The Steamboating Forum

The boiler mfg# 75380 , built in 2005 has started leaking around some of the tubes. The boiler powers a 1913 Navy model "K" steam engine in a 33foot boat. It has been stored the past 3 years. I live in Fort Smith Arkansas "True Grit" and operate the boat on the Arkansas River. I ...

Re: VFT tube leak
Post by Lopez Mike » Fri Dec 27, 2019 2:10 am

A 1/2' tube sheet would be fairly startling. How big is this boiler anyway!!!

If it's as much as 1/4" I'll be interested to hear. More like 3/16" I suspect.

I have the expander in hand. I see how to adjust the penetration depth. I do not know the sheet thickness of this Everett VFT boiler. I will set 1.0" deep. If the sheet is 1/2" then I will be stretching material above the sheet. Is that a problem? My guess is that I will know when i start ...

I have purchased this tool from Elliot tool 320$
I am concerned about sanding the ID of the tube smooth enough for the roller. I have purchased one of those ball tip hones that look like a brush to use after I brush the tube ID.
Thanks for the help
I will report the progress

thanks all Mike, what OD would the tubes in this Everett boiler be if the Id is 1.050. All of the expander tool sales want to know this and i cant possibly know. Fred That is a magnanimous offer to loan. I will if i cannot find one to buy or rent. Perhaps i will use your and make a donation to the f...

Mike Is the only force radial in the repair process? Is the flange only to prevent axial movement of the tube? What creates the flange in the building process? It seems like this roller device mounted in a hammer drill might make a good effect. If the process is simply rotary, what makes the tapered...

RNoe
what does your roller look like? Please send a pic. I guess you can use it inside the fire box is it pneumatic?
Thanks
Wendell

It looks like I have at least two tubes leaking at the rolled flange. I read elsewhere on the forum that "radiator fix" products can stop such leaks. I don't have a tubing expander. If I did, I would try swedging. can I rent one somewhere?

I have wire wheeled and the damage looks only skin deep. The boiler had 100 psi in it when I discovered the leak. That was for a few whistle blasts. I am going to put 10 psi in to find the culprit tube or tubes. Is it possible to rent a tube roller? These tubes are 1.050 ID. Would that be a 1 inch t...

While preparing for our Fort Smith, AR annual Christmas parade Saturday I discovered a leak in the VFT boiler. I am not sure where the leak is but is seems to be one or more of the tubes. I will include a few pix. The boiler was built in 2005 by Everette Engineering . It has 84.1 sq ft heating area ...