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[Geoff]

I need to consider a new boiler to replace a Puffin mk one unit (which has just failed pressure test with a small leak).
 
Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Thanks
 
Geoff

[xrad]

repair the old boiler?

[Geoff]

Unfortunatley its outside my skill set but I have asked a friend to see if its possible. I'll report further but murphy's law will say its "xxxxx"!
 
G

[boneash]

How about going for a monotube boiler and saving the insurance hassle!!

You will also be able to change the size and output of your monotube boiler at a whim.

Replace it regularly and cheaply too.

[Geoff]

Can you clafify "Mono tube boiler" as I think this is flash steam and I think there are control problems with flash steam which are typically designed for maximum output.
 
Thanks
 
Geoff

[derekwarner]

Geoff...I had assumed that a Cheddar Puffin boiler was of 100% copper construction and silver soldered and as such should be capable of repair [of a small leak]

Possibly an experienced modeller [or train steam engine builder] may offer comment...a small leak repair would certainly be less expensive that  a new boiler..........Derek

[rhavrane]

Bonjour,


In France, we used to repair small bolier leaks with a product called "sodium silicate" as we rarely go beyond 4 bar pressure.


You fill the boiler with a mix water/sodium silicate and heat it until the leak disappear.


Warning, all the accessories must be removed, specially the glass tube.

[AlexC]

Hi Geoff,
 
Where is the small leak located?
 
If it is one of the bushes or outer joints then it can be easily repaired... if it's inside the centre flu then possibly impossible to get at (assuming it is a centre flue horizontal boiler).
 
Can you inform us on the location and boiler type.
 
Best regards.
 
AlexC.

[Geoff]

Its a Mk 1 Chedder boiler so has a center flue with water tubes and then fire tubes bringing the gasses back to the same end as the burner. My friend has told me there are two small leaks, one at each end of the fire tubes so it may be repairable. Fingers crossed and I should find out by the end of the week.
 
G

[AlexC]

Its a Mk 1 Chedder boiler so has a center flue with water tubes and then fire tubes bringing the gasses back to the same end as the burner. My friend has told me there are two small leaks, one at each end of the fire tubes so it may be repairable. Fingers crossed and I should find out by the end of the week.
 
G

Hi Geoff,
 
One of Chedder's original Scotch Return flu boilers eh!... should be reasonably easy to re-solder the offending tube joints using silver solder after a good clean up to get rid of any surface contamination/oxidation.
This will require a fair amount of heat so be prepared for a total re-paint etc.
 
Hope it goes ok for you, they are good boilers.
 
Best Regards.
 
AlexC.

[pettyofficernick]

Jerry at Clevedon Steam does Cheddar repairs/spares. It won't hurt to ask him....    http://www.clevedonsteam.co.uk/

[Geoff]

Good news, my friend was able to fix the boiler and all is well. He also pressure tested it to twice working pressure (like a new boiler) and all is good so I have a nice new certificate as well. Thank you Paul!
 
Only trouble is I was at Wicksteed show and had converted Canopus back to electric so I could sail her and as I spent many hours trying to sail in formation with some other pre-dreadnoughts I'm not sure having only half hour's steaming is as attractive as it once was!
 
I'm fairly sure I will reconver to steam though as it adds something extra!