Gallery, Projects and General > Mod-Ups!
Pipe and Bolt Engine Mod-Up
RussellT:
Thanks Steve, Dwayne, Will, David D, Abraham, Dawesy. :thumbup: :beer:
Yes it's true, I've never made an engine before, I've looked at lots, I've taken a few to bits, I've even put some back together, but I've never made one.
I might not have done it this time if I hadn't had the idea about the bearing/valve which I thought would be interesting to try. It also appealed as most of my projects use recycled parts from other things.
Since I got a lathe I have thought about attempting an IC engine as a sort of test to myself about how much competence I've acquired but other projects and hobbies always seem to get in the way - especially as I would have to do it to my own design. :loco:
I enjoyed making it, and it turned out much better than my initial expectations, so I'm grateful for the challenge and the encouragement to have a go. :thumbup:
Russell
vtsteam:
I'm starting to wonder if I'll be finished by Valentine's day :scratch:. We just got hit with 16" of new snow in a day and a half, on top of what we just got before, and temps and wind were miserable -- I plowed and shoveled twice -- it was blowing and the high for the day was -12C. This morning we awoke to -24C, and I had to shovel again because the big road plows had blocked the drive entrance and thrown snow 20 feet in.
Anyway, the shop is finally too cold to stand working for more than 5 minutes at a time. But to catch up verbally, at least, I made 3 different valves and 3 valve chambers so far, and drilled the exhaust ports. I've tried running the motor, and have made as much as 3 revolutions before it stops. The main problem has been the valve -- I was getting some leakage past BDC, which stopped her. I think the latest valve/chamber version is a definite improvement.
I also think the intake timing is too short for running on compressed air -- though it might be okay for steam. So I've been gradually delaying the cuttoff by filing the cam. The valve height is really critical too, and might need more trimming -- but that's easy to overdo -- as I have already, twice!
The flywheel is also on the small side -- in keeping with the style of high speed steam engine this one is reminiscent of -- but maybe too small. So I added another layer of pipe, brazed on, to increase diameter.
I think right now it's borderline wanting to run. I just need to figure out the valve and timing adjustments. I may need to make a new cam with more lift to get a better seal at BDC. And I may need to add a valve spring, then. Right now I'm just using feed pressure to keep the valve against the cam.
Anyway, I hope we get a little more warmth -- so far it's been a longer deep cold period than we've seen for years here. Plugging away on the engine a little at a time, anyway.
vtsteam:
I was able to make a new valve today and work on the cam some more. I think It's on the verge of running -- getting strings of several puffs in a row. It might just need some breaking in at this point. Unfortunately I had to quit to get ready for a meeting this evening. Here's the current state of the engine:
vtsteam:
Ran out to the cold shop for a few minutes this evening after the meeting to try it once again. Loosened the head bolts slightly to free the valve as it was sticking some, and it ran!!! After a few minutes I gradually tightened them down while running, and it wore in enough to re-start a couple times. Hope to get video tomorow!!! :ddb:
RussellT:
:clap: :clap: :ddb:
I knew you'd get it going. Well done.
Russell
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