Cast iron instead bronce in D valve?

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Hi folks, is it possible to use cast iron instead bronce when i am making the D valve for steam engine?

Also i am fix the Stuart compound steam engine with lack of parts and misaligned drill holes etc. (bad work of former owner).

Merry Christmas to all folks.

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I've made engines using cast iron valves. It is one of the few metals that runs well against itself, apparently the graphite content helps stop it picking up.

Neil

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Good to hear, then i begin to create the D valves of cast iron.

The old cylinder block is repaired after all holes who was misaligned. I used the plugs of cast iron + silver solder without problem. Same with sole plate where all holes are plugged with bronce plug and silver soldered due misaligned holes. I made 2 new steam chests and cover for steam chests of old brake disc (cast iron).

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

Cast iron will certainly work OK, most full size engines use cast iron valves.

But just be aware that it is possible it could rust itself to the port face if left standing without any lubrication after running on steam.

Phil

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Phil P,..

I use preservative oil. The steam engine is blown clean for condensed water with compressed air with both drainage taps open and then close the drainage taps so that the steam chest is free from condensation water. Then I add preservative oil and blow through the steam engine as it spreads preservative oil everywhere inside the steam engine. Haven't had rust in the Stuart steam engines.

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

It sounds like you know what you are doing.

A lot of folks just run the engine and then put it away without getting rid of the moisture, second hand engines that come up for sale cheap on ebay usually suffer from that problem.

Phil

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Phil, thanks..  

When I bought the first Stuart steam engine, I was aware that the cylinder / piston was made of cast iron and can rust together. Stuart steam engines are expensive and must be taken good care of. Cannot be compared to toy steamers such as Mamod, Wilesco.

 

Edited By Jens Eirik Skogstad on 21/12/2019 15:59:56

[Author]

Posts