the problem area.

I have to give some credit to Woe is me, as he spotted this issue with the boiler in the 1st pictures I posted.

I need some repair advise from more experienced enthusiasts. I’m torn between leaving the boiler on the firebox and re-soldering the leaking section only or removing the boiler from the base and re-soldering the entire cap.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions





[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1817
  • Location: The Winter Wonderland, Michigan.
Re: Boiler Leak - Doll 365/1
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2024, 10:26:52 pm »
I would remove it from the fire house and remove the cap. Something looks a little bent
and while it's off you could clean up the excess solder. It will probably take new solder
better.
Tommy

"Steam it, like you mean it."

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 718
Re: Boiler Leak - Doll 365/1
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2024, 11:56:15 pm »
Only one way to do it properly .
Remove boiler from fire box .
Remove end cap clean all solder and resolder .

To remove the endcap i wrap the boiler in a wet but wrung out tea towel leaving the endcap and an inch or so of boiler exposed ..
I use a vertical gas bottle and torch and rotate the endcap around in the flame .
I use the back 0f a knife and slide the knife gently along the boiler and tap my way around the endcap untill,it come off . At which point it will roll 0f the bench and under the fridge . The wife will come in and demand to know why her tea towel is scorched . Then she will notice the smell emanating from under the fridge from the hot endcap and dust .

Cheers
Dennis