Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: grayone on May 28, 2011, 08:27:21 am
-
Hi Folks
At some point later this year when the workshop is up and running I was thinking of having a go a John Bogs twin as a first project. I have a question not knowing much about steam engines (cos I have yet to see one in a RC helicopter {-)) how does the displacement lubricator work and would it work if the engine was run on compressed air?
Grayone
-
Oil floats on water and the displacement lubricator uses this fact to supply a constant oil feed to the engine. When the engine is under steam a small amount of condensate from the steam feed drips into the lubricator, as the water raises the level of the oil, it passes into the steam feed pipe, through the small hole in the pipe, and flows into the engine.
The lubricator will not work on air.
Good luck with the engine, and let us know how you get along.
-
You can get Lubricators that will work on air. Look in the air tool section of your tool store. You also have to use air tool oil which doesn't work with steam.
Regards,
Gerald.
-
A small mechanical pump as used by steam locomotive lads could be used . But is heavier, harder to fit and
bigger. John.
-
for test running of small oscillators on air I use a 3-way connector in the silicone steam pipe, with one branch connected to a syringe full of oil via a car screen washer non-return valve.. An occasional prod on the syringe puts oil into the line, and of course you can see it coming out of the exhaust. You don't ghave to use steam oil. 'cos you aren't using steam.
-
Thanks guys I'm really looking foward to getting my stuff set up and having a do.
Regards
Grayone