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Weeden No. 646 - Roller off Tank
Posted by
RichSteamTx
on 28 Dec, 2023 06:29
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Hi Guys,
My brother has seen fit to gift me for Christmas a Weeden #646 (I think this is right). While the roller if busted off the tank, it seems otherwise in very good shape. Perhaps steamed only a few times? I do here something rattling around in its tank, something small.
So I am not a Weeden guy and if it wasn't for being a Christmas gift I would be figuring out how to unload it LOL. Anyways, how was it original attached to the tank? I'll go as far and ask: Anyone good at repairing this type of damage? I hate to make it worse, as the rest of the engine seems in pretty good shape for its age.
Here are some photos!
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#1 Reply
Posted by
txlabman
on 28 Dec, 2023 09:47
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Oh, well - I wonder where the little screw stand off went. How are they attached to the tank - from inside before they sealed the tank?
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I cleaned off the solder off the brace and tank. I got lucky and the holes in the tank were clear, just needed to use my small hand hobby drill to clean them up from the solder. Then I cut down #4 Brass screws, screw them in a few turns and sweated them to the tank. I didn't have any #4 brass nuts, so I used my stainless steel #4 nuts.
When my brother got the Steam Roller the brace was already solder on, so that was a old repair a PO did. Now I need to figure out what fuel to use, I have some denatured alcohol on hand, I wonder if that is okay to use?
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#4 Reply
Posted by
Stoker
on 28 Dec, 2023 20:31
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Way to go Rich ... proper repair made to order!
You might want to test those solder joints for leaks with air pressure and some soapy water before firing it up. Hot steam leaks are a bit harder to deal with than air leaks you can simply shut off!
Denatured alcohol is just fine for that sort of burner, and is generally considered the standard fuel, though a few alternatives do exist.
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Thanks
@Stoker!
I got her oiled, filled with water and denatured alcohol. I swear watching it fire up is something crazy, so much FIRE LOL! Likely wasn't a good idea running it so close to the (real) Christmas tree.
I have a whistle problem, the level comes out of the base. Also, sadly the topper has a split. Though the whistle lever coming out is the bigger problem, as when I tried to "whistle" it popped out and I liked to sh*t my pants. What a freaking mess LOL.
Not sure what I'll do about the whistle lever .... but here is a video before that calamity. No telling the last time it ran, likely decades.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6llZHf7XiU
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#7 Reply
Posted by
Stoker
on 28 Dec, 2023 22:49
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It is possible to tame the flame of denatured alcohol by adding a little water to it, say 5-10%. Many prefer it that way.
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#8 Reply
Posted by
Nick
on 29 Dec, 2023 06:46
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Great fun videos!!
Along with watering down the fuel, another option is keeping your wicks very low, pretty much level with the top of the tube. It will take longer to heat up but won’t be such a crazy fire
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#9 Reply
Posted by
Nick
on 29 Dec, 2023 06:47
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I also use weak MN Everclear for a smaller flame.
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Thanks Nick - all great ideas.
Funny, I was just thinking that denatured alcohol kind of smelt like Everclear. When I was a teenager I took a BIG swig of Everclear out the bottle - that was much like touching a hot oven the first time when you are very little - I'll never do that again.
I am not so sure my chain is right, as it doesn't line up perfectly with the wheel's spokes - the chain is just slightly offset. I can't take a link out because then it is to short to tie together. I did flip the chain over and that seems to hold better.
On the whistle topper, I put some of my Gorilla Glue gel on the crack last night, pretty sure that will hold. If I am careful I can move the lever (luckily it is pretty tight in the base) but the whistle is pretty darn weak. I think these whistle levers are flared at the end or at least what I can tell from other photos. If so, don't think there is a way to fix it without a replacement lever. Pretty sure no chance on that, so I'll have to find a donor - ugh - I think I just won't move the whistle lever and might just glue it into place (boo).
As fun as this Steamroller is I'm still not won over on Weedens, I still prefer my Empires.
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#11 Reply
Posted by
Paula
on 29 Dec, 2023 11:24
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Richard,
Nice job getting that thing rolling again... it was a major hoot seeing that little guy dance around the floor! I laughed out loud when the chain flew off! [ Guests cannot view attachments ] (Sorry!)
I'm with you on the Weedens. There are some nice ones, and I've got a couple in my collection, but they're not my favorites. They were a "steam engine for the masses", and it seems the cost saving measures took a toll on long-term quality. Just my opinion.
Paula
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I 100% agree with your thoughts on Weedens.. though I think Momads are in the same ballpark. I just got a Mamod engine and did a dodgy repair but I didn't see any other way (with what I have on hand and skills).
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#13 Reply
Posted by
komet163b
on 29 Dec, 2023 15:21
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Oh, I love it. A fight between Weeden and Empire engines.
Apples and Oranges, maybe, but worth a discussion...someday.
Wayne
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#14 Reply
Posted by
Paula
on 29 Dec, 2023 15:56
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Oh, I don't think any offense was given, or taken. It's just that "spirits" tend to run a bit high during the Holidays. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
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