rings
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- Full Steam Ahead
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Re: rings
I take it you do mean between the side of the ring and the side of the groove?
About a thou, to a thou and a half, (0.001" - 0.0015"), not a lot! It's not as vital in a steam engine as an infernal combustion engine, but small is good.
About a thou, to a thou and a half, (0.001" - 0.0015"), not a lot! It's not as vital in a steam engine as an infernal combustion engine, but small is good.
Retirement is about doing what floats your boat!
A BODGE : - A Bit Of Damn Good Engineering.
A BODGE : - A Bit Of Damn Good Engineering.
- barts
- Full Steam Ahead
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- Boat Name: Otter, Rainbow
- Location: Lopez Island, WA and sometimes Menlo Park, CA
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Re: rings
I used two separate grooves on Otter's engine, which seems to work just fine. Make sure to check end gap on the rings by sliding the rings down (square w/) the bore using the piston.... if it's too tight, things may break. You want about .004" per inch of bore diameter end gap going by gas engine practice; I used Maytag engine rights in Otter's engine as they were readily available and the right diameter; since I made a new piston any height would work.johnp wrote:Thanks, should i cut two grooves? one for each ring, or two rings in one groove?
- Bart
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Bart Smaalders http://smaalders.net/barts Lopez Island, WA
Bart Smaalders http://smaalders.net/barts Lopez Island, WA
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- Full Steam Ahead
- Posts: 936
- Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 6:41 pm
- Boat Name: B.N.Y.S.
- Location: Middle Earth
Re: rings
John, it is not unknown for two rings to use one groove, but if you have room for two then go for it. It is also best practice to stagger the ring gaps to opposite sides of the piston when fitting to the bore, they will not turn in service.
I would also perhaps suggest that 0.004" per inch ring gap is a little on the large size for steam. It is all to do with expansion, and therefore temperature. Steam engines don't get anywhere near as hot as internal combustion, so less will still be adequate. Compressors run with only 0.001" per inch Dia. but then they don't get as hot as steam engines. I would say around 0.002 -0.0025" per inch Dia. will be fine. The ring ends can be dressed carefully with a file whilst held gently in a protected vice.
I would also perhaps suggest that 0.004" per inch ring gap is a little on the large size for steam. It is all to do with expansion, and therefore temperature. Steam engines don't get anywhere near as hot as internal combustion, so less will still be adequate. Compressors run with only 0.001" per inch Dia. but then they don't get as hot as steam engines. I would say around 0.002 -0.0025" per inch Dia. will be fine. The ring ends can be dressed carefully with a file whilst held gently in a protected vice.
Retirement is about doing what floats your boat!
A BODGE : - A Bit Of Damn Good Engineering.
A BODGE : - A Bit Of Damn Good Engineering.