steaming Mamod stationary engine after a long long break

Y

yb281

Registered
I did something similar a few years ago with my traction engine, only to find that the boiler was corroded beyond repair. Luckily I found this out before firing it up as all the water leaked out - in fact it leaked so much it would have put the fire out anyway.

Your's may be in better condition, but I'd still be careful.
 
All good advice, but Mamods only work at iro 15psi! It wouldn't be a big bang, but still able to burn so be careful. They also are not silver soldered, just soft soldered, which is why they corrode. Some age OK, some don't.... But give the safety valve a tweak first if you do steam it to make sure it's free.
 
So far all sound advice. especially the be careful bit once it's lit.

Fill it with water and let it stand for a couple of hours at least, then see if there has been any leakage (it could still be repairable) if not, then somewhere quiet well away from S&H. light the burner and let it run till you can feel the heat. Remove and watch for anything untoward then if Ok replace the heat and take it further, as many steps as you feel happy with. If you leave the opeating valve open the pressure will start to turn the engine long before safety pressure is reached. Just take your time and wear some gloves in case of unseen leaks. LIVE STEAM IS INVISIBLE to the naked eye. Good luck, tell us how you get on.
 
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