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Author Topic: Question about engines run on air  (Read 2936 times)

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Question about engines run on air
« on: March 10, 2019, 05:37:50 pm »
When I watch videos of some of the large steam show gatherings (you lucky souls!) I see tables full of engines fun on airlines, they must run for hours (or days) at these big shows.
Just out of interest, how are the pistons/cylinders lubricated (and even if they are)?
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2019, 06:27:33 pm »
Hi Jim,
The cylinders and pistons certainly would need to be oiled for extensive running on air.

Most exhibitors would fit an in-line mist lubricator, as used for small hand held air tools.
They would also use a light grade of oil, such as thin hydraulic fluid, rather than steam oil, which is far to thick.

Bearings and external pivots etc would be oiled using an oil can, the same as for steam running.

Hope that helps.
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SandyC      West Coast of Scotland.
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2019, 06:52:40 pm »
Thanks Sandy, I've never seen an inline oiler setup before for steam engines like what is used for air tools. Anyone have any photos of a system that they use for their steam engines?
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2019, 07:05:40 pm »
Maybe Gil can share more details as he owns this engine from Bill Huxhold with 3 small oil atomizers built into the wood base

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Nick

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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2019, 08:32:24 pm »
we oil them often, the shows I go to certainly don't have inline oilers, & if they did I wouldn't use them...unless you have the air going straight into the engine, otherwise it (oily compressed air) is probably going through the boiler 1st....not good.
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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2019, 08:38:11 pm »
Quote from: St Paul Steam on March 10, 2019, 08:32:24 pm
we oil them often, the shows I go to certainly don't have inline oilers, & if they did I wouldn't use them...unless you have the air going straight into the engine, otherwise it (oily compressed air) is probably going through the boiler 1st....not good.
That's what I've read before about inline oilers before Bruce. Do you just take the air line off and squirt some oil in the steam inlet periodically?
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2019, 10:13:13 pm »
Quote from: Jim on March 10, 2019, 08:38:11 pm
That's what I've read before about inline oilers before Bruce. Do you just take the air line off and squirt some oil in the steam inlet periodically?

That's all i do Jim. I squirt some "turbine oil" or vacuum pump oil into the air lines occaisionally. These are both oils i use in the refrigeration industry- they are high grade oils and i have them on hand. I am sure others can suggest more common substitutes. I have seen some fancy lubrication systems used at shows, but never on units with a boiler.
The engines i display at shows are not toy engines and so the boiler is seperate and not needed at shows where there is air.
crazydoug
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2019, 10:28:29 pm »
Quote from: crazydoug on March 10, 2019, 10:13:13 pm
That's all i do Jim. I squirt some "turbine oil" or vacuum pump oil into the air lines occaisionally. These are both oils i use in the refrigeration industry- they are high grade oils and i have them on hand. I am sure others can suggest more common substitutes. I have seen some fancy lubrication systems used at shows, but never on units with a boiler.
The engines i display at shows are not toy engines and so the boiler is seperate and not needed at shows where there is air.
crazydoug
Appreciated Doug.
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2019, 07:04:25 am »
I believe it was Gil who suggested 5-20 Mobil One synthetic oil...same as used in cars.  When I am dry running, I just squirt some of that on parts that would have been in contact with steam...but avoiding as best I can letting it reach the boiler.

Rog
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2019, 08:57:52 am »
Quote from: IndianaRog on March 11, 2019, 07:04:25 am
I believe it was Gil who suggested 5-20 Mobil One synthetic oil...same as used in cars.  When I am dry running, I just squirt some of that on parts that would have been in contact with steam...but avoiding as best I can letting it reach the boiler.

Rog
I do the same thing, with the same stuff, for the same reason, from the person who also suggested it ,😉
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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2019, 07:07:09 pm »
Young Padawn learned from the Jedi Masters aka Bruce, Gil and Doug. 🤠

Gil has continuously counseled me that you can’t apply to much oil.
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2019, 05:56:13 am »
Quote from: txlabman on March 12, 2019, 07:07:09 pm
Young Padawn learned from the Jedi Masters aka Bruce, Gil and Doug. 🤠

Gil has continuously counseled me that you can’t apply to much oil.
that's true, whatever's left over will come out in the end. on Jensen's there is usually enough room to lift the throttle lever up & put plenty of oil in through that way...which makes it through the entire engine.
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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2019, 06:02:08 am »
How often do you unplug the air line and oil on average?
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2019, 07:38:26 am »
I tried the inline oiler method and found that there isn't enough pressure or flow to make the oil properly.
I just add a couple of drops of light oil to the air inlet 2 or 3 times a day and it seems to work fine.
I would suggest a water trap and filter, as the air at shows will vary in quality.
 Scott
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Re: Question about engines run on air
« Reply #14 on: March 14, 2019, 06:09:05 am »
Quote from: Jim on March 13, 2019, 06:02:08 am
How often do you unplug the air line and oil on average?
probably not often enough, should do it every  couple of hours I would think.
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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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