The Steamboating Forum

Plastic in the route from cool sea inlet to pumps is OK, but beware of plastic in lines that might run hot. Especially lines that might get back-flow somehow, and end up melting the plastic fitting.


Every so often I heat up my reserve feed tank to 212F (100C) just to remove dissolved oxygen, and that hot water is then sucked thru the feedwater suction piping, thru the feed pump, and into the boiler for layup. I use automotive heater hose, rated at 250F (121C) at 1 atmosphere gauge pressure, for any flexible couplings needed on that route in the pump suction piping.

I've used the Y filters with fine results, but they are more difficult to service if access is restricted since wrenches and disassembly are required. I use of these y filters w/ a fine screen to keep any scale or other detritus out of the engine; in this service of course cleaning is easy since opening the ball valve on the Y run will take care of things.

- Bart