I built up (babbitted) the “piston” so now it pumps. The valves work and they hold back steam pressure and when the boiler cools after with the valves closed, the vacuum will draw the reservoir empty. (A neat sound it makes when it happens, sounds similar to a steam injector.)
Just thinking about it, why was the shiny area of the gland made smooth like that? Is it possible a rubber boot went there? Any other ideas?
Hris, I was thinking about this and I'd bet if the piston was worn enough to warrant building it back up, it is likely the cylinder is just as worn. A possible solution is boring the cylinder out back to round, and hone. Then replace piston with a suitable, and perhaps upgrade with a groove for an o-ring or such.